Introduction to Canoeing Course

This one day Canoeing Course is a friendly and supportive way to build real confidence in Open Canoes!

What is the Introduction to Canoeing Course?

This course is designed for anyone wanting to learn to Canoe confidently, develop fundamental skills or prepare for independent adventures.

Who can take part in the Introduction to Canoeing Course?

This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as those who have tried Open Canoeing before and want to consolidate their skills. There are no formal pre-requirements, but many people find it helpful to attend a Try Canoeing session with Mendip first.

How does the Introduction to Canoeing Course work?

Led by experienced, qualified instructors, you will develop your skills through practical sessions, coaching, games and short journeys on sheltered water. Following the course you’ll know how to stay safe, control your kayak and plan your own trips.

The day includes:
  • Efficient forwards paddling
  • Fundamental canoe strokes
  • Optional self rescue
  • Decision making on the water
  • Understanding safety, weather and water conditions
  • Equipment knowledge

Where does the Canoeing Course take place?

This course takes place at Mendip Activity Centre's private watersports venue in Hewish, North Somerset. It is a calm, sheltered environment perfect for learning and practising new skills.

Important Information!

  • Always check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions.
  • All centre-specific equipment is provided. If you have your own gear, you are welcome to bring it along.
  • This course replaces the Paddle Discover; therefore, Paddle Discover vouchers are valid.
General FAQ's

Outdoor Activities can be booked as Individual Spaces or as Exclusive Groups. Anyone aged 16+ is classed as an adult when booking. We only ask for this information to allow our instructors to prepare for sessions by giving them an idea of different sizes and abilities before the session


SNOWSPORTS

  • Tobogganing: Ages 4-12. If booked as an exclusive Half Slope Group Session, ages 4+ with no upper age limit.
  • Skiing Lessons: Ages 8+
  • Snowboarding Lessons: Ages 8+ height minimum 1.2m Shoe Size min adult size 2
  • Minis Private Ski Lessons: Ages 5-8.
  • Recreational Skiing/Snowboarding: Ages 5+ and must be recreational standard.


TARGET SPORTS

  • Archery, Axe Throwing, Air Rifle: Age 8+. If booked as an exclusive group session ages 6+. At least one adult must be participating.
  • ArcheryActive, Nerf & Gel Battles: Age 6+. If under 8s are taking part, at least one adult must be participating.
  • Frisbee Golf: Any age. Under 6s play free. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

LAND ACTIVITIES

  • Orienteering/Nature Trail: Any age. Under 6s free. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Bushcraft:  Age 8+. If booked as an exclusive group session ages 6+. If under 8s are taking part, at least one adult must be participating. 


ROCK SPORTS

  • Rock Climbing, Climbing Tower, Caving, Try Caving, Abseiling (20m/65ft): Age 8+. If booked as an exclusive group session ages 6+. If under 8s are taking part, at least one adult must be participating.
  • Abseiling (50m/150ft): Ages 10+


WATER SPORTS

  • Assault Course, Kayaking, Paddle Boarding, Raft Building Canoeing: Age 8+. If booked as an exclusive group session ages 6+. If under 8s are taking part, at least one adult must be participating.
  • Bristol Harbour Kayaking or Paddleboarding: Age 12+. If booked as an exclusive group session ages 8+. If under 16s are taking part, at least one adult must be participating.



Yes! All of our sites have plenty of free onsite parking.


We strongly encourage car sharing and sustainable forms of travel. Read more here.

Tobogganing

Tobogganing is a very popular activity and, especially during peak times, we have very little flexibility in being able to push your start time back. Where possible, we will get you onto the toboggan slope as soon as possible once you arrive. We will try to be as accommodating as possible and if there is availability later in the day, we will move your session to a later start time however please be aware that this is not always possible. 


Frisbee golf or recreational snowsports

We are likely to be able to change your start time at arrival as long as it is within our opening hours and on the same day.


Private Activity Session
We will start whenever you arrive but we are unlikely to be able to overrun.


Individual Spaces on an Activity Session

We will do our best to fit you into the session at a point that does not disrupt it too much for other participants. If you are more than 10 minutes late, we're sorry but it is very unlikely we will be able to fit you into the session due to missing the safety and equipment briefing and kit up.


If you cannot make your session, or to request an amendment: 

Please contact our friendly team by email or online chat for help.




To cancel, rearrange or amend your booking please let us know by emailing hello@mendip.co.uk as soon as possible. 


To view our Terms & Conditions click here.



Well-behaved dogs are welcome to join you at all of our activity sites.


However, for the majority of our activities, you must make arrangements for its care during your activity session.


Dogs may join you on Frisbee Golf, Nature Walk and Orienteering. 

