Discover Touring
Touring in any form of craft allows the paddler to experience the wonders of our beautiful countryside, the majestic rivers that criss-cross this land from North to South, East to West. It’s also a great opportunity to see wildlife closeup and to experience that feeling of freedom in the outdoors.
Touring can be done in any canoe or kayak and for short or long periods at a time. For day trips, many paddlers will take a packed lunch with a drink so they can stop to soak up the surroundings. For the more adventurous an overnight camp or two may be on the agenda.
It must be understood that when paddling long distances, paddlers must use a comfortable boat that can take extra equipment. It is here that an open canoe becomes most useful.
For all our touring sessions we make sure that experienced and qualified coaches are on hand to lead and advise throughout the trips. Radios are used to keep in touch with paddlers, coaches, bank crew and other groups should the need arise.
Touring is suitable for all ages and abilities it is also a great opportunity for anyone between the ages of 14-25 to consider doing their Duke of Edinburgh Award Expedition in a canoe (more details about DofE on request).
Paddle locations
There are many rivers in this country that cater for all levels of experience and ability. In the East of England these rivers are predominately flat such as the Rivers; Chelmer, Stour, Waveney, Colne and Thames. As we go further West and North the rivers cover longer distances and drop several hundred metres from source to the sea.
Training / coaches
Maldon Canoe Club are fortunate to have a number of British Canoeing qualified coaches and award providers that are on hand to offer any support they can, so you can feel comfortable and progress your development in your chosen area of canoeing/kayaking.
We also offer safety training and first aid courses. (There are fees applied for most awards/courses, so please speak to one of our coaches, who will happily talk you through the details).
Touring awards
The Touring Awards are aimed at paddlers looking to develop their skills for a safe day out on the UK’s waterways.
These awards can be taken in a variety of craft.
Watch the video to find out more about British Canoeing Awards
Meet our coaches
Clive Marfleet
Level 3 Coach & LeaderLocal British Canoeing Canoe Organiser for Essex
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.
Chris Davies
Level 3 Coach & LeaderCoach level 3, 4 star touring training completed
Chris has been canoeing for over forty years has canoed all types of craft currently owns open canoes as well as sea and whitewater kayaks. Runs Duke of Edinburgh courses for schools
Chris also achieved Div 2 in Slalom k1 and used to paddle to work before he moved to Burnham.
Mike Robards
Level 2 CoachMike has been paddling since 1985 with Tiptree Scouts, he holds the 4 star in kayak and 3 star in open canoe. Mike organises the Blackwater Tour - the only trip allowed on the River Blackwater each year, but does prefer whitewater to the flat stuff (don’t we all?)
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.
Robert Wilson
Level 1 CoachRob is a Level 1 coach and holds the 3 star whitewater and 3 star touring canoe/kayak awards, Rob has also completed his 4 star touring training and FSRT. He is also a national Canoe Polo organiser and grade 3 ref. Robert completed Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race in 2015.
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.
Paul Vincent
Level 2 Coach & LeaderPaul is a level 2 Coach and also holds the 4 star sea award, recently joined the club and has his own open canoe, sea kayak and touring kayak.
Jeff Toser - Honorary member
Level 3 CoachJeff is the local British Canoeing Organiser for Norfolk
He has been canoeing for over 30 years has canoed all types of craft currently owns Slalom whitewater and Sea Kayaks.
Jeff reached division 3 in slalom k1 div 3in slalom C2 with Clive at the front end of this double. He was a previous member of Maylandsea Scouts the original MAD canoe club and now lives in Watton Norfolk.
Paul Rollings
Paddlesports instructorPaul has completed his Paddlesports instructor, FSRT and First Aid. His main interest is touring, but enjoy Paul enjoys all forms of Paddlesports including stand up paddle board.
Keith Schrivener - Honorary member
Honoree memberFounder member of the original MAD canoe club and was the Maylandsea Scout leader who started and ran the County Scout canoe race for many years.
Keith achieved div 3 in Slalom and has competed in many Triathlons
And canoe races and if its mad he’s up for it.
Check out our Touring gallery
