Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Gateway to Paddling Adventures in Chippenham
Established on 25 March 1959, Chippenham Sailing & Canoeing Club is a volunteer-run Community Amateur Sports Club serving over 200 paddlers. Our clubhouse at Long Close, Chippenham, provides access to canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards for use on the River Avon and organised trips. Affiliated with RYA and PaddleUK, we prioritise skills development through certified coaching. Our community fosters informal peer paddling, structured coaching sessions, and social events. Winter pool sessions focus on safety skills like self-rescue and kayak rolling.We organise day and weekend trips subject to demand and coaching capacity. Our vibrant Facebook group and WhatsApp community facilitate communication among members. Event bookings and membership administration are managed via LoveAdmin, our dedicated platform. We maintain strong safety protocols, including welfare officers and health and safety policies aligned with British Canoeing guidelines. Our volunteer team ensures members feel supported and engaged in all activities.
Services
Canoeing
Kayaking
Paddleboarding
Coaching
Trips
Details
- Year established: 1959
Highlights and features
- Community of over 200 paddlers with diverse experience levels
- Certified coaches for skill development and safety training
- Winter pool sessions focusing on essential rescue techniques
- Organised trips to locations like Devon and Wales
- Robust safety protocols with dedicated welfare officers
Associations and certifications
- RYA
- PaddleUK
What people say
Vibrant community
Excellent safety training
Well-organised trips
Supportive coaches
Great for all skill levels
Services
Canoeing
Our club provides canoeing opportunities on the River Avon and during organised trips. Members access a range of canoes and receive coaching for all skill levels. Safety training includes rescue techniques and risk assessment for varying water conditions.
Kayaking
Kayaking activities cater to recreational and advanced paddlers. Winter pool sessions develop rolling and self-rescue skills. Guided trips to challenging locations like Devon and Wales are available for experienced members.
Paddleboarding
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is available on the River Avon. Coaches assist with balance techniques and safety procedures. Equipment hire includes boards suitable for calm and moving water conditions.
Coaching
Certified instructors deliver safety-focused coaching for all disciplines. Winter pool sessions cover self-rescue, throw-line use, and kayak rolling. Peer paddling guidance ensures skill progression in varied environments.
Trips
Organised day and weekend trips to destinations like Devon and Wales depend on demand and coaching availability. Members self-organise peer paddling excursions with safety considerations for challenging conditions.
People
Nick Golledge
Membership
Experienced coach specialising in member induction and taster sessions. Approachable for questions and committed to helping members engage with club activities.
Martin Harrall
Commodore
Joined in 1981, with coaching experience since 1996. Paddled extensively across the UK and Europe. Specialises in canoe polo, slalom, and recreational paddling across multiple disciplines.
Julie Vigor
Vice Commodore
Leads water-based training, inductions, and trips. Coordinates volunteer support for coaching and safety initiatives across all paddling activities.
Alan Pullen
Health & Safety Officer
Joined in 2016, focusing on implementing safety policies. Acts as primary contact for safety concerns and ensures compliance with British Canoeing accident reporting guidelines.
Tom Lawson
Paddlesport Secretary
Coach since 2023 with 13 years of Sea Cadet coaching experience. Organises events, training, and new member courses to ensure member safety and engagement.
Questions
What paddling activities are available?
We offer canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) on the River Avon and during organised trips to locations like Devon and Wales.
Do you provide coaching for beginners?
Yes, certified coaches deliver taster sessions, induction courses, and safety training including self-rescue techniques for all experience levels.
Are there winter activities?
Winter pool sessions focus on safety skills like kayak rolling and throw-line use. Peer paddling trips to challenging locations occur in colder months.
How do I book events?
Event bookings and membership management are handled through LoveAdmin, our dedicated platform accessible via mobile app or website.
What safety measures are in place?
We have certified welfare officers, health and safety protocols aligned with British Canoeing guidelines, and mandatory safety skill development for all members.
Can I join if I'm new to paddling?
Absolutely. We welcome all skill levels, with equipment hire and coaching available to help newcomers develop confidence and competence on the water.
