Summer Camp '26! - 29/05/2026 Overview

(Please book the campsite as soon as you have stated your attendance through club pal. The earlier you do the more chance we will all be pitched together!). 

Summer Camp '26 is here!

This will take place Friday 29th May – Sunday 31st May and will be hosted at National Water Sports Centre Nottingham (Holme Pierrepont). After a successful camp at this venue last year and due to your feedback we are going to make this a camp to remember.

We are going bigger and better with events for all of the family on and off the water. Saturday will see us run multiple sessions on the water including beginner/intermediate and advanced sessions on the white water course, paddle sport awards, coaching on the lake. This takes us into Saturday night for our Summer Camp Olympics. Whilst Sunday brings all of the members back together on the water for the traditional Trent River trip and white-water rafting for those who can't access the main course or those who just want a laugh! We are also looking to run some Paddle UK accredited awards this year such as Introduction to White Water Safety or Stadium Whitewater Safety run buy an external provider. Please see the information below!

This year we will also be able to offer some of our members paddle UK awards and qualifications on white water. 

Booking onto Summer Camp is free from the point of the club, although other charges may apply for different activities.

Information

Holme Pierrepont Country Park

The National Water Sports Centre is nestled amongst 270 acres of the beautiful Holme Pierrepont Country Park which provides adequate camping facilities. There are many things to do in the area such as walking, mini-golf and climbing.

Booking of your pitch is done by yourselves here. To ensure we are all pitched together please book a non-electric pitch and, in booking notes, please type, ‘Part of Grimsby and Cleethorpes Canoe Club, please pitch us together in Rafters Field’. If you require an electric pitch, please book this and ask for Rafters Field – you will not be located too far away from the activities. Pitches generally cost £30 per night for up to 6 people. You can usually park a vehicle (Car/Van) and Pitch a Tent. It might be worth discussing booking with other members. The earlier you book the more chance we will all be pitched together! There are pods available for those who like a little more luxury.

Start or Discover Paddle Awards

The Paddle Awards allow you to develop your decision making and practical skills for a fun and safe time on the water, as you become a more skilled and independent paddler. Through these awards you will learn how to choose and effectively use equipment, whilst developing an understanding of the factors which affect your paddling. The awards are for anyone of any age who want to develop their skills on the water. You don’t need any previous experience to take your Start or Discover Award, just the desire for fun and learning! 

If you want to develop your skills or would like to expand your knowledge further, this is the award you need. The award covers topics such as:

• Encouraging independent decision making on different bodies of water (moving river, canal, estuary, harbour), covering safety and weather aspects too
• Preparing for self-guided adventures
• Equipment you will need for a variety of paddle trips.
• Further developing your canoe, kayak or SUP paddling and rescue skills

Additional Fee for Certification can be purchased through Club Pal after the award.

Stadium White Water Award

For those members who are already sufficiently skilled on white water why not opt in for the Stadium White water award.

Your Stadium White Water Award endorses your skill, judgment and decision making to ensure a successful session on a man-made, white water venue. You will be confident in paddling on moving water with proficient skills to be in control throughout. Your award should be seen as a sound basis for building the experience and knowledge associated with Progressive Stadium White Water Award holders.

Additional Fee for Certification can be purchased through Club Pal after the award.

Chill on the Lake/ Lake Coaching

For more of a chilled out atmosphere why not opt for some coaching on the lake… hopefully in the sunshine. Why not take Saturday to chill out on the lake trying out different boats and craft. Hop on the water, play games, mess around. Then jump out and take a breather with a nice refreshing Ice Cream from the centre. 

Introduction to Whitewater

These sessions are for those who already paddle on flat water and want to try giving moving water a go.  You don't need a roll of to have even worn a spray deck before just be able to control a kayak on the flat and want to try out moving water. These sessions will be based on the back channels that are fed from the main course. After a quick and easy safety brief we will be playing, learning some new skills.

Additional Courses Fees apply: I am still in the process of negotiating with the white water centre. This is approx. £7 due to negotiations with the centre.

Intermediate White Water

As the popularity of white water surges through the club, those who have already attended a few beginner to WW sessions may want to push themselves that little further and work on their skills in a more pushing environment at the bottom of the course. We are likely to start on the back channels to warm up before moving to the lower course to refine our skills. For those who are not sure please speak to Aidan.

