Touring

England is blessed with some beautiful waterways, and the best way to explore them is by canoe or kayak! Unsurprisingly, Maidstone Canoe Club members are often to be found paddling along them, whether the various sections of the beautiful River Medway on our doorstep, or further afield. Canoe and kayak touring tends to be a gentle affair, with the emphasis on the journey rather than the destination. Many day trips are run throughout the year, mainly to rivers in Kent and East Sussex, where weekend trips tend to venture further afield. The River Wye is a classic touring river, but trips on the Sufflok Stour are always popular, and the Norfolk Broads offers huge scope for exploration. Some trips are self-supporting - carrying tents and food along the river - while others use a campsite as a base, and do several trips around the locale.

How do I get involved?

Being based on the Medway, touring is probably the most accessible discipline for new paddlers. Come out on the regular paddles a few times to build up confidence, and then join one of the day trips to a local river - perhaps a new section of the Medway, or down the Stour in Canterbury. Some trips are designed specifically for beginners - just send an email to the trip organiser (via the calendar event page) and let them know you're interested. Once you've got a feel for it, take a look at the calendar and join us on a longer trip for the weekend!