Paddle, Kayak, Row and Windsurf
Water sports are a great way of enjoying Arnside's outstanding marine environment. As well as sailing , the club offers kayaking, paddle boarding and canoeing.
Gift Vouchers
A gift voucher for a water sports lesson makes an ideal present. It could introduce your friend, child or relative to an activity they will do for the rest of their life. You can buy gift vouchers for lessons with Arnside Sailing Club below (click)
Use of Club Kayaks, Paddle Boards and Windsurf Rigs by Members
Club craft and equipment is available for use by competent members when not being used for training. Whilst Club craft and equipment is available for use by members, it is the member’s decision to take out club equipment on the day given weather, tidal and wind condition and currents, rather than the Club's. Arnside Sailing Club has no responsibility for any loss, damage, death or injury caused as a direct or indirect result of the use of the club equipment, including the failure of club equipment. Users of Club craft and equipment are responsible for checking that club craft and equipment is in safe working order before going out. Buoyancy Aids must be worn at all times, including at low tide.
You can read the full Terms and Conditions by clicking the link below.
Terms and Conditions for use of Club Craft and Equipment
Booking Club Craft and Equipment
For a link to the booking system contact commodore@arnsidesailingclub.org.uk
Kayaking and Paddle Boarding Tips
Only go out in conditions that you are competent to go out in. Conditions vary according to the weather, wind, amount of water coming down the river and tidal flows. Check the forecast before going out.
Beginners
The best time to go paddle boarding or canoeing is on a calm day at low tide, ideally with the sun shining. If you have not paddle boarded before we encourage you to take a lesson.
Low Tide
Beginners are restricted to the area between the Promenade and New Barns. Be more cautious if paddling with children.
Longer journeys are possible if you are experienced, but allow time to get back before the Bore. It is also possible to go up the wrong channel by mistake. The depth of water may be very shallow in places.
Familiarize yourself with tide times, so you are back at the Dinghy Park before the tide comes in.
If going out when the water is still flowing out after high tide, wait till currents have subsided before launching.
High Tide
Club paddle board should not be used at high tide.
Kayaks may be used by experienced canoeists in calm conditions at high tide. Keep within 50 metres of the Arnside shore. Wait till tidal currents have subsided before going out, watch out for the tide turning and return to the dinghy park before the outgoing tidal current increases. Whilst safety boat cover may be provided at high tide it is primarily for sailing. The safety boat may not be able to see you if you are in trouble.
Buoyancy Aids
Buoyancy Aids shown be worn at all times when canoeing or paddle boarding.
Leashes
Paddle board leashes should be attached to your waist at all times. After use attach the leash to the paddle board handle so it does not drag on the ground.
What to wear
In cooler conditions wear a wetsuit. On hot summers day, some combination of swimsuit, broad shorts, quick drying T shirt or rash vest and a cap to shield the sun. Wear sun cream in sunny weather. You can buy quick drying thermal or neoprene tops which are designed for paddle boarding. If windsurfing, wear a wetsuit.
Paddling with children
For children under 12 there should be one adult per child, between 12 and 16, two children per adult. Only go out with inexperienced children in calm conditions and if you are competent. If going out with a young child, have the child sat in front of you. Children (or adults) should not share boards.
Choose the right board size
Choose the right board for your height and weight. Do not overload a board if paddling with small children. You might need a bigger board than normal for your combined weight.
Learning
If you have not paddle boarded before we strongly advise you to take a lesson first. Start by kneeling on the board.
Check equipment before going out
Check that paddle boards are pumped up correctly, leashes and fins securely attached. On canoes check that bungs are in place.
On return clean the boards or kayaks. Attach paddle board leashes to the handle.
Kayak Trolleys
Kayak trolleys are available to help carry canoes down to the beach. When taking a kayak out of the water, it easier is to attach the trolley to the kayak on flat firm ground rather than on a muddy slope. It can be helpful to turn the kayak on its side to attach the trolley
Fisherman
Keep away from any fisherman. Their lines are longer than they look.
Rocks
Avoid rocks on the shore.
The Siren
There are two sirens warning of the incoming tide. The first is sounded about one hour before the tide comes in. When the first siren goes off start returning to the Dinghy Park. If you are still in the water when the second siren goes off proceed to the nearest bit of shore as quickly as possible.
The Bore
On no account must club canoes and paddle boards be used to surf The Bore
Currents
Do not go out when there are strong currents. Strong currents occur when the tide is coming in or out or where there is a lot of water in the river, after heavy rain
Weather
Do not go out in conditions which you are not competent to go out in, for example if the wind is very strong or the water quite choppy.
Beginners should not go out when wind speeds are higher than 12 nph. Club canoes and paddle boards should not be used in winds stronger than 18 mph. Check the forecast before going out.
Quicksand
If landing on a sandbank be aware of potential quicksand
Tide Times
Tide times are shown in the dinghy park booking system which members have access to. However, times vary according to conditions.
You can buy tide timetables for Barrow (add 20 minutes for Arnside). There are websites with tide times for Arnside. Some are more accurate than others. The Bore comes in about 1 hour before high tide. Some tide timetables give times in Greenwich Mean Time. You need to add one hour for British Summer Time.
