Membership
Trentham Canoe Club is open to everyone aged 8 and above—and there’s no upper age limit!
We’re a volunteer-run club made up of paddlers just like you, creating a welcoming, inclusive, and fun space to learn and enjoy a variety of paddle sports on the beautiful lake at Trentham Gardens. Throughout the year, we also organise trips and activities at different locations to keep the adventure going.
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What’s included with membership?
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Access to any of our club sessions, where you can head out on the water with an instructor in your chosen boat.
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Once you’ve reached the required competency, you’ll also be able to paddle independently during club sessions.
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Full use of all the equipment you need, including buoyancy aids, boats, paddles, and waterproofs—everything to help you enjoy the water safely and comfortably.
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What You Need to Bring
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A spare set of clothes, including underwear (you may get very wet)
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Shoes you don't mind getting wet (Crocs, aqua shoes, or trainers you’re happy to get wet)
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Sports clothes, such as leggings (for colder weather) or swim shorts (for summer)
Parents of Paddlers
If you are signing up your child, you must remain onsite for the duration of the activity. You’ll be expected to assist your child with preparing their boat and safety gear, as well as helping them launch and retrieve their boat from the water.
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​​Membership FAQ >
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How to get involved
The best way for you to get involved with the club is to pop down for a taster session. We normally run tasters alongside our general paddle sessions which are Sunday mornings (9.30am) all year round and also on Monday evenings (6pm) during the spring and summer months, and it costs £10. No previous experience is needed, just a willingness to give it a go, Please note pre booking is required for taster sessions to ensure we give you the best opportunity, so hit the contact button below and contact us today.
We aim to make the club as accessible as possible, that is why we have a set membership fee that covers you for all sessions, including use of equipment. Your membership fee goes towards the lake lease, running of the clubhouse and maintaining/purchasing of kit and equipment for the club.
2024/25 Pricelist
Adult/Junior Membership* - £144 (£12 a month)
Coach Membership - £40
Paddle-Ability Membership** - £90
Associate Member*** - £10
Boat Storage - £40
Taster Session - £10
* Discount available for additional family members
** Only able to attend the Wednesday Paddle-Ability session
*** Voting member but no access to equipment or lake
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We pride ourselves in actively taking part in some of British Canoeing's inclusivity programmes. The two main ones are Paddle-Ability and #ShePaddles, Paddle-Ability is about promoting paddle sports for those that have additional needs, #ShePaddles is all about promoting paddle sports among females. For more information on either of these programmes please click either of the images below.
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Membership FAQ
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Q. Can I turn up anytime and use my boat on the lake?
A. No, membership only allows access to the lake during club sessions.
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Q. Do I need to have had experience paddling before?
A. Not at all, we welcome total beginners.
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Q. Can I bring my own boat?
A. Yes, if you already have a suitable boat, you can bring it along to use during a club session. You may also be able to store your boat if there is space available.
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Q. Can I access Trentham Gardens while at the club?
A. You will need to be a member of Trentham Gardens to access the gardens.
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Q. Can I just hire a boat for the day?
A. We're not a centre who sell one off sessions, rent boats out by the hour, or offer self launch facilities, there are plenty of places that do and you can search for them here https://gopaddling.info
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