SPONSORED EDITORIAL
National Go Canoeing Week runs from 27th May to 4th June and the idea behind the week is to get as many people out on the water as possible.
This will certainly be the case at WANT TO CANOE? at Racquety Farm, Hay-on-Wye, where we will be encouraging people to register their miles with us to help British Canoeing reach their target of 30,000 miles paddled throughout the week.
With just a short time to go until #TheBigAdventure here are the 'BIG 3' great ways you can get involved. . .
1. Attend an event @wantocanoe HQ
We’ve got loads of great activities on offer, for paddlers of all ages and abilities! WANT TO CANOE? is ideally situated on the banks of the River Wye in Hay on Wye on our small, organic, family-run farm. The farm, as well as arable and pasture also offers a gorgeous mile-stretch of riverbank, ancient woodland areas, camping, glamping, BnB and self-catering as well as Hayfield Community Garden, sheep, pigs, chickens, horses and a market-garden raspberry patch!
So this half-term week in Hay on Wye, just down the road from WANT TO CANOE? HQ it is the world famous Hay Literature Festival as well as lots of other independent pop-up events and activities in the town itself .
You can join us on the river to escape the festival buzz for a while and enjoy some peace and tranquility! It also works the other way around too; why not combine your adventures on the river with a leisurely stroll around the bookshops, markets and historic sights in our friendly and vibrant market town of Hay on Wye. ItÕs only a five minute walk over the bridge to town so make a day of it or even stay over!
Canoeing with us is a great way to have some fun in the outdoors, get a gentle work-out, oxidise and blast those bleary eyes from last night at the festival or simply just sit back and enjoy the breath-taking wildlife and scenery . . .
Book our hire-canoes and head off on your own or even better join one of our guided adventures. . . a bespoke set of tours for groups/families/staff teams etc.
Set yourself a challenge. . . Our Challenge Paddle provides you with the opportunity to complete a six-mile route in a handpicked, scenic location, in your own time and at your own pace.
Everyone who takes part in one of our Challenge Paddles will receive a Go Canoeing medal for their efforts and the mileage completed can be registered with us to help us reach our overall target! You’ll also be entered into our prize draw to be in with a chance of winning some awesome prizes. . . BONUS!
Pre-booking is advised but not essential and we have an enormous fleet of versatile Open Canoes available to hire including two-man, three-man and family options. We supply all the kit you need as well as the all-important return transport at the end of your challenge. There’s also a complimentary cup of tea or coffee on arrival while you are completing paperwork and planning your route with the team.
You will receive a thorough safety-briefing and practice paddle before you head off downstream so be assured you are in very safe hands. Challenge Guided Tours are also available!
Alternatively, if you have your own boat and equipment you can bring it down, we will arrange your logistics and support!
2. Go on a Guided Tour
This half-term paddle your local area with a fantastic guide to enthuse and inform you!
Explore the secrets of the waterways from a whole new perspective.
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an experienced paddler, our Guided Adventure Sessions offer a great way to get out on the water during National Go Canoeing Week.
GUIDED ADVENTURE SESSIONS - Having our team as your Guides gives you the benefit of being able to learn basic canoe-skills, play games and make the most out of the new skills you’ve learnt, also take in the scenery and wildlife more easily as you have a guide showing you what to look out for and you are not simply concentrating on keeping the canoe in a straight line as you’ve got some basic technique from the outset!
If you’ve canoed before they can also help you expand upon and work on technique, they adapt easily to the needs of the group. The instructors paddle their own canoes so they can wizz about amongst the group, you then choose the boat format that suits your group on the day (we have single, tandem and rafted options). HereÕs a link to our gallery which includes some pics from some of their Guided Trips to give you an idea! http://www.canoehire.co.uk/gallery.php These sessions are the equivalent of British Canoeing Paddlesport Start Qualification so everyone 16 and under receives a certificate at the end of the trip!
3. Take On an Independent Challenge
Get out and do what you enjoy!
Crank up your miles in your usual way, or maybe push yourself and do a few extra for the week.
Tackle our challenge route covering 6 miles from Hay to Whitney or go all-out and take on a full-day or multi-day expedition!
Still not convinced?! See what was achieved last year.....
12,864 participants took part in 2016
38,395 miles paddled collectively
360 activities and events took place from 78 locations
197 organisations/groups took part and registered miles
Marketing reach 14 million
Highest Individual mileage: 227 miles
Highest Club mileage: 2730 miles
Highest Organisation mileage: 5550 miles (that was us @wantocanoe!)
Give us a call today to start planning your adventure!
Call Clare at Want to Canoe? HQ, Racquety Farm, Hay on Wye HR3 5LA. Tel: 01497 820604 or Email: [email protected]