East Somerset – District Kayak, Canoe Sessions

Date: April to September (each Year)

Suitable for: Cubs and Up

Venue: Sutton Bingham Reservoir, Yeovil, Somerset BA22 9QP.

Cost Range: £5 per one off session / £15 for a 3 week course

Introduction: Scout Kayaking and Canoeing at Sutton Bingham Reservoir

Scout Kayak & Canoe training is available at Sutton Bingham Reservoir. Cub, Scout and Explorer groups can book a one-off session or for the first time Scout and Explorer troops can book up to six spaces on one of two 3-week courses which will work towards the Scout Paddle Sports awards. All sessions will qualify for ‘Time on the Water’. Emphasis as always will be to have fun on the water while training (hopefully) the next generation of Scouting water sports leaders.

Sessions run on Tuesday evenings 6pm to 8pm from April to September. All boats, paddles and safety equipment are provided. Sessions are run by coaches, covered by Scout Association Adventurous Activity Permits scheme.

All groups must bring completed Health forms for everyone who is going on the water. Leaders must inform the instructors at the start of each session if any of their group is a non-swimmer or cannot swim at least 50m in clothes. The coaches can then set up the session to accommodate this.

DBS cleared leaders and adult helpers are welcome to join in on the sessions (numbers permitting) but must abide by the same rules as the young people and join in with the session.

Session options and costs (costs are per person):

Where possible please can groups pay via BACS

 Kayak / Canoe Fun Session (1 week) £5

• • The aim of the session will be to cover all sections of the Paddle Sports – Stage 1 award
  • Groups can help to achieve this by covering sections 1 and 2 in advance of the session

• Paddle Sports Course (3 Weeks) £15
  • The aim of the course will be to cover all sections of the Paddle Sports – Stage 2 award
  • If the ability and desire to work with the instructors is high across the whole group the aim will be to progress to the Paddle Sports – Stage 3 award

Kayak / Canoe Fun Session – Accurate Group Sizes

It is important you are as accurate as possible with your group size when booking as the sessions are always oversubscribed and accurate numbers can allow multiple groups to attend each session.

• Note: Small groups will be asked to bring less cars to support multiple group sessions

Paddle Sports Course (3 Weeks) – Scouts / Explorers only

This year two three-week courses will be run over the below dates. Groups can book a maximum of six slots per session. Young people attending these courses must bring their health form each week as their leaders are not required to attend, no health form no participation in the session that week.

• Course 1 – 5^th, 12^th & 19^th of May
• Course 2 – 16^th, 23^rd & 30^th of June

Please, please ensure you only book spaces for Scouts that are committed to attend, over booking that results in young people not attending will lead to empty slots and some missing out on this opportunity.

If you would like to book any sessions, please complete the form attached and return it by e-mail to eastsomersetcc@gmail.com all booking enquiries must be by e-mail.

When booking a fun session please list as many dates as possible and please completely fill out the booking form as any gaps may result in the inability to fit you in. We are always oversubscribed and the more options you give us the more chance we can fit you in.

Group Leaders: Please remember to complete a AN form for your section informing District of the session outside the hall. This simple online form can be completed electronically.

Kit List for Canoeing / Kayaking:

• Old shoes or beach shoes (Mandatory).
• Old clothes or Wet suit, No Jeans or Hike Boots
• A lightweight windproof top (if you get wet even a light breeze will quickly cool the body).
• If you wear glasses and need them for paddling, they will need to be tied on.
• If it is very sunny, sun cream and a hat are a good idea.
• If young people do not come correctly dressed, they may not be able to participate in the session.

After paddling:

• Change of Clothes / Towel / Drink & snack
• A bag for your wet gear (just in case you get wet!)

Don’t forget your health form!! – No Form, No paddling, No exception.

Paddling equipment: we will provide the following:

Kayaks, Canoes, Paddles, Spray decks (if appropriate), buoyancy aids.

 Site Access – PLEASE ENSURE for site vehicle access you read and pass on the updated information for 2026, to all parents and leaders who plan to attend, contained within the ‘Operating Procedure for Scout Canoeing and Kayaking activities at Sutton Bingham Reservoir (2026)’ attached.