Maldon Canoe Club – Kayaking & Canoeing in Essex
We are a friendly, volunteer-led kayaking and canoeing club in Maldon, Essex, welcoming paddlers of all ages and abilities.
Whether you're completely new to paddlesports or an experienced paddler looking for people to get out on the water with, you'll find something for you at Maldon Canoe Club.
Browse our trips and events
Browse through our events calendar to see what we have going on.
Discover moreOur history
Maldon Canoe Club (formerly known as Maldon and Dengie Canoe Club) has been getting local adults and children on the water since 1980’s.
Initially the club started in the 80s and had strong ties with Essex Scouts and hosted the County Scout Canoe relay race from Chelmsford to Maldon, which was at one point the second largest kayak race in the country. The club folded in the late 90s along with the county canoe race.
In 2008 it was recognised that there was a need for a club in the Maldon and Dengie area following a conversation between local canoe coaches (Clive Marfleet & Chris Davies). Chris was aware of grants available for youth opportunities and with the aid of some of the teenagers at Burnham School, they gained a grant from Burnham council to start the club.
In 2020, due to the expansion of Maldon as a town and district, we felt that the club would benefit from a rebrand to Maldon Canoe Club. Our aims and core values still remain the same: Give local people the opportunity to experience the joys and thrills of Canoeing and kayaking, regardless of age, ability, income, race, or ethnicity.
Club overview
We are an extremely active canoe and kayaking club affiliated with the governing body British Canoeing, we are based in the Maldon district of Essex with pool sessions, river sessions and trips running throughout the year. The club meet regularly on Wednesday evenings in the summer months and also at our regular pool sessions that take place the last Saturday of each month at South Woodham Ferrers swimming pool. (see Trips & Events for specific details)
New members
Looking for a kayaking club in Essex? Maldon Canoe Club welcomes new members of all abilities, from complete beginners to experienced paddlers.
If you’re new to kayaking, don’t worry about coming along on your own. It’s unlikely you’ll be the only new starter at the session, and our friendly club members and coaches will be there to welcome you.
You’ll be introduced to one of our qualified coaches, who will help you learn the basics through a structured coaching session. You won’t simply be left to work things out for yourself, and we’ll help you build your skills and confidence at your own pace.
Our pool sessions are also a great way to meet other club members. Sessions are often followed by a trip to the pub, giving everyone a chance to socialise, get to know each other and find out more about the club.
Not got a boat or equipment? No worries, boats can be hired from the club.
(Please note: Club hire boats need to be booked 24hrs before a pool session or club paddle, so that we can reserve and transport one down to the location – Click on the button below to hire a club boat)
Maldon Canoe Club paddle trips
During the summer months, the club meets every Wednesday evening for a paddle at a pre-arranged location. Details of upcoming Wednesday evening paddles can be found in the Events calendar on our website or through the Events section of our Facebook group.
Our Wednesday paddles are suitable for a range of abilities and are a great way to get out on the water with other club members.
We also organise club trips throughout the year at locations across the UK. These range from relaxed touring and sea kayaking trips through to more challenging paddles for experienced members.
Whatever your experience or ability, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, develop your paddling skills and explore new places with Maldon Canoe Club.
Maldon Canoe Club is not a business or run for profit.
Maldon CC is a Club, made up of a group of like-minded individuals who enjoy paddling and want to share their passion and go paddling with others. The Membership fees pay for the club equipment and British Canoeing affiliation. The pool fees pay for the swimming pool hire.
All committee members are club members that volunteer their own free time to help with the smooth running of the club. They are all unpaid.
All coaches are club members that volunteer their own free time at club pool sessions, club trips and club training sessions. They are all unpaid. The club sometimes pays the fees for relevant training courses like welfare, safeguarding and child protection.
For all members and coaches, paddling is their hobby. They pay for their own additional British Canoeing training, safety courses and coaching updates for their own personal paddling improvement and donate this knowledge and their time to help other members.
Our areas of interest
Sea Kayaking
Given the close proximity to the sea and local estuaries of East Anglia, the club naturally has a strong focus on sea kayaking. Why not join us!
White Water
The club has always had a keen interest in white water, and with Lee Valley White Water Center on our doorstep there’s no excuse to not give it a go!
