Each year, members, families, coaches and volunteers head away for a weekend of paddling, camping, socialising and adventure. It is a chance to paddle somewhere different, build confidence, spend time with other club members, and enjoy being part of the wider Kingston Kayak Club community.
The weekend is open to a range of paddlers, with activities planned around the venue, water conditions, paddler ability, and the availability of coaches and leaders. Over the years, we have paddled lakes, sheltered rivers and moving water, helping paddlers progress at their own pace in a safe and supportive setting.
2026 Club Weekend — River Ure
Our 2026 Club Paddling & Camping Weekend took place from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th June 2026, based around paddling on the River Ure.
- 27 paddlers On the water on Saturday.
- 13 instructors and leaders Supporting the group.
- 10km paddle On the River Ure, including Grade 2 white water.
For some paddlers, this was their first proper experience of white water. For others, it was a chance to build on existing skills and confidence. Everyone did incredibly well, and the weekend showed the real strength of the club: paddlers, coaches, parents and volunteers all working together to make the trip safe, enjoyable and memorable.
On the Sunday, a smaller group got back on the water while tents and kit were packed away. It was particularly good to see some of our younger paddlers getting time on moving water in Duo boats, helping them experience white water in a safe and confidence-building way.
The weekend was not just about paddling. Saturday evening included a club barbecue and social, giving families and members time to relax, chat and enjoy being part of the club away from our usual sessions at Albert Avenue.
Looking Ahead — 2027 Bala, North Wales
For 2027, we are considering Bala in North Wales as the venue for our next Club Paddling & Camping Weekend.
Proposed dates: Friday 28th to Monday 31st May 2027
Bala offers a fantastic potential base for a club weekend. There is a campsite overlooking Llyn Tegid / Lake Bala, giving the opportunity for lake paddling close to the campsite. There is also access to white water a short drive away, which means the weekend could offer different paddling options for different ages, abilities and confidence levels.
This is still being developed, and we would like feedback from members before confirming the final plan.
Share Your Thoughts on the 2027 Club Weekend
Why We Run the Club Weekend
The Club Paddling & Camping Weekend gives members the chance to:
- Paddle somewhere different from our normal club sessions
- Build confidence on open water, rivers or moving water
- Spend time with coaches, leaders and other paddlers
- Take part in a supportive club trip
- Meet other families and members
- Enjoy camping, food and social time together
- Create memories as part of Kingston Kayak Club
These weekends are often where paddlers make big steps forward, especially juniors who gain confidence by paddling with friends, coaches and family around them.
Keeping Trips Safe and Enjoyable
Club trips rely on planning, suitable equipment, qualified and experienced leaders, parent support, and honest information about paddlers’ experience and confidence.
Following recent trips, we have created guidance to help members understand what to bring with them, what clothing may be suitable, and how to prepare for different conditions.
This guidance will continue to develop as we learn from each trip and as the club’s equipment grows and evolves.
We ask paddlers to complete event registration and equipment requirement forms when attending club trips. This helps us understand who is coming, what kit is needed, and how we can best support the group.
Previous Club Paddling & Camping Weekends
We would like this page to become a record of the places Kingston Kayak Club has visited over the years. As the club continues to run these weekends, we will add photos, videos, memories and details from each trip.
2026 — River Ure / Sleningford Area
27 paddlers on the water, including 13 instructors and leaders. The group completed a 10km paddle on the River Ure, including Grade 2 white water.
2025 — Ullswater
Club camping and paddling weekend in the Lake District.
2024 — Appletreewick
Club weekend based around paddling on the River Wharfe.
2023 — Sleningford, West Tanfield
Club weekend with paddling on the River Ure.
2022 — Ullswater
Club camping and paddling weekend in the Lake District, with video highlights from the trip.
2021 — Appletreewick
Club camping and paddling weekend based around the River Wharfe, with video highlights from the trip.
2019 — Bala, North Wales
Club camping and paddling weekend based around Bala in North Wales, with video highlights from the trip.
2018 — Lockside Caravan Park, Ripon
Club camping and paddling weekend based at Lockside Caravan Park, Ripon.
2017 — Ellerton Park, North Yorkshire
Club camping and paddling weekend based at Ellerton Park in North Yorkshire.
2016 — Lockside Caravan Park, Ripon
Club camping and paddling weekend based at Lockside Caravan Park, Ripon.
Get Involved
The Club Paddling & Camping Weekend only happens because of the support of coaches, leaders, volunteers, parents and members.
Whether you are paddling, helping transport equipment, supporting juniors, cooking food, packing tents, loading boats or simply being part of the weekend, your contribution helps make these trips possible.
Keep an eye on the club newsletter, website and booking portal for details of future trips.