Learn to Paddlesports

Kayaking is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, exercise and have FUN!
Our 1hr learn to kayak sessions are perfect for beginners to build confidence and learn basic skills.
Based on sit on top kayaks this is a fun and relaxing session.
Please note: We will not be learning to roll or intentionally capsize the kayaks.

• A safety briefing before entering the water
• Equipment and gear overview
• Gentle warm up
• How to get into and out of your kayak
• How to manoeuvre the kayak (go forward, turning, stopping etc)
• Time to practice and enjoy a paddle around Crystal Lake

GROUP SESSIONS: Price £30 per person
Find available dates and times by clicking the BOOKING OPTIONS button below.

1-1 LESSON: Price £50 per person.
Find a date and time that suits you by clicking the BOOKING OPTIONS button below.

• Bookings to be made online – sorry we cannot accept walk-ins / telephone bookings.
• Bookings are first come first served.
• When you book, you are agreeing to our t&c's and waiver agreement.
• Min age for Learn to Kayak at Crystal Lake is 6 years old.
• Children aged 6-12 years must be accompanied by an adult on the water.
• Under 18's to be accompanied to the venue by an adult.
• Non participating adults to pay £3 per person in cash at reception upon arrival.
• Lifejackets, kayak and paddles are included in the course fee for use on the session.

We have 2 sizes of kayak.
Adult size - is suitable for 12 years and over
Child kayaks are suitable for 6-11 years *Child kayaks are weight and height based so contact us prior to booking if you are not sure.

To book one Adult Kayak and one Child Kayak you will need to do 2 separate bookings.

You will be getting wet...so we recommend comfortable moisture wicking fabrics.
Rash vests/board shorts/leggings/swimwear.
We recommend that you do wear a top and leggings or shorts (not just swimwear), to protect your skin as you will be kneeling on and climbing onto the board.
Footwear - you can wear aquashoes or go barefoot.
Ocean Walker Academy have adult sized wetsuits available to hire from reception (£10).

THIS COURSE IS FOR KAYAKING BOARDING ONLY.
THIS IS AN INSTRUCTED COURSE.
SWIMMING IS NOT PERMITTED AS AN ALTERNATIVE ACTIVITY DURING THIS SESSION.
LIFEJACKET / BUOYANCY AIDS ARE MANDATORY (INCLUDED AS PART OF THE COURSE FEE).

This session is run by our own instructor Samantha Lister, qualified in paddlesports instruction and water safety.

By booking you are areeing to the below.

It is very important that participants understand, this is a body of open water and so comes with many risk elements.
Paddlers must be wearing a buoyancy aid, and equipment suited to their ability - for example a wetsuit or clothing that gives protection from the sun and the water temp.

ABILITY AND AGE LIMITS
This session is suitable for adults.
Children are allowed to participate when accompanied by a participating adult (1 child to 1 adult).
Children must be 6 years and above to participate - based on them being a confident swimmer, and parent/guardian deeming them competent in the water.
Children 12 years and under must be accompanied by a participating adult on the water at all times.
Youths between the age of 13 to 18 years to be accompanied at the venue by an adult, this can be a participating adult or you can come as a 'spectator' who will be required to pay £3 entry in cash on the door and not be permitted on the water. See more in our SPECTATOR section below.
All participants must be competent swimmers and confident in the water.
DO NOT AT ANY TIME LEAVE YOUR CHILD UNACCOMPANIED IN OR AROUND THE WATER.

START AND FINISH TIMES
Please arrive 15mins prior to your course start time.
There will be time to purchase refreshments from reception and enjoy on our picnic benches or takeaway with you, but the venue will close shortly after the course is complete.

CAR PARKING AND FACILITIES

• Free car parking on site.
  Please note our car park gates may close for security reasons during your session, if someone is dropping you off and picking you up, please let them know so they don't worry. Gates will be re-opened once the course is finished.
• Changing cubicles
• Toilets
• Outdoor rinse off shower
• Refreshments available for purchase

EQUIPMENT YOU REQUIRE
Suitable clothing for the activity - be prepared to get wet!
Warm dry change of clothing for afterward
Towel

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Wetsuit
Rash Vest / Swim Top
Wet shoes

FOOD & DRINK
Hot/cold drinks and cakes are available for purchase from our reception area.
These can be enoyed on our patio area or as a takeaway.
We do not have indoor seating/cafe.
You are not permitted to bring your own picnics/throw away food items to Ocean Walker Academy.
For the health and enjoyment of everyone, do not litter in or around our lake. Please ensure that any food items you consume that creates litter goes in the bins provided (toilet and reception) or goes home with you.
You are not permitted to bring and/or consume alcohol or drugs at Ocean Walker Academy.

SPECTATORS
Only allowed when accompanying a participant - must arrive with the participant when they sign in.
One parent/guardian per participant under 18 years is included in the booking fee.
Any additional spectators thereafter charged as normal £3 on the door.
The 'spectator' is not permitted to be in the water during their time on site.
They must follow the same rules as detailed here.
IMPORTANT: Our venue closes during a course, so any spectators are to stay onsite once in. We do not have any indoor seating areas, so please ensure spectators understand this and dress accordingly.

DOGS DURING KAYAKING AND SUP SESSIONS
Sorry no dogs during this session.

ISLANDS, TREES AND GENERAL AREAS
You are not permitted to climb onto the islands (except in an emergency).
Visitors are not permitted to pick plants.
Visitors must not throw grass, sticks, stones or any other item into the lake at any time – anyone caught throwing will be immediately removed from the site.
Visitors may not climb, hang from or carve any tree, rock or item at the venue.
Visitors are not permitted to lift or remove any display items from their position.

NO SMOKING
We are a no smoking/vaping venue, this includes the car park.

EVERYONE is required to abide by our venue rules this is for your safety and your enjoyment. If we feel that someone is not following our guidance during their visit, they will be asked to leave the venue. If this is a non-participant, the participant will be required to finish their session so that they can leave site.

BOOKINGS/RESCHEDULING/CANCELLATIONS
All bookings to be made online.
You can book up to 2hrs in advance of a course start time.
You can reschedule/cancel up to 72hrs before course start time.
PLEASE NOTE: We cannot make last minute changes to your booking over the phone, if something comes up on the day or you are late for example.
HELP I'M RUNNING LATE! - Call us as soon as you know you will be running late, as we close the main gates while this session runs. 
You can manage your bookings from the confirmation email you receive upon booking.
Missed bookings are non-transferable.
You cannot transfer your booking into the following year.
We cannot transfer bookings for alternative courses.
REFUNDS for cancelled bookings are not automatic. They will be administered once a month, via the original payment method with the payment processing fee deducted.