Welcome to our Club
At Horsham Canoe Club, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where our members can create unforgettable experiences.
Whether you're looking to enhance your paddling skills, connect with fellow enthusiasts, or simply enjoy the peace and beauty of the water, our club offers something for everyone.
Join us in our journey to embrace the excitement of paddling while building lasting friendships along the way. As a Community Amateur Sports Club, Horsham Canoe Club welcomes paddling enthusiasts of all abilities.
Whether you're an experienced kayaker or a beginner eager to explore the sport, we provide a friendly and supportive space for all. Situated at Southwater Country Park in Southwater, West Sussex, our club offers summer lake sessions and thrilling river adventures on various rivers, including the Arun, Medway, Thames, Nene, Dart, Dee, and Wye.
In the winter and autumn, we host weekend pool sessions where you can perfect vital kayaking skills like rolling and more.
Come join us at Horsham Canoe Club — your local destination for paddling and community.
The Club's Vision, Aims & Objectives
Our vision is to create a thriving, inclusive paddling community where people of all ages and abilities can discover the joy of being on the water. We aim to inspire a lifelong passion for kayaking, canoeing, and paddle sports, while promoting safety, skill development, and environmental responsibility.
Our Aims are you make paddling fun, accessible, and welcoming to everyone, from beginners trying the sport for the first time to experienced paddlers seeking new challenges.
Skills & Development – To provide quality coaching and training opportunities, helping members progress at their own pace and achieve recognised Paddle UK awards.
Adventure & Exploration – To organise trips, events, and expeditions on rivers, lakes, and coastal waters in the UK and abroad, encouraging members to explore new environments.
Community & Volunteering – To build a strong club community through teamwork, social activities, and encouraging members to volunteer and contribute to the growth of the club.
Sustainability & Responsibility – To protect and respect the waterways we paddle on, supporting initiatives such as the Big Paddle Cleanup and promoting environmentally responsible paddling.
Our Objectives are to maintain high standards of safety, equipment, and coaching in line with Paddle UK requirements.
Offer regular club sessions at Southwater Country Park, supported by qualified and experienced coaches.
Expand and update our fleet of kayaks, canoes, and paddling equipment to suit all ages and abilities.
Support members wishing to progress their coaching qualifications, strengthening the club’s future.
Build partnerships with local schools, organisations, and community groups to promote paddling.
Continue developing a family-friendly environment where everyone feels welcome, supported, and encouraged.
Paddle UK Affliated Club
Horsham Canoe Club, a proud member of Paddle UK, is based at the scenic Southwater Country Park in Southwater, West Sussex.
As a Paddle UK-affiliated club, it upholds the highest standards of safety, training, and environmental stewardship.
The club warmly welcomes paddlers of all abilities, from experienced kayakers to those just starting their paddling journey, providing a supportive and inclusive environment.
Horsham Canoe Club is committed to fostering a love for paddling in the local community while promoting responsible and enjoyable water sports.
Paddle UK Quality Club Accreditation
Horsham Canoe Club is proud to announce it has been awarded the prestigious Paddle UK Quality Club Accreditation. This recognition is part of Paddle UK’s initiative to celebrate and support over 50 clubs across England that consistently meet or exceed high standards in governance, safeguarding, and safety.
The award highlights Horsham Canoe Club's commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and well-managed environment for paddlers of all levels.
As a Quality Club, Horsham Canoe Club now benefits from enhanced visibility and support, underscoring its dedication to fostering excellence in paddlesport
Discover our activities
Since our founding in 1986, Horsham Canoe Club has served the sports and recreation needs of local individuals and families with pride. With both open water lake and indoor pool facilities, we are the prime destination for all abilities of paddlers
Our Mission
Horsham Canoe Club is dedicated to providing a welcoming environment for paddlers of all backgrounds. Our mission is to promote the joy of kayaking by offering opportunities for skill development, adventure, and camaraderie. We believe in fostering a community where everyone can explore the beauty of water sports in a safe and supportive setting.
Horsham Canoe Club is committed to making paddlesport accessible and inclusive for everyone. We welcome members of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, and provide a safe, supportive environment both on and off the water.
Our coaches follow best practice in equality and inclusion, ensuring that no one is excluded due to disability, gender, culture, or personal circumstances.
Where possible, we adapt sessions, equipment, and facilities to meet individual needs so that every paddler has the opportunity to enjoy and progress in the sport.
This includes offering a range of craft to suit different requirements—such as kayaks with larger cockpits, sit-on-top kayaks, open canoes and stand-up paddle boards.
The club also benefits from accessible facilities, including a large car park with designated disabled spaces, as well as toilets and changing rooms.
Lake sessions
Looking for a fun and active way to spend your Thursday evenings this summer? Join us at Southwater Country Park lake for our club nights from May to September! Our sessions include training, assessments, and games that cater to paddlers of all levels. Don't miss out on the excitement!
Club trips
Looking for an adventure on the water? Join our club and explore the beautiful West Sussex and beyond. We organize trips to the river Arun, Mole, Medway, Wye, Nene, as well as weekend getaways to stunning locations like the River Dart in Dartmoor and the river Tryweryn in Bala, North Wales. Come and experience the thrill of kayaking with us!
Pool sessions
Looking to improve your kayaking skills or learn something new during the winter months? Horsham Canoe Club offers pool sessions with experienced coaches to help you achieve your goals, whether it's taster session or mastering the art of rolling. Join us for a fun and educational experience on the water!
Paddle UK Training
Looking to start your paddling journey or expand your experience? Our Paddle UK Awards syllabus offers training and assessments to help you achieve your goals. Our basic safety training courses are perfect for members and beginners alike. Let us help you take the first step towards your paddling adventure.
Clear Access Clear Water
Horsham Canoe Club is delighted to support the Big Paddle Cleanup, an inspiring initiative by Clear Access Clear Waters.
This campaign encourages paddlers and waterway enthusiasts to actively combat pollution by collecting litter during paddling activities.
By participating, Horsham Canoe Club reinforces its commitment to preserving natural waterways and promoting environmental stewardship, ensuring cleaner and safer environments for both wildlife and future generations of paddlers.
Check our Events page to see when our next Paddler Clean Up takes place.
Club Amenities
Horsham Canoe Club provides a range of amenities to enhance your paddling experience. From well-maintained equipment to expert guidance, we ensure that your time on the water is both enjoyable and safe.