Funds from the "Friends of Low Mill" have enabled us to purchase a fleet of modern white water kayaks, suitable for use on rivers. The Kayaks are single seated, closed cockpit, and using a double ended paddle rather than the double seated, open canoes using single ended paddles.

We have been using open canoes very successfully on Semerwater for many years, introducing novices and allowing groups with special needs to access paddle sport. To offer diversity and more progression we have introduced kayaking onto the programme. This is particularly targeting river paddling and white water progression skills. The kayaks will provide more of an individual skill challenge.

Local school groups who have worked through some of the British Canoe Union (BCU) paddle power awards in canoe will now be able to try kayaking, hopefully from this they may choose a form of canoeing or kayaking they like the best and look at joining a club to continue with their own journey of discovery.

Canoeing and kayaking have been identified as one of the "top sports" where Britain has done very well at the Olympics. Low Mill can help the path way for individuals to try new sports then build on progression whilst at school before letting them continue independently at local club level. Being in a canoe or kayak is also a great way to explore the beauty of the Dales from water level. It is an environmentally friendly way that also contributes to an individuals own physical health.

We are continuing to offer Canoeing and Kayaking on Semerwater and now with the support and assistance from local land owners, the option of local river sites are possible. This could be a part of a residential multi activity programme or as a specialised course. Local primary schools have completed British Canoe Union awards for starting paddle sports on our outreach project. A Local high school is kayaking as part of their Duke of Edinburgh award.

As a BCU approved centre Low Mill also runs courses for adults including coach training and assessments.
Low Mill has a professional team of coaches consisting of two level 2 coaches and three who hold the level 3 coach award, all over seen by the head of centre who is a BCU Level 5 coach.

Canoe and kayak really is a "sport for all".