Additional Courses Fees apply: I am still in the process of negotiating with the white water centre. This is approx. £7 due to negotiations with the centre.

Advanced Whitewater Session

Only for the experienced white water kayakers there will be a twilight white water session. Come on down to watch some of our experienced white water kayakers take on a world-class, purpose-built White-Water Course with Grade 3/3+ rapids which has hosted national and international events and attracts athletes and water-enthusiasts from all over the world for training and events. This will be a peer paddle session and there will be no coaching or leadership of members. Please only select this if you are a competent grade 3+ paddler who can competently self rescue on white water.

Members welcome to spectate to see how far the club can take you in your white water career.

Additional Courses Fees apply (NWSC Membership required).

River Trent Trip

On Sunday we bring the group back together to show case what we have learnt throughout the weekend. We take a paddle up the river Trent, playing games, chatting, and having lunch before returning to say goodbye.

Whitewater Rafting

Due to feedback regarding events you would like to see I have included white water tubing and rafting.

Rafting will cost £25. After negotiations with the centre we have a significantly reduced price. If selecting rafting please immediately book onto the rafting club pal event and pay the £25. The club will have to pay for and book the rafts in advance. The deadline for selecting rafting is April 17th.

Please note that the timetable below is subject to change depending on session uptake. You will be notified on what you have been assigned once bookings close.

Those who requested Lagoon Inflatable course - NWSC are no longer operating this facility.

Introduction to Whitewater Safety/ Stadium Whitewater Safety

These Paddle UK courses will be conducted by an external provider. The club will subsidise the cost of this qualification. Price TBC - please state your interest.

The Introduction to White Water Safety course is designed to support paddlers to become effective group members in a moderate, white water (Grade 2) environment.

This one day course is suitable for anyone starting out on their white water paddling journey, wanting to explore the role of an effective group member and learn simple strategies and safe skills that can provide the tools to solve common paddling issues.

The British Canoeing Awarding Body Stadium Safety and Rescue Training course is designed for individuals wanting to provide safety cover at an artificial, white water course.

Bookings will close on 5th May but make sure you sign up fast as spaces are first come first served!

FAQ

1) I don't want to miss out on this opportunity how do I Book?

To book your space make sure to click ‘BOOK’ at the top of the page and follow the instructions! This will guide you through to declare your interest for each session.

 2) How do I book my campsite pitch?

Booking of the campsite is your responsibility. If you haven't already please  book your campsite pitch now! The earlier you do the more chance we will all be pitched together! They can be booked here: Summer Camp Pitch Booking Link. To ensure we are all pitched together please book a non-electric grass pitch and, in booking notes, please type, ‘Part of Grimsby and Cleethorpes Canoe Club, please pitch us together in Rafters Field’. The earlier you book the more likely we are to be pitched together!

3) I am a social member can I attend?

Of course you can! Follow the booking and select the free time/ spectator options for your sessions. All members who are attending social or otherwise MUST book onto the camp.

4) Can my child/ other family members attend?

Anyone who is a member can book on! Any child under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult who should also be booked on. Other family members may also attend but we do ask that they are social members on ClubPal and booked onto the trip. This is to ensure we have correct numbers of who will be attending.

5) I have selected an option that requires an additional fee. How do I pay for this?

Once we have an idea of numbers for sessions, ClubPal events will be created in which you will be asked to book onto. Please only book onto the sessions which you have been assigned. You will then receive further information surrounding the activity that you have booked!

6) I can't drive, don't have camping equipment, can I still go?

Yes, please talk to members about car sharing and borrowing camping gear. Failing that you can book a pod!

7) I don't have my own kayaking kit, can I still go?

Yes, please let us know what kit you need when you book on. This will then be organised by James Tye. There may be a small fee for equipment transport (£3) payable to the driver.

8) Can I book onto both white water sessions?

In the interest of fairness please only book onto this once. There are many other excellent activities you can do!

Estimated Outline of the Weekend

Friday (Social, Games and Fun) 

Saturday (Skills, Drills, Qualifications and Tasters)

Sunday (River Trip and Rafting)

 The Organising Committee of the Summer Camp believe that the welfare and wellbeing of all children is paramount. All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, have equal rights to safety and protection. All suspicions, concerns and allegations of harm will be taken seriously and responded to swiftly and appropriately. A welfare officer for the event has been appointed and will act as the point of contact for any concerns or allegations.