After you book an activity online we immediately email you a Booking Confirmation. If you are unable to locate this in your inbox, first check your spam/junk email folders. If you still cannot locate, it's possible your online booking may not have been fully completed. 


Check whether the session you were trying to book is still available online. If it is, try to make the booking again. If it's not, please contact our friendly team by email or online chat for help.



Our activities take place at several locations.


The Alpine Lounge is the cafe based at Mendip Activity Centre in Churchill. We don't take table bookings as we have plenty of indoor and outdoor (under cover) seating, so space is not a problem!


It is also possible to book a party food package to have at the Alpine Lounge; for this, we will reserve an area in our upper seating area for your group.



Yes! Mendip Activity Centre has a proud history of providing outdoor education and adventure opportunities to schools.

Our year-round school residentials provide young people with unrivalled opportunities and educational experiences gained through adventure. We work closely with schools to design a residential visit that fits the groups goals, desires and aims.


For more information or to make an enquiry, visit our SCHOOL RESIDENTIALS page or SCHOOL ACTIVITY DAYS page.

Yes! You've come to the right place if you're planning a fun, offsite Team Away Day!


We are in a great location in Somerset, close to Bristol and the M5, enabling you to take a break from your regular workplace and activities, somewhere you can improve team bonding, especially for those working hybrid, remote, flexible and in-office.


You're in great company: in our 40 years of business, we've provided adventures for thousands of organisations and teams around the UK!


Enquire at this link: https://www.mendip.co.uk/corporate

Yes! Mendip Activity Centre has a proud history of working with youth groups including Scouts, Guides, Cadets and Sports Teams. We can deliver outdoor education and adventurous activities during the evening, at the weekend or as part of a camp. If your group are looking to achieve a new badge, this is something we can help with.


For more information or to enquire, visit our YOUTH GROUPS page.

Can't find the answer to your question?.. our friendly team will be happy to help! 


The quickest way to get in touch is Email or use our Live Chat


If you would rather, call us on 01934 834877 and follow the instruction to leave us a voicemail.


Directions

Mendip Activity Centre can be found at Lyncombe Drive, Churchill. The postcode is BS25 5PQ.  



Click here for a Google Maps link. 


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Click here to view directions to all our sites and read about public transport and sustainable travel options.



Click here for a Google maps link. 


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Sandford Quarry is our private rocksport quarry which is just a 5 minute drive from our Main Activity Centre. Access is by first turning into Quarry Road in Winscombe, nearest postcode, BS25 5RN.  Please do not park on Quarry Road. 


Drive up Quarry Road for about 100m and then, enter the gates on your left. Follow the track into the quarry. You will see our vehicles and instructors. Please drive carefully and slowly, the track is uneven and bumpy in places. 


If you are walking from Mendip Basecamp, please allow 30 minutes. 


Click here to view directions to all our sites and read about public transport and sustainable travel options.

SUP Bristol is based at Underfall Yard, Cumberland Rd, Bristol BS1 6XG


Our usual meeting place is the Cottage Inn, Baltic Wharf, Cumberland Road, Bristol BS1 6XG. We'll meet you by the slipway and you'll probably see a row of paddleboards. We're a 30 minute walk from the city centre or a short ferry journey!


Click here for a Google Maps link. 

Click here for a Google maps link to the location.


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Hewish is located on Wick Road, just off the A370, near J21 of the M5. As it is a rural site, there is no exact postcode. Coming from the A370, the marked gateway is on your right, just 100 metres past the RCH Brewery. Please drive carefully and slowly on the gravel track for 400 metres until you reach the gravel car park with dark green toilet block. Your Activity Instructor will meet you there shortly before your activity start time.


Click here to view directions to all our sites and read about public transport and sustainable travel options.


Caving activity sessions take place in Burrington Combe. We will meet you at the Goatchurch Cavern carpark which is free of charge to park in. It is just off the B3134 (The Combe) road. 


Click here for a Google Maps link.  


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Click here to view directions to all our sites and read about public transport and sustainable travel options.

Mendip Basecamp is located within the grounds of Mendip Activity Centre., Mendip Activity Centre, Lyncombe Drive, Churchill, BS25 5PQ. 


Follow signs up the drive, keeping to the right rather than entering the main carpark on the left. After a hairpin bend, you will go under the ski slope bridge and pass Mendip Lodge. 


Click here for a Mendip Lodge Google Maps link.  

Mendip Lodge What3Words: caves.wanted.snowballs


To get to Mendip Basecamp, carry on along the track, following signs for Basecamp. You will enter fields and follow a bend round as the track continues up the hill and into the Basecamp camping fields. On arrival, head for the large white marquee, the Pavillion, this is the campsite check in. 


Click here for Mendip Basecamp Google Maps link. 
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Click here to view directions to all our sites and read about public transport and sustainable travel options.