Adventure Group – Kayaking 2023
By popular demand, the Adventure Group will be going kayaking again. This time we plan to go sea kayaking from Teignmouth. However, if the sea conditions are not calm on the day we will go on the River Dart at Totnes instead.
Please note, if you sign up for this adventure, it will be assumed that you are happy to go kayaking in either location.
Here is everything that you need to know:
| Nature of activity | Following appropriate beginner level instruction, we will be kayaking either on the sea or on the River Dart. The trip will involve up to an hour’s paddling each way with a break at the mid point. | |
| Name of u3a organiser and organiser’s contact details | Carolyn Hartley, email via: enquiries@u3a.dawlish.info | |
| Kayaking from Teignmouth OR | Kayaking from Totnes | |
| Location of activity | Paddle Devon Teignmouth The Promenade Teigmouth TQ14 8BB What3Words address: ///swimsuits.emphasis.axed |
Paddle Devon Totnes Long Marsh Car Park Steamer Quay Road Totnes TQ9 5AL What3Words address: ///rave.rainbow.changing |
| Meeting point | Paddle Devon can be found north of the pier and opposite Halulu Bar. | Long Marsh Car Park (address above). The kayaks will be visible as you enter the car park. |
| Public transport and car parking facilities | There are a number of car parks in Teignmouth, the nearest to our meeting point is probably Brunswick Street car park.
Teignmouth is easily reached by train or bus from Dawlish. |
Long Marsh car park is a long stay car park and is ideal for those travelling by car.
The car park is just over one mile from Totnes railway station and about half a mile from the bus stop opposite the Seven Stars Hotel. If you travel by bus you will have to change at Newton Abbot. |
| Date and start time | 15th September; 1:30pm start.
Please aim to arrive at the meeting point about 15 mins before this. |
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| Duration | Two hours | |
| Cost, including deposit required | £20 to £25, depending on numbers (this will be confirmed on booking) | |
| Cost includes | Hire of kayak or canoe, buoyancy aid and dry bag; kayaking instruction; and guided paddle along the sea or river. | |
| Deadline for commitment | £10 deposit per person to be paid to Dawlish and District u3a Treasurer by Monday 4th September..
Bank details are as follows: Name of bank: NatWest |
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| Deadline for payment in full | Balance to be paid to the u3a Treasurer by Monday 11th September (or if you prefer, you may pay the full amount to the Treasurer by Monday 4th September). | |
| Cancellation policy | Full refund for cancellation up to 11th September; loss of deposit thereafter (or deposit may be transferred to another booking with Paddle Devon). | |
| Procedure for notifying group if provider cancels | In the event of cancellation Carolyn will send an email to all those who have booked and update the details on the website. Please check the website on the morning of the activity in case of last minute cancellation. | |
| Level of fitness required or any particular skills (you must satisfy yourself that you are physically able to participate in the activity). | Paddle Devon require that all hirers should be able to swim at least 25 metres.
You will be expected to climb in and out the kayak, lift it out of the water and carry it a short distance (with help). If on the day you are unable to cope with a kayak, it may be possible to switch to a more easily accessed canoe. |
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| Personal medical conditions | If you have any medical conditions that might affect your ability to paddle then you should declare this to Paddle Devon on arrival. | |
| COVID-19 | If you are experiencing any symptoms of COVID please let us know then stay at home and look after yourself. | |
| Disclaimer | Please note that whilst the u3a organisers are concerned for everyone’s welfare, by taking part in this activity you should recognise that your safety is your own responsibility. | |
| Appropriate clothing and footwear | You should wear clothes appropriate for the weather and, ideally, waterproof outerwear and quick drying tops and trousers. It is unlikely that you will fall in but it is extremely likely that you will get wet. Please note that there are no changing facilities in either location so you should arrive in the clothes you plan to kayak in.
Footwear should have non slip soles. Water shoes or old trainers are recommended due to the rocks and possible weaver fish! |
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| Toilet / refreshment facilities | There are no on site facilities in either place but there are public toilets and a cafe within a short walk of both locations.
The plan is to stop for a refreshment break at or around the mid point of the kayaking trip. If you wish to take a drink or snack please feel free to do so. (It may not be possible to purchase refreshments at that point.) |
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| Risk assessment | A risk assessment has been conducted for this activity. It is recommended that you read this. Please find it here. |
Any questions? Just get in touch via email: enquiries@u3a.dawlish.info.
Last updated 01/09/23