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Getting Started

How do I start Kayaking and Canoeing?

If you would like to try kayaking and canoeing with MADCC you should come to a club night to meet us and find out more. We can usually get new people on the water for a try-out on most club evenings.

Club sessions are held on Mondays at Bollington and on Thursdays at Brereton between April and September  – when evenings are light.

The club sessions are supervised by nationally qualified club coaches with the help of experienced club paddlers.

What should I bring?

To begin with you do not need to buy any specialist clothing. You will get splashed and dripped on, so wear clothes that you don’t mind getting damp and perhaps a bit muddy. A windproof jacket is also very useful (an old cagoule is perfect).

Don’t wear jeans or heavy cotton clothing as they feel very cold once they are wet.
Try and wear some form of water shoes or plimsolls as larger footwear/trainers may not fit within some of the kayaks.

Make sure that you bring a full change of clothes and a towel in case of unexpected swims!

You should be able to swim at least 25m, if this is a problem then let a club coach know before the session.

What does the club provide?

The club provides paddling equipment for you, a kayak, a paddle and a buoyancy aid. Just bring yourself, a change of clothes and a towel.

Please note that MADCC does not have any changing rooms or toilets at the Bollington site.

Where is MADCC based?

The Monday night club sessions are based at the Macclesfield canal in Bollington.We meet at the car park of the Adelphi Mill, Grimshaw Lane, Bollington, Cheshire, SK10 5JB  from 7pm -9pm.

The Thursday night sessions are based at the lake at Brereton Country Park, from 7pm-9pm.

See the “where to find us” page for maps.

Limited amounts of club equipment are kept at Brereton, members usually bring their own kit, but contact us as we can bring boats and other equipment along.

Please contact us for advice via the website inquiry form if you want to come to meet us and try canoeing at Brereton or Bollington.