 We are an active and family orientated canoe club based on the River Calder in Sowerby Bridge, Halifax. Club paddlers can often be seen playing on the white water course at the club. We run regular activities throughout the year for all levels of abilities including courses for beginners through to three and four star awards, plus coaching on both flat and white water at the club. In the winter we run pool sessions, again for both complete beginners and the more advanced wanting to learn or perfect rolling. The club also runs regular day and weekend trips to paddle other rivers, go surfing or participate in events. Weekend trips include family trips and paddling Canadian Canoes at Ullswater in the Lake District, or surfing at Anglesey.  River trip range from easy white water rivers through to grade 3 and 4 trips both within the region and further afield. We also run three national ranking slalom competitions each year at the club and a Wavehopper Wild Water Race. Paddlers from the club also compete at slaloms events across the country. Who is the club for? We do not have any age restriction, but you must be able to swim 50 metres in canoeing clothing or, if disabled, be happy to go underwater. Young people need the permission of their parents or guardians to participate and join the club. Parents must also be available to take and collect younger members to and from sessions and events, but we encourage all family to get involved and have a go! We are mainly a recreational club with the focus being on fun, having a go and learning new skills. We encourage paddlers to try out the various aspects of paddlesport including competitive disciplines. We hold three national ranking slalom competitions each year. Where do we meet? We are based in a former Mill building in the centre of Sowerby Bridge, Halifax – right by County Bridge. Within the Mill complex we have changing rooms and equipment storage. We have access on to the River Calder, with a stretch of flat that is ideal for beginners and brushing up on flat water skills. We also have a stretch of grade 2/3 white water beside the club that was created for slalom competition, but is now also used for introducing people to white water and playboating in the drops. We In the winter we are based in Elland Pool, although club members regularly paddle on the river under floodlights. If you have not been canoeing before, we prefer you to attend one of our pool sessions or a beginner’s course where one of our qualified coaches will run through the basics with you.  What does the club have to offer? The club offers training from beginners through to becoming a capable white water paddler. We offer structured training sessions, with the opportunity to improve your skills and gain BCU star awards. For younger paddlers we offer structured training and a coached Tigersharks group - which teaches good paddling technique and encourages youngsters to try out a variety of different paddlesport activities.  Halifax Canoe Club is affiliated to the BCU and has been awarded Top Community Club and Sport England's Club Mark awards (accredited April 2004). For more information, please visit our club website http://www.halifaxcanoe.org.uk/
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