Touring
Touring offers something for everyone, regardless of age or ability. We are lucky to have some great local rivers, canals and estuaries ready for you to paddle.
Meet our coaches
Adrian Harding
Sheltered Water CoachAde has been paddling since 2010 and is a BCAB Level 3 Sheltered Water Coach and a PaddleUK Personal Performance Awards provider. Ade also has his 2 star Kayak and Canoe award and Sea kayak award. Ade enjoys Sea kayaking, White Water, Kayak surfing, and is a regular safety kayak at open water swimming events and triathlons.
Steve Hunter
Paddlesport Leader & InstructorSteve is a Paddlesport Instructor, Paddlesport Leader and is a PaddleUK Personal Performance Award provider. Steve started paddling as a Sea Scout in Maylandsea and competed in both Essex Winter Series Flat Water racing and K1 White Water Slalom.
Trevor Jones
Level 2 Coach & LeaderLevel 2 & 4 star white water
Trevor Jones is a level 2 coach and has been paddling since 1990 with the Scouts and a number of local clubs. He holds 4 star white water, 3 star award in open canoe, and also completed the 4 star sea training.
Del Clark
Sheltered Water CoachDel is a BCAB Level 3 Sheltered Water Coach and a PaddleUK Personal Performance Awards provider. ADel also has his 2 star Kayak and Canoe award Sea kayak award and White Water Safety Rescua award. Del has been paddling since 2010 and enjoys Sea kayaking, White Water, Kayak surfing, and is a regular safety kayak at open water swimming events and triathlons.
Clive Marfleet
Senior Level 3 Coach & LeaderLocal British Canoeing Canoe Organiser for Essex
Senior Coach level 3, 4 star sea, whitewater and open canoe
Has completed 5 star training Sea and White Water.
Clive has been canoeing for over forty years has canoed all types of craft, he currently owns Slalom, whitewater, sea kayaks and open canoes.
Reached division 1 in slalom k1 div 2 in slalom C1 and div 3 in C2 was previous member of Maylandsea Scouts (the original MAD canoe club) and lives in Heybridge
Clive used to manage leisure centres before setting up his own first aid company.
Rachel Cousins
Paddlesport LeaderRachel has been an enthusiastic member of Maldon Canoe Club since 2021, getting involved in a wide range of activities including sea kayaking, whitewater trips and surfing, as well as regular club training sessions.
In 2025, she gained her Paddlesport Leader qualification and now supports the club in delivering safe and enjoyable paddling experiences for members.
Rachel is passionate about making kayaking a safe, fun and inclusive sport for everyone. She also serves as the club’s Welfare Officer, helping to ensure all members feel supported both on and off the water.
Paul Rollings
Paddlesport Instructor & LeaderPaul has completed his Paddlesport Leader, FSRT and First Aid. His main interest is touring, but enjoy Paul enjoys all forms of Paddlesports including stand up paddle board.
Matthew “Mags” Cousins
Paddlesport LeaderMags has been paddling since the age of 10, first getting on the water with family and through Scouts. After a break from the sport, he returned in 2008, exploring sheltered estuaries and canals in an open canoe, along with guided sea kayaking trips around Scotland.
Since joining Maldon Canoe Club in 2021, Mags has continued to develop his skills across a range of disciplines, including white water and sea kayaking, as well as sheltered coastal paddling.
In 2025, he achieved his Paddlesport Leader qualification, supporting others on the water and helping them build confidence and skills in a safe and enjoyable environment.
Robert Wilson
Level 1 CoachRob has achieved many years of whitewater and sea paddling experience, paddling locally and aboard including the Zambezi. Rob is very approachable and supportive. He is a level 1 coach and holds the 3-star whitewater / Touring Canoe/Kayak awards. Rob has also completed his 4-star training. WWSR & FRST. He was a national canoe polo player and completed in 2015 one of the longest canoe races in the world – 125miles Devizes to Westminster.
Clint Gaydon
Level 1 CoachClint has been paddling since 1999 holds his 3 star in white water often joins Chris and Clive on the Wales trips recently purchased an open canoe and has also tried sea canoeing Clint has been an active member of the club since 2008 attended the camps and has helped at most of the Blackwater shows and pool sessions. Clint has also completed his 4 star touring leadership training and white water safety and training.
