Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council Health and Recreation Department
Paddlesports – Steer Your Own Course
Experiencing the scenic Craigavon City Park from the water is an exciting and fun activity, and South Lake Watersports Centre offers perfect sheltered water for you to learn and practice your skills. We also run courses at Kinnego Marina, Loughgall Country Park and organise a variety of local and further afield paddle trips. With a wide range of kayak, canoe and stand up paddleboard experiences, we cater for beginners right up to those wishing to learn advanced skills for paddling on moving water. Our coaches are all BCU/CANI qualified and they will ensure you have a safe and fun experience.
Paddlesports are an excellent way to make new friends while enjoying being outdoors. Not to mention the great health benefits of improved cardiovascular fitness, increased muscle strength, particularly in the back, arms, shoulders and chest, from moving the paddle, and increased torso and leg strength [the strength to power a canoe or kayak comes mainly from rotating the torso and applying pressure with your legs].
HIRES, CLUB & PUBLIC PADDLE TRIPS
Don’t miss the opportunity for our qualified BCU/CANI Instructors to steer you in the right direction with our 2 hour ‘Learn to Kayak’ and ‘Learn to Canoe’ courses on the beautiful Craigavon lakes. Suitable for beginners who are interested in taking up the sport of kayaking or gaining some experience before joining a local club.
Upcoming Courses
Dates: 21 April | 29 June
Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Age: 14 years+
Cost: £32pp
Suitable for total beginner or intermediate SUP paddlers, our Learn to SUP course will take your skills to a new level. During your two hours on the water, our BC/CANI trained coaches will take you through the basics and will look at the key elements of effective and efficient SUP paddling, tuition covering everything from launch to rescue techniques and making this valuable learning for aspiring and intermediate SUP paddlers.
Upcoming Courses
Dates: 21 April | 19 May | 29 June
Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm
Age: 12+ years
Cost: £32pp
Please turn up 20 minutes before session start time. We supply wetsuits, buoyancy aids and all equipment but you will need towel, toiletries, swim suit, water shoes or spare pair of trainers and any medication you may require. Extensive changing facilities are available at South Lake Leisure Centre. If you already have your own equipment, please bring along and suitability can be assessed.
If you’re a new or novice paddler and want to raise your awareness of paddling safely, then the Paddle Safer course and award is for you! It will help you develop a better understanding of how to be safe when taking to the water.
During this award, your instructor will work with you to develop your knowledge around equipment and environmental factors, as well as practical rescues, giving you confidence on the water.
What is the Paddle Safer Award?
The Paddle Safer Award is exactly what it says on the tin. This practical course gives you top tips and considerations to support you to paddle safer. Over the two hours, you will learn how to choose appropriate equipment. You will also develop an understanding of the factors which affect your paddling, such as the environment.
During the session, you will develop your knowledge, experience and ability to plan your paddles and trips. It will highlight what to expect and look out for, based on the places you paddle.
You will practice a range of rescue techniques, and learn how to support each other and explore possible solutions to common mishaps.
Who is Paddle Safer for?
It is for anyone of any age who wants to develop their awareness and skills on the water. You don’t need any previous experience to take your Paddle Safer Award, just the desire for fun and learning! You can use any craft, including kayaks, canoes, stand up paddleboards, sit on tops and inflatables.
What is covered in the Paddle Safer Award?
1. Clothing and equipment information, it covers everything you need to know to physically get yourself on the water, covering all the types of equipment you’ll need, as well as any additional safety equipment you could consider.
2. The paddling environment, you will discuss and observe the sheltered water environment, based on the places you usually paddle, as well as what to look out for with the changing weather forecast.
3. Learn to plan your journey, with top tips around what to expect and look out for, considering your experience and ability.
4. The fun bit, practicing your rescues, you’ll learn about how to stay safe and make the most out of your paddling session, providing practical solutions if you get into difficulty, how to support each other and call for help.
Our Family Learn to Kayak sessions are designed to get the whole family on the water. Using Tandem Sit On Top Kayaks, an adult paddles a kayak along with a child age 6 +, or an older sibling age 14+ pairs with a child age 6+. With the purchase of multiple Kayaks even the largest of families can be catered for. Our BCU/CANI Coach’s will ensure a fun-filled learning experience for all in the scenic sheltered water environment of South Lake.
