Open canoe travel is at the heart of many of our most iconic expeditions—from the vast wilderness of the Yukon River to the remote lakes and rivers of Sweden, and the powerful, characterful waters of Wild Scotland. Yet one question consistently arises: how do you gain meaningful, real-world experience of paddling an open canoe on moving water before committing to a full expedition?
This course is the answer.
The Introduction to Moving Water Canoe Journeys – Solo is a carefully structured, hands-on day designed to give paddlers the skills, understanding, and confidence required to travel safely and effectively on rivers. Led by a highly experienced and white water canoe leader–qualified instructor, the day focuses on placing your canoe exactly where you want it, reading the water, and developing solid solo paddling technique in a dynamic river environment.
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Open canoe travel is at the heart of many of our most iconic expeditions—from the vast wilderness of the Yukon River to the remote lakes and rivers of Sweden, and the powerful, characterful waters of Wild Scotland. Yet one question consistently arises: how do you gain meaningful, real-world experience of paddling an open canoe on moving water before committing to a full expedition?
This course is the answer.
The Introduction to Moving Water Canoe Journeys – Solo is a carefully structured, hands-on day designed to give paddlers the skills, understanding, and confidence required to travel safely and effectively on rivers. Led by a highly experienced and white water canoe leader–qualified instructor, the day focuses on placing your canoe exactly where you want it, reading the water, and developing solid solo paddling technique in a dynamic river environment.
Introduction to Moving Water Canoe Journeys
Introduction to Moving Water Canoe Journeys
Introduction to Moving Water Canoe Journeys
Introduction to Moving Water Canoe Journeys
Introduction to Moving Water Canoe Journeys
Introduction to Moving Water Canoe Journeys
Setting and Start of the Day
The day begins at our base on the Haddon Hall Estate, set within the stunning landscape of the Peak District. Meeting at “the Barn,” participants are welcomed with a cup of tea and an introduction to the structure of the day.
A short walk to a nearby bridge allows the group to observe the river from above. Here, instructors explain how water moves around obstacles, how features form, and how to begin reading the river—an essential skill that transforms moving water from something intimidating into something understandable and predictable.
From here, vehicles are used to shuttle to the River Derwent, where the journey begins.
Just before heading onto the water, time is spent becoming familiar with the canoe itself. Instruction covers how to set up an open canoe for moving water, including trim, load placement, personal positioning, and paddle choice. These fundamentals are critical for both control and efficiency and form the backbone of confident river travel.
On the Water – Building Skill and Confidence
The course starts on slow-moving water, allowing participants to settle into their canoe and focus on core skills without pressure. As the day progresses, both the water and the techniques become more demanding, always building at a pace that supports confidence and learning.
Skills covered include:
- Canoe trim and positioning
- Reading flow, current lines, and river features
- Eddy turns and eddy hopping
- Ferry glides
- Power strokes and paddle efficiency
- Hanging draws and precise boat placement
While the terminology may initially sound daunting, instruction is clear, practical, and grounded in repetition and real experience. As understanding grows, so does confidence—participants quickly begin to feel in control rather than reactive.
For those who wish, the course also introduces basic rescue techniques, covering what to do if things go wrong and how to manage common river scenarios safely.
Culmination – White Water Experience
To bring the day together, participants have the opportunity to tackle some of the largest white water in the local area, running the slalom course at Matlock Bath. Under the close supervision of the instructional team, this final session acts as a powerful confidence builder—allowing participants to apply everything they have learned in a lively, exciting, yet well-managed environment.
This experience often marks a turning point, transforming uncertainty into enthusiasm and opening the door to future river journeys and expeditions.
Instructor Experience
Our instructors draw on paddling experience on some of the most remote rivers in the world. This depth of knowledge ensures that teaching is not just technical, but realistic—rooted in expedition travel, problem-solving, and real decision-making on the water.
The focus throughout the day is on enjoyment, safety, and empowerment, ensuring participants leave feeling capable, informed, and eager to continue paddling.
Logistics and Practical Information
- Arrival time: 08:30
- Meeting point: World of Bushcraft Store, Rowsley / “The Barn”
- Expect some vehicle shuttling and preparation before getting on the water
- Free camping is available in our woodland the night before the course (self-sufficient; must be arranged at booking)
In Summary
The Introduction to Moving Water Canoe Journeys – Solo provides a vital stepping stone between flatwater paddling and expedition canoe travel. Participants leave with a clear understanding of how moving water behaves, how to control an open canoe with confidence, and how to approach rivers with skill rather than apprehension.
This course is ideal for those preparing for longer journeys, developing personal paddling skills, or simply wishing to experience the satisfaction of traveling confidently by canoe on living, moving water.
