Pirates Canoe Club upcoming events

Lake Session - Conningbrook Lake (25 May 2026)

Mon, 25 May 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Conningbrook Lake Lake Session

This is a regular paddle during the summer, it may be on a Monday or Wednesday (we are trying out alternating the day for May to start with). Come down and join us for a paddle round the lake, brush up on skills or learn some new ones.

We do not have permanent changing facilities at the lake but we do have some changing tents available, if you would like a changing tent, ask the coach/leader/helper/committee member on duty for the session and they will get one out for you. You need to pack it away after use please.

If you need to use a toilet whilst at the lake, there are toilets at the Julie Rose Stadium next door.

Some weeks there will be defined sessions and some weeks will be a chat and a paddle! See ticket information for what's happening.

Pirates Paddling Pathway and Paddle UK Awards

If you want to work on the Paddle UK Awards (Paddle Awards, Personal Performance Awards), please ask a coach at the lake session to make it happen.

The Pirates Paddling pathway is in addition to the Paddle UK Awards, the pathway and tracking that pathway on your Wild Appricot App/Profile helps coaches know when you have reached the next Paddle UK Award. Checkout the website to see how to use it.

https://www.piratescanoeclub.com/pathways

Expected Times:

June - 6.30pm to 8.30pm (sunset between 9 and 9.20))

July - 6.30pm to 8.30pm (Sunset between 8.40 and 9.20)

August - 6pm to 8pm (Sunset between 8.40 and 7.45)

September - TBC

Meet Address: Containers at Conningbrook Lake

Club Equipment: Equipment is available to borrow for the lake sessions, it is your responsibility to put it away where you found it at the end of the session. This includes emptying the boat, hanging the BA and helmet and putting the paddle back in the rack. Please ask the coach/leader/helper/committee member on duty for the session and they will assist you in finding the right craft.

Skills level Required:

If you are taking part in a coached session, then the coach will note this in the ticket information.

If you are taking part in a led session, the leader/coach will note this in the ticket information.

If you are paddling in a small group (of 3 more) round the lake, a minimum you must have paddled the craft you are bringing previously for trips away from the lake, you must be able to self rescue for all activities (this could be swim to bank and empty craft or could be kayak roll or jump back on SUP or in Canoe).

Organiser: The Coaching Team

Responsible Coach/Leader/Instructor: The on Duty Coach/Committee Member/Leader

On the water Support: Anyone with PSI/Leader Qualification/Coaching Qualification

Important

Paddlesport has inherent risks associated with it. By registering for this event you are acknowledging these risks.

By Signing up to this event, you are confirming you are have the paddle ability stated in the event details, this could be a self rescue, a specific PUK craft award or skills of equal level.

The coach/leader/Instructor is viewed as being responsible for leading the session, managing safety, enforcing rules and making informed decisions in response to changing conditions or emergencies.

Participants are expected to follow the instructions of the coach/leader/instructor, to act responsibly, follow club rules, support each other and the general safety of all participants

Adult Paddle UK Discover Award (Kayak/Canoe) (1 Jun 2026)

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 17:30:00 GMT

We offer the Paddle UK Discover Award to our non members.

During this course you’ll develop your paddling skills to help make sure you have a fun and safe time on the water. You an take this course in either a Canoe or a Kayak, we will provide the kit for use during the course.

Our brilliant club coaches will give you confidence in the craft of your choice . By the end of this course, you’ll be ready to join our club sessions.

You will likely need to attend 4/5 sessions to achieve the Discover Award and be well on your way to becoming an independent paddler.:

4th May 6.30-8.30pm @ Conningbrook Lake

11th May 6.30-8.30pm @ Conningbrook Lake

18th May 6.30-8.30pm @ Conningbrook Lake

Join the Big Paddle Cleanup on the Medway with Pirates Members

8th June 6.30-8.30pm @ Conningbrook Lake

Toilets and showers

Once attendees complete the course, they will be given a Paddle UK Award Certificate and be able to join regular club sessions and trips if they choose to do so.

The course includes Club membership for the rest of the year. The course cost is:

Adults: £85

Getting Wet

Kayaking is a water sport and participants should expect to get wet. During the weekend we will look at capsizing and safe exit from the boat as well as simple rescue techniques.

The capsize and rescue drills are done close to the club so that you can get changed into dry clothes and minimise the potential of getting cold.

Toilets and Changing rooms

We do not have any toilets directly on the lake. The nearest toilets are at Julie Rose Stadium a couple of hundred metres away from the slip way. We recommend that you shower when you get home after any paddle.

Equipment

We will provide you with a kayak / canoe, paddle, buoyancy aid, and spray deck (for use after you have demonstrated a confident capsize) though you are very welcome to use your own suitable gear if you have it.

