Sawston Youth Group Canoe Club

• Messing about on the River!

In March 2002 Sawston Youth Group purchased 15 brand new Kayaks for the use of the young people at SYG who are interested in canoeing and water sports. In addition to these kayaks we have a canoe and all the necessary safety gear to makes the use of this equipment as safe as possible.

For information about the upcoming river trips & canoeing events, click HERE.

For pictures from recent river trips & canoeing events, click HERE.

To see the 2009/10 Canoe Club brochure, click HERE.

• Equipment and Safety

SYG owns a fleet of 15 kayaks, a trailer and all the safety clothing that is required for any canoeing trip.
When canoeing with SYG, we expect each attendant to bring appropriate “wet” clothing and footwear to canoe in, a full change of dry clothing with a towel, a packed lunch/tea and a drink, preferably a hot one. All this should be brought in a waterproof bag (2 bin liners will do the trick).

All SYG canoeing staff are fully qualified with the BCU (British Canoe Union) and have many years of experience coaching canoeists. All possible controls are put in place to ensure that canoeing with SYG is a safe and enjoyable activity. One of these controls is that the Instructors word is final, both on and off the water. Please remember this – it is for your safety.

• River Trips

River Trips are an essential part of the British Canoe Union (BCU) Star Test syllabus and are also a lot of fun. They can vary in distance from 2 miles to 8 miles, and will improve your paddling no end. For all river trips you will need to bring a change of clothes, a towel, some lunch and a hot drink in a waterproof bag.

• General Sessions

These sessions can take any format from going to a white-water centre, practicing in swimming pools, competitions and general sessions just for fun. For all sessions, you will need to bring a change of clothes, a towel, some lunch and a hot drink in a waterproof bag.

• Coaching for BCU Star Tests

The BCU has a system for measuring personal progression called the Star Test. There are 5 Star Tests starting from very basic canoe control and safety, working up to “wild water” expedition leadership.
Obtaining these Star awards can count towards your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Physical section.

• Obtaining BCU Star Awards

All participants should make a record of their river trips in a “log book”. This will be required when they take any BCU Star Tests.

• Numbers on Trips

Please note that numbers for any canoeing activity must be limited to the amount of equipment available and the recommended instructor to student ratio, as laid down by the BCU. This will vary depending on the activity.
With this in mind, places for all canoeing events will be on a first come, first served basis.
Each event will be announced at SYG on a Monday evening, at least 2 weeks in advance and the number of available places will be stated then. If you wish to attend, give your name and money to Steve Burgess, as soon as possible after the announcement.

• Staff

Steve Burgess –  SYG Canoe Co-ordinator
Steve is co-ordinating all the canoe events and activities this year
For any information regarding SYG Canoe Club events, please contact.
E-mail: Steve

Paul Whitmell - Instructor
Paul has been canoeing for 14 years now. He is a BCU Level 2 Kayak Coach and an RLSS Pool Lifeguard as well as a First Aider.

David Chaplin – Instructor
David has been canoeing for 12 years and is a BCU Level 2 Kayak Coach and First Aider.

Check back soon for more information and pictures!