Braeside Education Centre
Canoeing - Information, Advice and Guidance
It is important to keep warm whilst taking part in water activities therefore please ensure participants, including visiting staff, bring clothing to suit the conditions. Generally speaking shorts and T-shirt on their own are not the best clothing for water activities in our climate, even in mid-summer. You will need a change of clothing, towel and footwear (see below).
BUOYANCY AID AND HELMET
A centre buoyancy aid and helmet is always included with instructed water activities.
CLOTHING TO WEAR
· If you have any specialist water sports wear, such as a wet suit or a canoeing top, this will be ok to use but these are not compulsory.
· Swimming costume/underclothing.
· Warm top e.g. sweatshirts, track-suit tops, fleeces etc. Generally lots of thin layers are better than one thick layer. This is especially important on days when the weather is not particularly warm.
· T-shirts or thermal top to wear under the warm top.
· Track suit trousers or lightweight trousers. NO JEANS or COTTON trousers as they are restrictive and when wet make you lose heat very quickly. Long trousers will offer you more protection than shorts.
· A waterproof jacket (to block the wind chill effect) is very important, not just for activities, but also to wear generally in inclement weather. They don’t have to be expensive, basic quality ones are fine. Waterproof trousers are optional but useful. Braeside has a limited number of waterproof jackets to use, if needed.
· Make sure that you have a towel and an extra set of clothing/footwear to change into after the activity as you are likely to be wet/damp. Ideally this should be in one holdall/rucksack.
FOOTWEAR
Soft soled shoes/trainers or wet suit shoes MUST be worn at all times in boats. Thick soled/heeled boots, flip flops or wellington boots are not suitable. It is important that the shoes will stay on your feet even in the water, so you should avoid anything loose fitting which could slip off.
These items are bound to get wet, so an old pair of trainers will do and don’t forget you will need some dry shoes to wear on your walk back to the centre.
EYEWEAR
For those who wear glasses please be advised that most glasses don’t float! We have a limited number of glasses straps that persons may borrow to help keep glasses attached. You are of course welcome to bring your own means of securing your glasses or take them off before you go onto the water, if this is suitable.
OTHER ITEMS
· Waterproof sun protection cream of the strength that you normally use.
· Plastic bags to put wet gear in for the journey home.
If you have any questions about what to bring for a water activity session please get in touch.
Braeside Education Centre, Bath Road, Devizes, SN10 2AP (01380 722 637)
www.braeside-education.co.uk