We do have a limited number of waterproof paddling jackets (“cags”) that can be used if the weather is not kind. However, these are generally items that members have donated when they replace them, so describing them as waterproof may be optimistic.

We would recommend you bring at least the following

Shoes that you don’t mind getting soaked (they will!) Sandals or flip-flops are not suitable as they do not fully enclose the foot.
Synthetic clothing suitable for the temperature (natural fibres hold too much water and take much more heat out of you to dry, leaving you cold). Please avoid jeans and, if possible, cotton.
A change of on water clothing for when you get off the water
If you wear glasses or sunglasses, a retainer is wise. A floating one is good, but any secure attachment will do.
If you are going to take any pictures a waterproof phone case and lanyard are essential.
Sunscreen (we may be lucky enough to need it and glare off water is far greater than you might expect).
Most important of all – a sense of humour. Fun is, after all, the whole point of the exercise.

We recommend all the above every time you paddle.

If you have any questions, please email Di Phillips on events@piratescanoeclub.com or message through our Public Facebook Page.

Big Paddle Clean Up (All craft) (1 Jun 2026)

Mon, 01 Jun 2026 18:00:00 GMT

This will be a paddle with a river clean up in a small area on the Medway, it won't be fast, we'll be taking grabbers, gloves, saws, scissors and be collecting rubbish only accessible from river along the way.

We will be collecting the rubbish in our crafts, Di will bring some buckets to balance on paddle boards to put rubbish in.

Di will provide the Clean Up Sacks, litter grabbers and some rubber gloves. This is part of Paddle UK Big Paddle Clean Up campaign.

https://paddleuk.org.uk/big-paddle-cleanup/

Any craft is welcome, the more capacity the better, Canoes and SUPs are perfect, Kayaks great for towing big bits of rubbish we find in the river.

You will need to bring a craft to paddle along with all your normal paddle gear including a BA.

I intend to go to the pub afterwards, it'd be lovely if others would join me for a drink and catchup.

NOTE: This will replace the normal lake session this week. There will be NO lake session on the 1st June.

To take part in this paddle, you need to be comfortable in your craft, be able to do a self rescue and there is no need to be able to stand on paddleboards for this as you will be on your knees collecting rubbish.

If you want to borrow club kit, please book out via website and be ready to collect at the end of the lake session on 25th May.

if you have any questions, please message Di on slack.

Organiser: Di Phillips

On the water leader: Di Phillips
On the Water Support: Sarah Deans, Will Body

Lake Session - Conningbrook Lake (8 Jun 2026)

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Conningbrook Lake Lake Session

If you need to use a toilet whilst at the lake, there are toilets at the Julie Rose Stadium next door.

Some weeks there will be defined sessions and some weeks will be a chat and a paddle! See ticket information for what's happening.

Pirates Paddling Pathway and Paddle UK Awards

If you want to work on the Paddle UK Awards (Paddle Awards, Personal Performance Awards), please ask a coach at the lake session to make it happen.

https://www.piratescanoeclub.com/pathways

Expected Times:

June - 6.30pm to 8.30pm (sunset between 9 and 9.20))

July - 6.30pm to 8.30pm (Sunset between 8.40 and 9.20)

August - 6pm to 8pm (Sunset between 8.40 and 7.45)

September - TBC

Meet Address: Containers at Conningbrook Lake

Skills level Required:

If you are taking part in a coached session, then the coach will note this in the ticket information.

If you are taking part in a led session, the leader/coach will note this in the ticket information.

Organiser: The Coaching Team

Responsible Coach/Leader/Instructor: The on Duty Coach/Committee Member/Leader

On the water Support: Anyone with PSI/Leader Qualification/Coaching Qualification

Important

Paddlesport has inherent risks associated with it. By registering for this event you are acknowledging these risks.

By Signing up to this event, you are confirming you are have the paddle ability stated in the event details, this could be a self rescue, a specific PUK craft award or skills of equal level.

The coach/leader/Instructor is viewed as being responsible for leading the session, managing safety, enforcing rules and making informed decisions in response to changing conditions or emergencies.

Participants are expected to follow the instructions of the coach/leader/instructor, to act responsibly, follow club rules, support each other and the general safety of all participants

Adult Paddle UK Discover Award (Kayak/Canoe) (8 Jun 2026)

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:30:00 GMT

We offer the Paddle UK Discover Award to our non members.

Our brilliant club coaches will give you confidence in the craft of your choice . By the end of this course, you’ll be ready to join our club sessions.

