White Rose Canoe Club is based in Leeds and has around 150 members, making it one of Yorkshire's largest canoe clubs. We offer a wide range of events aimed mainly for families. Events range from easy canal and lake paddles through to more technical paddles on Grade 3 and 4 rivers in Yorkshire and other parts of the country.
The club is run by canoeing enthusiasts for canoeing enthusiasts of all kinds. We cater for kayaks, open canoes, touring, sea, surf, disabled paddlers and white water paddlers. We do not have any age restriction, but you must be able to swim 50 metres or, if disabled, be happy to go underwater. Young people will need the permission of their parents or guardians to join the club. Parents must also be available to take and collect younger members to and from the events.
For the absolute beginner we offer training by coaches through the British Canoe Union star tests. We also have our own indoor canoeing certificates for those not wishing to venture onto outdoor water. For the more experienced we can advise on the instructor awards, proficiency awards and white water tests.
For pool sessions you only need to present yourself in a swimming costume - all other equipment is provided. If you want to venture outdoors, the club can hire out canoes/kayaks and all equipment to get you started, while you get your own gear together. Once a member, you receive discounts on leading brands of canoeing gear through local stockists.
A full calendar of events for all levels is compiled throughout the year and published in our regular newsletter ‘Damp Patch’. Local river trips and events across the country are catered for with weekend camping/hostel trips also taking place. A variety of sea and white water canoeing is offered when possible.
As well as recreational paddling, many club members take part in the competitive side of the sport. The club has a successful canoe polo section which includes both mens and ladies teams, with training sessions being held regularly. We are also represented in slalom and marathon division, and are currently developing sprint racing within the club.
We have many family members and regular social (non-canoeing) events are held for paddlers and non-paddlers alike, catering for the whole family. Weekend trips are very much a part of the social scene.
When and where does the Club meet?
Based in North Leeds we hold pool sessions most Sunday evenings, outside school holidays, at Fearnville Sports Centre on Oakwood Lane in Leeds. We also hold social events at various locations across Leeds and beyond.
During the summer we also hold 'Come & Try' events at Roundhay Park. We have recently received a grant from Sport England, and this money has been used to develop a permanent base on the site of the old boat house at Roundhay Park. Club sessions are held at Roundhay on Tuesdays nights throughout the summer (April to September).
Do I have to join before I can come canoeing?
You are free to come along to any pool session and ‘have a go’, but members pay a reduced rate so the sooner you join the sooner you save! With the exception of special 'Come & Try' events, the facilities at Roundhay are for club members only. Non-members who attend river trips must pay a £2 taster day fee to become a temporary member of the club.
