Edinburgh Kayak Club has a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. The emphasis is on recreational paddling and having fun, rather than competitive activities like racing and slalom. We have a growing membership, ranging from novice to advanced, so you are bound to find someone at the same level to paddle with. We are primarily a white water river paddling club and there are a great variety of activities to enjoy, covering day, weekend and evening trips. White water – kayak and canoe - trips to rivers are graded Beginner / Improver / Intermediate (Advanced trips are organised as peer paddles rather than official club trips), and guidance is given to help people choose the most appropriate level for them. We paddle many Scottish rivers e.g. Tweed, Teith, Tay, North Esk, Tummel, Garry. Playboating / freestyle – sessions at the artificial course at Pinkston in Glasgow are sometimes booked by the club and trips to the “park & play” and freestyle sessions are regularly organised by members. Loch and sea paddling – we have occasional trips to places such as Loch Lomond and the Firth of Forth. Kayak surfing – Seacliff beach near North Berwick is a popular location for some members. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) – we have a few members interested in this exciting new sport. Socially we have barbecues / family trips / nights out as well as great banter at pool and lagoon sessions. We have a number of coaches within the club covering Open Canoe, White Water Kayak and Sea Kayak and we actively encourage members to get involved with coaching as this helps develop both their skills, and those of others in the club. At our pool sessions at Gracemount Leisure Centre during the winter months, we teach basic paddling skills and rolling, whilst the more advanced members entertain us with their acrobatic playboating exploits in the deep end! During summer, we have sessions at Musselburgh lagoons which are targeted at Beginners, working on paddling skills, along with some basic rescue and safety skills. We also aim to have coaches available on club trips to help members develop their skills as they move into more exciting environments and all official club trips are led by a club approved leader. Subject to demand, we can offer BCU 2* and 3* courses (White Water Kayak, Open Canoe and Sea Kayak), as well as first aid and safety & rescue training events. Our boat shed at Craiglockart Tennis and Leisure Centre stores a variety of kayaks, canoes and paddles which can be hired by members at very reasonable rates. Cagoules, bouyancy aids (PFDs), spray decks and helmets can also be hired. All necessary equipment is available at our weekly sessions at the lagoon and pool, and is collected at the boat shed for day trips and weekends away. A change of clothes, food and a hot drink must always be taken by participants. Safety is our first priority. Before taking members on river trips, we expect them to have had some basic safety training. Whilst on trips, it is important that participants follow the advice from leaders/coaches/experienced paddlers within the group. All water-sports activities carry an element of risk, and paddling is no exception. Edinburgh Kayak Club is run by volunteers. We have a committee who organise most club activities, but we are always looking for people to get involved, whether in collecting money / coaching / organising social outings / helping pack or tow trailers etc. You can join us at the lagoon or pool for two taster sessions before deciding if you want to become a paid member of the club.