You will likely need to attend 4/5 sessions to achieve the Discover Award and be well on your way to becoming an independent paddler.:

4th May 6.30-8.30pm @ Conningbrook Lake

11th May 6.30-8.30pm @ Conningbrook Lake

18th May 6.30-8.30pm @ Conningbrook Lake

Join the Big Paddle Cleanup on the Medway with Pirates Members

8th June 6.30-8.30pm @ Conningbrook Lake

Toilets and showers

Once attendees complete the course, they will be given a Paddle UK Award Certificate and be able to join regular club sessions and trips if they choose to do so.

The course includes Club membership for the rest of the year. The course cost is:

Adults: £85

Getting Wet

Kayaking is a water sport and participants should expect to get wet. During the weekend we will look at capsizing and safe exit from the boat as well as simple rescue techniques.

The capsize and rescue drills are done close to the club so that you can get changed into dry clothes and minimise the potential of getting cold.

Toilets and Changing rooms

Equipment

We would recommend you bring at least the following

Shoes that you don’t mind getting soaked (they will!) Sandals or flip-flops are not suitable as they do not fully enclose the foot.
Synthetic clothing suitable for the temperature (natural fibres hold too much water and take much more heat out of you to dry, leaving you cold). Please avoid jeans and, if possible, cotton.
A change of on water clothing for when you get off the water
If you wear glasses or sunglasses, a retainer is wise. A floating one is good, but any secure attachment will do.
If you are going to take any pictures a waterproof phone case and lanyard are essential.
Sunscreen (we may be lucky enough to need it and glare off water is far greater than you might expect).
Most important of all – a sense of humour. Fun is, after all, the whole point of the exercise.

We recommend all the above every time you paddle.

If you have any questions, please email Di Phillips on events@piratescanoeclub.com or message through our Public Facebook Page.

Lake Session - Conningbrook Lake (15 Jun 2026)

Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Conningbrook Lake Lake Session

If you need to use a toilet whilst at the lake, there are toilets at the Julie Rose Stadium next door.

Some weeks there will be defined sessions and some weeks will be a chat and a paddle! See ticket information for what's happening.

Pirates Paddling Pathway and Paddle UK Awards

If you want to work on the Paddle UK Awards (Paddle Awards, Personal Performance Awards), please ask a coach at the lake session to make it happen.

https://www.piratescanoeclub.com/pathways

Expected Times:

June - 6.30pm to 8.30pm (sunset between 9 and 9.20))

July - 6.30pm to 8.30pm (Sunset between 8.40 and 9.20)

August - 6pm to 8pm (Sunset between 8.40 and 7.45)

September - TBC

Meet Address: Containers at Conningbrook Lake

Skills level Required:

If you are taking part in a coached session, then the coach will note this in the ticket information.

If you are taking part in a led session, the leader/coach will note this in the ticket information.

Organiser: The Coaching Team

Responsible Coach/Leader/Instructor: The on Duty Coach/Committee Member/Leader

On the water Support: Anyone with PSI/Leader Qualification/Coaching Qualification

Important

Paddlesport has inherent risks associated with it. By registering for this event you are acknowledging these risks.

By Signing up to this event, you are confirming you are have the paddle ability stated in the event details, this could be a self rescue, a specific PUK craft award or skills of equal level.

The coach/leader/Instructor is viewed as being responsible for leading the session, managing safety, enforcing rules and making informed decisions in response to changing conditions or emergencies.

Participants are expected to follow the instructions of the coach/leader/instructor, to act responsibly, follow club rules, support each other and the general safety of all participants

Lake Session - Conningbrook Lake (22 Jun 2026)

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Conningbrook Lake Lake Session

If you need to use a toilet whilst at the lake, there are toilets at the Julie Rose Stadium next door.

Some weeks there will be defined sessions and some weeks will be a chat and a paddle! See ticket information for what's happening.

Pirates Paddling Pathway and Paddle UK Awards

If you want to work on the Paddle UK Awards (Paddle Awards, Personal Performance Awards), please ask a coach at the lake session to make it happen.

https://www.piratescanoeclub.com/pathways

Expected Times:

June - 6.30pm to 8.30pm (sunset between 9 and 9.20))

July - 6.30pm to 8.30pm (Sunset between 8.40 and 9.20)

August - 6pm to 8pm (Sunset between 8.40 and 7.45)

September - TBC

Meet Address: Containers at Conningbrook Lake

Skills level Required:

If you are taking part in a coached session, then the coach will note this in the ticket information.

If you are taking part in a led session, the leader/coach will note this in the ticket information.

Organiser: The Coaching Team

Responsible Coach/Leader/Instructor: The on Duty Coach/Committee Member/Leader

On the water Support: Anyone with PSI/Leader Qualification/Coaching Qualification

Important

Paddlesport has inherent risks associated with it. By registering for this event you are acknowledging these risks.