A fun-filled day trying every type of paddlesport available awaits at South Lake Watersports, Craigavon. For those aged 8-14 years, this could be the start of a new hobby in paddlesports, developing skills in canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding and gaining a BCU/CANI recognised qualification in the process. Lunch is included in the price from the awesome Café’IncredABLE at South Lake.
Date: Sun 5 May | Sun 18 May
Time: 10am – 3.30pm
Cost: £25pp (lunch included)
Learn to Tandem Kayak with your nearest and dearest and take a journey round the scenic South Lake under the guidance of one of our BCU/CANI qualified coaches. A fun-filled learning experience awaits and perhaps the start of many paddles together.
6 boats available each session
2 hour session
£32 per boat
A unique watersport fitness class that will have you docked to an anchored station with your instructor and your paddleboard. Suitable for all ages & abilities.
Create a strong core. Improve co-ordination and concentration. Increase balance and strength.
Improve stamina and release tension. Combine this with Paddleboarding and what do you have? Pilates on the Lake……Power on the water with control!
Schools multi-activity packages are available at South Lake Watersports and schools can choose a four-hour activity package incorporating:
- Sailing
- Kayaking/canoeing
- Cycling
- Archery
Start Award: We know it can be intimidating taking your first step into a new hobby, but there’s nothing to worry about this will be fun!
Discover Award: This will help you develop a better understanding of the fundamentals of paddling.
The fun does not stop there, we also offer the Explore Award and discipline specific Personal Performance Awards in Canoe, Touring and White Water.
South Lake Watersports can offer your school the opportunity to achieve kayak and canoe qualifications, as part of their G.C.S.E PE or Duke of Edinburgh awards.
Sessions can be booked by contacting the Centre.
South Lake Watersports can offer small group and one-to-one tuition in kayak, canoe and stand-up paddleboards. All equipment is provided and the training is delivered by a qualified BCU/CANI coach. A private lesson costs £100 for a two-hour session and can be booked by contacting the Centre. Private lessons can be taken on a one to one basis or maximum of eight paddlers working on specific topics to suit individual or group needs.
Our Pay & Play sessions allow you to hire canadian canoes or sit-on-top single or tandem kayaks and explore Craigavon Lakes from the water. The tandem boats enable us to take both young and old, experienced or not, on an adventure the whole family can enjoy and share.
These hire sessions are FREE to getactiveabc Single, Family, Corporate or Health & Wellbeing members. Membership options hire
To hire equipment please book via the link below
Please see prices at the bottom of this page.
The hire price includes wetsuits and buoyancy aids but you will need towel, toiletries, swim suit, water shoes or spare pair of trainers. Extensive changing facilities are available at South Lake Leisure Centre.
Check out our range of activities and combine a paddlesport session with an additional water or land-based activity session. Our bicycle hire facility is open daily so why not challenge yourself with our 10k mountain bike trail, pump track or take things at a gentler pace on the family friendly tarmac 5k path
For any further queries: T. 0330 056 4411 or e. v.uk.
MAY 2024 HIRE DATES
- Every Tues & Wed evening throughout May
- Sat 11 | 18 | 25 May
- Sun 5 | 12 | 19 | 26 May
INFORMATION
Families, friends or small groups, of all ages, abilities and experience, are welcome. Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult, with no more than two children per adult.
All crafts must be launched from the designated area on the slip way. You will need to bring a towel, swimming costume or swim shorts, pair of lace up trainers you don’t mind getting wet, waterproof sunblock and a hair band to tie back long hair. The Centre will provide wetsuits, waterproof tops, buoyancy aids and helmets.
You need to be able to swim and are advised to take a mobile phone with you whilst out on the water.
All hire rates are subject to availability so it’s advisable to book in advance and activities are weather permitting
The best availability for equipment hire is on Sunday. However, equipment is available on weekdays by prior arrangement.
Our bicycle hire facility is available throughout the week and must be booked in advance. Helmets are issued with the bikes and should be worn at all times. A deposit of a credit card or car keys will be asked for and will be returned when the equipment is returned.
You can choose from:
Mountain bikes | Touring bikes | Tandems | Trikes | Piggy back trikes | A buggy for towing small children.
Cafe Incredable at South Lake Leisure Centre is open seven days a week and has an extensive menu to keep you energised. Showering and changing facilities are available in the centre.
