Open Canoeing on the River Thames in Caversham, Reading

Open canoeing uses the wide, stable Canadian-style canoe paddled with a single-bladed paddle, usually in pairs or small crews. At Neptune, teenagers learn the strokes that steer and propel an open boat, from the J-stroke and draw to bow rudders, then put them together to journey along the Thames. It is the discipline that teaches genuine boat control and the satisfaction of covering real distance under your own power.

Progress is mapped against the British Canoeing Paddle Power and Paddle Start, Discover and Explore awards, giving young people clear goals and recognised qualifications. Beginners are welcome and no experience is required. Canoes, paddles, buoyancy aids and wetsuits are all supplied, and every session is led by DBS-checked volunteer instructors working to Scout Association safeguarding standards with safety boats on hand.

Open canoeing is ideal for teenagers who like working as a team and enjoy the calm, expedition feel of paddling a stretch of river. We draw members from Reading, Caversham and across Berkshire to our base at Wychotes, The Warren. Sessions run on Thursday evenings, 19:30 to 21:30, and the first two weeks are free before membership settles at £22 a month.