By Signing up to this event, you are confirming you are have the paddle ability stated in the event details, this could be a self rescue, a specific PUK craft award or skills of equal level.

The coach/leader/Instructor is viewed as being responsible for leading the session, managing safety, enforcing rules and making informed decisions in response to changing conditions or emergencies.

Participants are expected to follow the instructions of the coach/leader/instructor, to act responsibly, follow club rules, support each other and the general safety of all participants

Open Day (27 Jun 2026)

Sat, 27 Jun 2026 09:00:00 GMT

Conningbrook Lake Session

This will be a Club Open day, all are welcome as long as they have registered in advance via website. Non members are welcome too via registration only and we can lend some kit if indicated on registration form.

We will have a number of coaches around to provide some tips and lead a paddle round the lake. You are welcome to bring picnics, chairs and table to create a base for your family/friends. We just ask that all rubbish is taken home with you.

Meet Address: Containers at Conningbrook Lake

Members Club Equipment Use: Equipment is available to borrow for the lake sessions, it is your responsibility to put it away where you found it at the end of the session. This includes emptying the boat, hanging the BA and helmet and putting the paddle back in the rack. Please ask the coach/leader/helper/committee member on duty for the session and they will assist you in finding the right craft.

Skills level Required:

If you are taking part in a coached session, then the coach will note this in the ticket information.

If you are taking part in a led session, the leader/coach will note this in the ticket information.

If you are unsupervised paddling in a small group (of 3 more) round the lake, a minimum you must have paddled the craft you are bringing previously for trips away from the lake, you must be able to self rescue for all activities (this could be swim to bank and empty craft or could be kayak roll or jump back on SUP or in Canoe).

If you want to know more about pathways or Paddle UK Awards (Paddle Awards, Personal Performance Awards), please ask a coach at the lake session to make it happen.

Organiser: Malcom Oates

Responsible Coach/Leader/Instructors for the Day: Malcom Oates

On the water Support: Dan C, Martin K, Gordon D

Coaches will be wearing bibs or matching tees so you can locate them easily.

Important

Paddlesport has inherent risks associated with it. By registering for this event you are acknowledging these risks.

By Signing up to this event, you are confirming you are have the paddle ability stated in the event details, this could be a self rescue, a specific PUK craft award or skills of equal level.

The coach/leader/Instructor is viewed as being responsible for leading the session, managing safety, enforcing rules and making informed decisions in response to changing conditions or emergencies.

Participants are expected to follow the instructions of the coach/leader/instructor, to act responsibly, follow club rules, support each other and the general safety of all participants

"Unsupervised paddle group" in PCC terms is a group of at least 3 paddlers, they must be of PPA level ability and are responsible for themselves whilst on the water. They are not supervised by a coach/leader directly, but a coach/leader is on the water or on the bank during the session and have given a briefing before launch is allowed. An unsupervised paddle group cannot be made up just of juniors. Refer to welfare policies.

Lake Session - Conningbrook Lake (29 Jun 2026)

Mon, 29 Jun 2026 17:30:00 GMT

Conningbrook Lake Lake Session

If you need to use a toilet whilst at the lake, there are toilets at the Julie Rose Stadium next door.

Some weeks there will be defined sessions and some weeks will be a chat and a paddle! See ticket information for what's happening.

Pirates Paddling Pathway and Paddle UK Awards

If you want to work on the Paddle UK Awards (Paddle Awards, Personal Performance Awards), please ask a coach at the lake session to make it happen.

https://www.piratescanoeclub.com/pathways

Expected Times:

June - 6.30pm to 8.30pm (sunset between 9 and 9.20))

July - 6.30pm to 8.30pm (Sunset between 8.40 and 9.20)

August - 6pm to 8pm (Sunset between 8.40 and 7.45)

September - TBC

Meet Address: Containers at Conningbrook Lake

Skills level Required:

If you are taking part in a coached session, then the coach will note this in the ticket information.

If you are taking part in a led session, the leader/coach will note this in the ticket information.

Organiser: The Coaching Team

Responsible Coach/Leader/Instructor: The on Duty Coach/Committee Member/Leader

On the water Support: Anyone with PSI/Leader Qualification/Coaching Qualification

Important

Paddlesport has inherent risks associated with it. By registering for this event you are acknowledging these risks.

By Signing up to this event, you are confirming you are have the paddle ability stated in the event details, this could be a self rescue, a specific PUK craft award or skills of equal level.

The coach/leader/Instructor is viewed as being responsible for leading the session, managing safety, enforcing rules and making informed decisions in response to changing conditions or emergencies.

Participants are expected to follow the instructions of the coach/leader/instructor, to act responsibly, follow club rules, support each other and the general safety of all participants