RULES OF PLAY
Users must stay together, minimum 2 people at all times
Users must remain in the craft at all times
Users must not take on additional passengers
Users must not remove buoyancy aid
Users must stay within the designated areas
Users must return all equipment issued to them after your session
Users must return to the centre at the allocated time
Do not cross main lake if powerboats are out
There must be one adult per 2 children to participate
What’s Sup? Stand-up padddleboading is an outdoor water sport activity in which a rider stands up on a large board and uses a paddle to move through the water. This low impact activity helps build balance, reduces stress levels, boosts cardiovascular health and gives you the optimal environmental experience on South Lake.
Most SUPs are 10 – 11 feet but South Lake Watersports has a mammoth 18 foot board that will hold all your passengers! Used for up to 10 people, this Aqua Marina board is built for families and groups to travel together- TEAMWORK! Get ready to never adventure alone again at our ‘Pay & Play’ sessions!
These hire sessions are FREE to getactiveabc Single, Family, Corporate or Health & Wellbeing members. Membership options hire
To hire equipment please book via the link below
Please see prices at the bottom of this page.
The hire price includes wetsuits and buoyancy aids but you will need towel, toiletries, swim suit, water shoes or spare pair of trainers. Extensive changing facilities are available at South Lake Leisure Centre.
For any further queries: T. 0330 056 4411 or e. v.uk.
MAY 2024 HIRE DATES
- Every Tues & Wed evening throughout May
- Sat 11 | 18 | 25 May
- Sun 5 | 12 | 19 | 26 May
INFORMATION
Families, friends or small groups, of all ages, abilities and experience, are welcome. Children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult, with no more than two children per adult.
All crafts must be launched from the designated area on the slip way. You will need to bring a towel, swimming costume or swim shorts, pair of lace up trainers you don’t mind getting wet, waterproof sunblock and a hair band to tie back long hair. The Centre will provide wetsuits, waterproof tops, buoyancy aids and helmets.
You need to be able to swim and are advised to take a mobile phone with you whilst out on the water.
All hire rates are subject to availability so it’s advisable to book in advance and activities are weather permitting
The best availability for equipment hire is on Sunday. However, equipment is available on weekdays by prior arrangement.
Cafe Incredable at South Lake Leisure Centre is open seven days a week and has an extensive menu to keep you energised. Showering and changing facilities are available in the Centre.
RULES OF PLAY
Users must stay together, minimum 2 people at all times
Users must remain in the craft at all times
Users must not take on additional passengers
Users must not remove buoyancy aid
Users must stay within the designated areas
Users must return all equipment issued to them after your session
Users must return to the centre at the allocated time
Do not cross main lake if powerboats are out
There must be one adult per 2 children to participate
Take a journey along one of our local waterways enjoying the river and wildlife on view. Expertly guided by our BCU/CANI recognised River Leaders, stopping for lunch mid-paddle to stretch the legs before resuming the journey. No experience is necessary as full instruction will be offered on the day.
We ask for a ratio of 1 adult to 2 children age 6+.
Each raft can hold 8 individuals or 2 families of 4. We supply all equipment including buoyancy aids. We recommend you dress for outdoors and bring lunch or refreshments in waterproof bags (bin liner works well).
Please arrive at destination 20mins before start time. Once a place is secured online, book a buoyancy aid by emailing (state date location, adult or child, and estimated size.)
Book 1 ticket per family of 4 persons
Once you have mastered the basics, why not join our kayak club, meeting every Wednesday from 6pm-8pm between April and October. Indoor pool sessions are available by arrangement during winter months. The club offers a family friendly environment with opportunities to gain qualifications and paddle new locations throughout N.Ireland.
If you have no prior experience you must attend a Learn to Kayak or Canoe course before attending the Club. Once you have completed one of our Learn to sessions you will receive you BCU/CANI start award in either Canoe or Kayak this will enable the beginnings of the Skills for basic paddling techniques.
You are then encouraged to Join South Lake Paddlers our Paddlesport Club and undertake further qualifications. All Canoe and Kayak courses are run by British Canoe Union/Canoe Association Northern Ireland qualified Instructors. The Discover Award is an improvement award that helps develop fundamental Paddlesport skills in Canoe and Kayak. The emphasis is on gaining a breadth of experience, creating the desired movement of the boat and developing an understanding of how the paddle, boat and water interact. For provision of further awards and safety and rescue training, please chat to a member of the team.
INFORMATION ON CLUB SESSIONS - APRIL TO SEPTEMBER
WHERE & WHEN DOES THE KAYAKING CLUB MEET?
South Lake Watersports
Club sessions run every Wednesday evening from 6-8pm April- September
WHAT DOES THE CLUB OFFER?
