White Water
The thrill of running a rapid, riding a wave train or sending a waterfall makes white water paddling addictive...
Anyone who is confident paddling their chosen craft in a controlled way on flat water can give white water a go.
From navigating gentle grade 2 rapids and wave trains, to surfing holes and sending waterfalls, white water paddling offers challenges and thrills for all skill levels.
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UHCC members regularly paddle at our local weir in Southampton as well as travelling further afield to paddle rivers and white water courses. We organise trips and coaching to introduce beginners to the discipline as well as providing for more experienced paddlers.
Want to try paddling white water?
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White water paddling is very popular within the club and we are always keen to help beginners give it a try and learn new skills.
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We run club trips suitable for beginners throughout the year, but mainly during the rainier months (October to March), when the water levels in UK rivers are high enough. On these trips we organise coaching (either from club coaches or professional providers) for beginners, as well as coaching or leading for intermediate paddlers who are looking to build their confidence in the environment, learn new skills or perhaps are returning to the sport after a break from paddling and would like to refresh their training.
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We always try to respond to the needs and desires of our members so if you are confident on flat water and interested in giving white water a go then let us know and we can discuss how to help you take the next step!
For up to date information about trips see the club calendar and monthly blog. All upcoming club trips are advertised by email. If you are interested in organising a club trip then please get in touch with us!
Upcoming White Water Trips
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14-16 February 2025 - River Usk
The traditional South Wales club trip. We have booked the Penstar bunkhouse again, with the aim to paddle sections of the River Usk. A trip for those at Explorer and Award wanting to develop their skills or for peer paddling.
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8-9 March 2025 - River Dart
We have this as the Paddlers Party at River Dart Country Park. There will be an opportunity for leading and coaching or for Peer paddling on the South-West classic. People to organise their own accommodation.​
9-11 May 2025 - WWS&R and WW Development, North Wales
Based at the Tryweryn Centre in North Wales. There will be six places for those wanting to complete White Water Safety and Rescue training (WWS&R). There will be an opportunity for others to paddle the white water course to develop their skills.
26-28 September 2025 - Symonds Yat
Stay at a castle and paddle the famous introductory rapids of the Yat or take a tour of the Wye.
4-5 October 2025 - WWS&R and WW Development, North Wales
Based at the Tryweryn Centre in North Wales. There will be six places for those wanting to complete White Water Safety and Rescue training (WWS&R). There will be an opportunity for others to paddle the white water course to develop their skills.
17-19 October 2025 - White Water Trip
Destination to be decided.
14-16 November 2025 - River Dart
Regular November club Dart trip. There will be an opportunity for leading and coaching or for Peer paddling on the South-West classic. People to organise their own accommodation.
5-7 December 2025 - Finlake
The classic peer trip down to the Dart and staying at the Finlake caravan park. This trip has previously been for coaches and leaders to focus on their own skills. With the right numbers, we can open this trip to the whole club.
Safety & White Water Paddling
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Safety and rescue training specific to the white water environment is recommended whatever your paddling ability. It is a particularly good way for beginners to build their confidence (on and in the water!) and their understanding of river features, while providing practical solutions to deal with various situations.
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Woodmill Weir Sessions
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Any members who have some experience on white water are welcome to join the scheduled club sessions at Woodmill Weir on the River Itchen in Southampton. This is our local white water play spot. The wier is tidal so it is paddleable all year round.
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Check the calendar to see if a coach will be leading the session, otherwise:
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as a minimum you should be able to comfortably break in and out of eddies and ferry glide
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you must be able to safely exit your boat and self-rescue in the event of a capsize if you are not able to roll on moving water.
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You must wear a helmet to paddle at Woodmill.
Intermediate to Advanced Paddlers
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Many of our members enjoy paddling higher grades of white water, with regular day or weekend trips to the Dart Loop and Upper Dart as well as other rivers in the southwest during the white water season, and to the white water courses at Cardiff and Lee Valley when the levels are low on the rivers.
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Long weekends in North Wales are also popular for summer paddling on the River Dee, which can be paddled all year round, and the Tryweryn, which is a dam-release river offering grade 2 (lower section) and grade 3-4 paddling (upper section). There are many other rivers in the region with great white water sections when water levels are right.
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UHCC members often organise trips to Scotland for white water paddling. There are lots of great rivers and options include coached or guided trips, tailored to the group/individuals.
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During June or July we run a UHCC trip to the Alps for intermediate to advanced white water paddlers. The format for this trip is dependent on what members want, but generally involves a week of coaching from a professional provider from the UK, with accommodation for the group.
Organise a trip
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Is there a river, section or region you really want to explore? Why not organise a trip with fellow paddlers? For advice and recommendations contact the club secretary or inland rep.
