Learn to paddle

The Learn to Paddle program is for adults or families who are new to paddling or have not paddled flatwater kayaks before. People who have only paddled sea kayaks or plastic sit-on-tops should consider doing the course as flatwater kayaking needs extra skills and balance.

The aim is for participants to develop basic skills and confidence in touring kayaks (usually a TK1) to ensure safe, independent paddling.

To learn to paddle flatwater boats with us from the landing in Fairfield Park, participants need to:

• be able to swim 50 metres and be comfortable in deep water when you capsize
• have a reasonable level of cardiovascular fitness, strength, balance, and agility as you need to carry a boat (12+ kg) up/down stairs from the clubhouse to the river, and in particular
• in order to get in and out of a boat, you need be flexible enough and have sufficient leg strength to comfortably squat down and stand up from the ground using your hands only to steady yourself.

Learn to Paddle – Group course 

The group-based program (usually with 8 people) is conducted under the supervision of two Level 1 qualified coaches, with all equipment provided and consists of three two-hour sessions held over consecutive weeks. The cost of the course is $125. Please note that the fee is non-transferable and non-refundable.

Courses are generally run on weekends, although we can offer weekday courses if there is sufficient demand. Please check the dates to ensure you are available for all 3 sessions as catch-up sessions are not available.

During the warmer months, courses start every few weeks providing we have enough people. If there are not enough people to start a course, we will contact you and make other arrangements.

Although a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) will be worn at all times during the course, participants should be able to swim 25 metres and be comfortable in deep water. If you cannot swim, please do not register for a course, but contact the club for more information.

Children (over 10 years) can learn to paddle by participating in our Junior Program.

Learn to Paddle – Private lessons 

If the available group courses do not suit you, or you prefer to learn with a private coach, a private course is also available.

Lessons are conducted under the supervision of a Level 1 qualified coach, with all equipment provided. It consists of three (3) lessons  (one 2-hour session and two 1.5-hour sessions, at a time agreed between you and your coach. The cost for a private course is $200 for an individual and $325 for two participants. Please note that the fee is non-transferable and non-refundable.

Once you have booked, you will be contacted by the Program Manager or coach, to discuss and arrange your session dates and times.

What’s next?

Looking to improve, but not quite comfortable enough to go out on your own? 

What about our Beyond Beginner course?

Beyond Beginners is a continuation program designed for participants who have already completed the INCC 3-session Learn to Paddle course, but are not confident enough to paddle independently or unsure about joining the club.

This program provides an additional 2 lessons (min 1 hour each) with a Level 1 qualified coach.  The scheduling of the session will be flexible to suit the needs of the participants.  The cost for the course is $100.

To be eligible, you must have completed the Learn-to-Paddle course in the last 12 months. Bookings are required (please note that the fee is non-transferable and non-refundable).

If you have questions, send us a message

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Learn-to-paddle course

INCC Yarra Paddlers schedule courses during the warmer months in response to demand. If a scheduled course does not receive sufficient bookings, participants will be offered alternative dates or a refund.

Course optionsGroup coursePrivate course for onePrivate course for twoWaiting list for group course

Available coursesPlease select16, 23, 24 March @ 12pm

Preferred day/time

Health and safety

All bookings must include declarations and health information relevant to safe participation

Basic fitness & strength *

• I can confidently swim 25 metres
• I can safely lift 15 kgs
• I can walk up/down stairs with ease

Medical conditions *

• I have no medical conditions
• My medical condition(s) are well managed and will not affect my participation

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• Can confidently swim 25 metres
• Can safely lift 15 kgs
• Can walk up/down stairs with ease

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• Has no medical conditions
• Medical condition(s) are well managed and will not affect participation

Please provide details of the second person's medical conditions and how they manage them

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Please state which day(s) and time(s) would suitable for the first session. Subsequent sessions can be arranged directly with the coach.

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