Disclosure - We were invited along to have an instructed session. Any thoughts, opinions and photographs are our own.
I'd like to say as a family we are quite adventurous and will always give something a go especially if it pushes us out of our comfort zone. I think nowadays we spend far too much in front of a screen whether it's working, gaming, using our phones so I am always aware of getting outside as much as possible. We are lucky that the boys love being outside especially Little J who is always up for an adventure. Whilst most of our adventures are on land this week Little J and John took to the water for an instructed canoeing session at Astbury Water Centre. It was meant to be for all three of us however my sea legs must have stayed at home so I happily watched from the side.
What To Expect At Astbury Water Sports Centre, Newcastle Rd, Congleton CW12 4HL
Astbury Water Sports Centre offers a wide variety of Water Sports activities including canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. Water activities can be instructed or you can hire your choice of boat and head on to the water at your own leisure and pace.
If like me, water isn't something you fancy then Astbury Water Sports Centre can offer land-based activities as it is based in Astbury Country Park with lots of space to offer orienteering, archery and survival skills.
Our Review Of An Instructed Canoeing Session
We arrived to find plenty of space to park at the centre right next to the check in desk. We were welcomed and explained what would happen over the next 1 hour. Once we were ready John and Little J got kitted out with buoyancy vests and paddles for the canoe and then headed to beach and then out onto the water.
Dan was their instructor and he showed them the best way to get into the canoe and put Little J at the front and John at the back. John would be in charge of steering the boat and Little J would be in charge of the main paddling work. This made sense when they got onto the water as steering wasn't as easy as it sounded and needed some backwards paddling at times.
Dan was brilliant at explaining to them what they would be doing and how to do it, and always demonstrated in the canoe next to them so they could see what he wanted them to do.
They sat first of all in the seats on the canoe and paddled out to the first buoy. This was pretty easy to do and they got there in no time. Next Dan showed them how to kneel down in the canoe to give more control and steadiness on the water. John said this seemed like a challenge at the time as you don't really trust the canoe and think it will tip you into the water, but they both managed it ok.
Dan was talking to Little J throughout and telling him that there would be a series of challenges to do on the water including a final challenge that he could either accept or decline - without knowing what it would be.
They paddled out to the next buoy and the next challenge - to stand up in the canoe and shift from left to right to make waves in the water. Dan showed how to get up in the canoe and how to shift from side to side. Both managed to do this with some shaky legs - and then they needed to canoe standing up to get to the next buoy. This was Johns favourite part as they had the canoe under control and moved really quickly through the water.
Next they played a game of Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes. This involved them doing the actions whilst standing and also having to jump up and down at certain points. I could hear them laughing and singing along and I had my camera ready just incase they decided to fall in.
Next was learning the 5 ways to splash. Dan showed Little J a series of ways to splash him with the paddle which Little J loved - yes he got absolutely soaked from the splashing, but soon turned this onto John and soaked him too. I could hear them laughing from the side - they enjoyed that part.
The next challenge was to get up and stand on the sides of the canoe, get balanced and then try to move from side to side. Little J didn't quite manage to get all the way up, but John managed to get up and stand on the edges of the canoe. He looked pretty pleased with himself before he worked out that he couldn't get back down and when Little J tipped the canoe a little, over he went into the water which made Little J laugh even more. I was gutted I missed it on camera however the memory is there in my head forever now and I haven't laughed so much. I think it was the confidence of him standing up which was brilliant but then I could see he was struggling to get down and over he went.
After John climbed back into the canoe they headed for the final challenge. Little J accepted and I think he already knew what was coming. This was for them both to sit opposite each other and lean as far back as they could to try and touch the water with their heads. Dan knew what he was doing here, and after a few goes of trying, John leaned too far and took both of them screaming into the water, flipping the canoe over at the same time. Dan was laughing too and his plan clearly paid off.
They both swam to the shore and got out of the water to head for the changing rooms and get dry. They both really enjoyed the time on the water and both thought Dan was brilliant in the time he took, the way he explained what they needed to do and the way he made Little J laugh all the way through.
For me seeing how confident they both were on the water was a real proud moment. The session looked fun and exciting and who knew you could have so much fun on a canoe.
Astbury Water Sports Centre Is Part Of Peak
Peak who offer education through adventure have 6 centres including
Audley Climbing Centre
Trafford Water Sports Centre
Trentham Treetop Adventures
Chasewater Activity Centre
and Underbank Activity Centre
Each centre offers a range of activities with something for everyone.
Opening Times and Prices
Weekends: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Bank Holidays: 9.00am – 5.00pm
School Holidays: 9.00am – 5.00pm
The leisure season runs from March to October however they are open for group bookings all year round.
Prices are based on each activity and could change at any time so please check the website for up to date prices.
Boat Hire: Starts from £10
Instructed Sessions: from £40
Paddle Club: £55 (6 week block)
Activity Club: £10 per session
Paddle Awards: £60
Holiday Adventure Club: £180
Courses: £150
Birthday Parties: from £150
Holiday Adventure Club
There is a Holiday Adventure Club based at Astbury Water Sports Centre offering children the chance to get on the water and also enjoy land based activities too. It runs from 8:30-5:30 and is designed for children aged 7-16.
There is one club left this year during October Half Term. It's priced at £180 for the week.
What's Near To Astbury Water Sports Centre?
Astbury Mere Country Park - on the doorstep of Astbury Water Sports Centre offering a visitor centre, cafe and a lovely walk around the mere.
Glebe Farm - Enjoy looking at Alpacas, Donkeys, Ponies, Goats and more, which are kept in the paddocks, fields and pens around the farm.
Little Moreton Hall - part of National Trust, Little Moreton Hall is a iconic Tudor Manor House with wonky angles and quirky character.
We can't wait to head back to Astbury Water Sports Centre for more fun on the water. Maybe I will give it a go next time after seeing how much fun it was... watch this space.
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Michelle
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