Canoe club’s invitation to youth

Lanarkshire paddle club, Eastwood and East Kilbride Canoe Club, which meets in Hamilton, has taken the bold step of designing its own literature in a bid to attract youngsters.

The club, which trains at Hamilton Water Palace during the winter and Strathclyde Park Watersports Centre during the spring and summer, is very active all year round and has a strong male and female membership ranging in ages from 8 to 68, from across the county.

EEKCC organises whitewater river trips, sea trips, slalom sessions at Glasgow’s Pinkston Centre, paddle-camping trips and canoe trips.

The club offers newcomers free use of club kit at both its outdoor and indoor sessions, where its experienced Ukcc-qualified coaches provide free coaching to all, although there is a minimum age of eight years old.

Club secretary Neil Bennett said: “We are a healthy and active club and are always looking to bring newcomers into the club.

“We are indoors at Hamilton Water Palace in autumn and winter and outdoors at Strathclyde Park in spring and summer, for our Friday night sessions.

“So, at this time of year, the best way to come and give kayaking a try is to come to Strathclyde Park at 7pm any Friday throughout the summer.

“We’ll get any newcomers on the water, with free club kit, and get their coaching started.”

The club welcomes kayakers and canoeists of all abilities. For more email ask@eekcc.com