The club offers members the opportunity to get out onto the water to practice their paddling skills under the supervision of one of the Centre’s qualified BCU/CANI Coaches and club volunteer instructors. The club is suitable for those aged 10 and above who have completed our Learn to Kayak or Canoe Adult or Junior courses, or those who have completed a BCU/CANI START award in the last 6 months.
DO I NEED MY OWN BOAT AND EQUIPMENT?
No, the club uses the Centre’s equipment i.e. boats, wet suits, cags and buoyancy aids etc. You will need to bring with you the following: swimsuit, old trainers you do not mind getting wet, towel and toiletries.
DOES THE CLUB OFFER MEMBERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN BCU QUALIFICATIONS?
The club offers members personal performance awards and safety and rescue certificates.
HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER?
Having completed our Introduction to Paddle sports Part 1 & 2 or having completed the BCU 1 Star or equivalent in the last 12 months you can fill in a membership form and join.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Daily session fee: £8.20 per adult, £6.20 per concession – Payable each week
DO I NEED TO BECOME A MEMBER TO GO PADDLING?
No, please see the Centre’s ‘Pay and Play’ activity here.
INFORMATION ON CLUB SESSIONS - OCTOBER TO MARCH
WHERE DOES THE KAYAKING CLUB MEET?
South Lake Leisure Centre
WHEN DOES THE KAYAK CLUB MEET
Club sessions run every Saturday from 2pm – 4pm (October -March)
WHAT DOES THE KAYAK CLUB OFFER?
The club offers members the opportunity to get out onto the water to practice their paddling skills under the supervision of one of the Centre’s qualified BCU/CANI Coaches and club volunteer instructors. The club is suitable for those aged 10 and above who have completed our Learn to Kayak or Canoe Adult or Junior courses, or those who have completed a BCU/CANI START award in the last 6 months.
DO I NEED MY OWN BOAT AND EQUIPMENT?
No, the club uses the Centre’s equipment i.e. boats, wet suits, cags and buoyancy aids etc. You will need to bring with you the following: swimsuit, shorts , t-shirt, old trainers you do not mind getting wet, towel and toiletries.
DOES THE CLUB OFFER MEMBERS THE OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN BCU QUALIFICATIONS?
The club offers members personal performance awards and safety and rescue certificates.
HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER?
Having completed our Introduction to Paddle sports Part 1 & 2 or having completed the BCU 1 Star or equivalent in the last 12 months you can fill in a membership form and join. To obtain your membership form call the Centre on 0330 0564 411.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Course fee: £40.00 per person – Each course will run for 5 weeks.
LEARN TO PADDLE DAYS & SESSIONS
Please turn up 20 minutes before session start time. We supply wetsuits, buoyancy aids and all equipment but you will need towel, toiletries, swim suit, water shoes or spare pair of trainers and any medication you may require. Extensive changing facilities are available at South Lake Leisure Centre. If you already have your own equipment, please bring along and suitability can be assessed.
For sessions not based at South Lake Watersports. Craigavon, please contact to submit your wetsuit and buoyancy aid size once you have booked online (state time and date booked). You will be expected to come beach ready as changing facilities or showers will be not available at other venues and we ask that public decency is adhered to at all times, changing robes are recommended. For the more hardy paddler, shorts and t-shirt will be acceptable but buoyancy aid and water shoes (old trainers) are compulsory.
PRICES
SINGLE KAYAK
£12.50 PER HOUR | £8.20 [CONC]
TANDEM KAYAK
£20.40 PER HOUR | £13.20 [CONC]
CANADIAN CANOE
£31 PER CRAFT | £20.50 [CONC]
PADDLE BOARD
£12.30 PER HOUR | £8.20 [CONC]
FAMILY BOARD
£31 PER HOUR | £20.50 [CONC]
PILATES/YOGA ON THE LAKE
£6.80 PER HOUR
EAT, SLEEP, PADDLE – REPEAT!
From a youth club trip to a hen and stag party, corporate team building away day to a memorable school trip, South Lake Watersports, Craigavon and Craigavon Golf & Ski Centre can tailor a group package to suit everyone. Choose between 2, 3 or 4 hour group activity sessions, playing together on the water and/or land!
All groups must have a minimum of ten participants or more to sign up for a session. Groups need to arrive 30 minutes before their session commences, allowing 30 minutes for changing and safety brief.
