Crouch Kayak Club

09/09/2026

This Wednesdays club paddle.

19/08/2026

Nights starting to draw in, but still time left for a Wednesday club paddles. This evening we took advantage of the high tide and low winds for a paddle up Lions creek, then continued further down river before heading back down the river behind the sail boats back to Burnham Sailing Club.

12/08/2026

Chasing the Eclipse: A Sunset Paddle on the River Crouch

There are some paddles that are as much about the experience as they are about the destination — and this was definitely one of them.

With low water exposing the riverbanks and an eclipse on the horizon, the club headed out onto the River Crouch for an evening paddle with one goal in mind: find the perfect spot to watch the eclipse unfold.

As the tide dropped away, we made our way towards one of our favourite little beachheads. Getting ashore, however, was easier said than done! The route from the water involved wading through thick, sticky and decidedly smelly river mud. One by one, every member of the group battled their way across it, with plenty of laughter along the way.

Eventually, we all made it ashore — muddy feet and all — and settled in to watch the sky.

The eclipse itself was, if we’re honest, a little disappointing. We were expecting a much more noticeable change in the light levels, but the difference was far more subtle than anticipated. Still, it was a great excuse to get everyone together on the river and enjoy an evening in some very unusual conditions.

And then came the sunset.

As we climbed back into our kayaks and started the journey home, the river transformed beneath us. The setting sun created a stunning backdrop, turning the paddle back towards the sailing club into something rather special.

Quiet water, a beautiful evening sky, a group of friends and the River Crouch stretching out around us — not a bad way to finish a club paddle.

The eclipse may not have been quite the spectacle we’d hoped for, but the evening certainly delivered.

Sometimes it’s not about what you set out to see. It’s about what you discover along the way. 🚣‍♂️🌅

https://www.crouchkayakclub.co.uk/chasing-the-eclipse-a-sunset-paddle-on-the-river-crouch

09/08/2026

Club Paddle on the River Cam - 2027 Heatwave Edition

Club paddle on the River Cam in the middle of a heatwave, luckily for us there was enough water to enter the River Cam at Grantchester. With a mixture of small river boats and a canoe we made our way in the hot conditions towards our lunch stop at Jesus Green. With zero wind, limited current and slightly lower water levels than expected at the start we made easy progress to our lunch stop at Jesus Green. Everyone enjoyed a long lunch relaxing on the scorched grass, including cold drinks and ice creams from the nearby cafe.

After lunch we headed back to Grantchester, weaving our way in between the many punts out on the river full of tourists. Whilst moving the boats up past one of the weirs in Cambridge City Centre, a few of the club members decided to cool down with a well earned swim in the River Cam.

We then had a gentle paddle back to Grantchester, but with easy conditions and more time available we then headed further down the river to another weir about 1 mile away from our starting point. This was lovely addition to the paddle as something new for most of us, nice route taking us under some welcomed tree covering that section of the river and giving us shade from the late afternoon sunshine.

Stunning conditions for yet another great trip to Cambridge for our paddle on the Cam, we look forward to next years trip already.

https://www.crouchkayakclub.co.uk/club-paddle-on-the-river-cam

07/08/2026

Club member pictures from this evenings paddle. And a big happy birthday to Lee Housden.

01/08/2026

Looking back through this year’s photos, it’s incredible to see just how much we’ve packed into the season so far. 🌊🚣

From relaxed evening paddles and stunning sunsets on the River Crouch, to skills sessions, rescues, away trips and exploring new stretches of water, it’s been a fantastic few months for the club.

It’s also been brilliant to welcome so many new members. Watching confidence grow from first-time paddlers to people happily joining longer trips and developing new skills is what our club is all about. A huge thank you to everyone who has helped, encouraged and supported others both on and off the water.

Whether you’ve joined us for one paddle or every Wednesday evening or a weekend paddle, you’ve all helped make this such a busy, friendly and enjoyable year.

Here’s to plenty more adventures, new friendships, and many more miles on the water before the season is over. See you on the River Crouch! 🌅🛶

https://www.crouchkayakclub.co.uk/look-back-at-this-kayaking-seasons-pictures

30/07/2026

A perfect summer evening on the River Crouch with barely a ripple on the water, a low tide exposing the river’s hidden features, and a stunning sunset to finish the paddle. 🌅🛶

This week’s club paddle was split into two groups. One group headed just outside Creeksea to focus on essential safety skills, practising controlled capsizes, self-rescues, assisted rescues, and paddle float re-entries. It’s always great to see paddlers growing in confidence and developing the skills that make sea kayaking both safer and more enjoyable.

Meanwhile, the second group enjoyed a relaxed paddle up to Bridgemarsh Marina before turning back to meet us on the return journey, making the most of the calm conditions and beautiful evening.

A fantastic night on the water, with something for everyone—whether building confidence through practical skills or simply enjoying the tranquillity of the River Crouch. Thanks to everyone who came along and made it another brilliant club evening!

Follow our blog here - https://www.crouchkayakclub.co.uk/calm-waters-wet-exit-wednesday-s-skills-practise-sessions-continued

22/07/2026

A fun and rewarding evening on the River Crouch, with the focus firmly on building confidence and developing essential safety skills.

The session included capsize practice, self rescues, assisted rescues and towing techniques, all in increasingly breezy conditions as we paddled past Black Point towards Easter Reach. The changing conditions made for some realistic practice and highlighted just how important these skills are.

Dan even managed a full 360° rotation inside his kayak cockpit, followed by a brief spell standing up in his kayak—not an easy challenge with a tidal current and the wind pushing from behind!

The evening wasn’t just about getting wet. Every exercise was followed by practical discussion and reflection on what worked well, what could be improved, and how we can continue to develop as a group. We also looked at different rescue techniques, the equipment we carry, and how best to deploy it in a variety of situations.

Next week we’ll have another opportunity to build on these skills, this time practising at low water in the middle of the river, where the environment will present a different set of challenges.

The more we practise, the more prepared we become when it really matters. 🌊 🛟

https://www.crouchkayakclub.co.uk/wet-exit-wednesday-s-skills-practise-sessions-continued-22nd%20july

19/07/2026

Clockwise navigation of Wallasea Island with lunch break at Paglesham Boatyard before heading to cross the road into Lion Creek. As it was a 5:13m high tide, not high enough to paddle directly across the road this time. We look forward to repeating this paddle on further high-tides across August, October and December.

https://www.crouchkayakclub.co.uk/clockwise-navigation-of-wallasea-island

17/07/2026

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