Viking Kayak Club
About Us...
Viking Kayak Club offers an easy route to having fun in the rivers of Bedford in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Since 1961, we have provided tuition, equipment and river access to our members and have assisted them in achieving their goals. Our years of experience and the hard work and enthusiasm of the club committee have earned us the reputation as one of the best family clubs in the area.
For further details about our club please look at our web site: www.vikingkayak.co.uk
Our Values
Leadership: At Viking Kayak Club, you receive the kind of quality and service you expect from a leader. Our club is always evolving as the needs or our members change and as new opportunities are created in our area.
Teamwork: We make it our responsibility to know our members. We work closely with them to ensure that the events and training we organise are tailored to meet their needs and challenges. We are committed to success and having fun.
Development: Several of our paddlers have gone on to greater success in competition. If you want to learn and make progress there is plenty of opportunity for serious competition training.
Member Relations: At Viking Kayak Club, our highest priority is a satisfied membership. You are important to us and you can expect us to go the extra mile for you. We are proud of our club and work hard to help members achieve their goals.
Key Points to Note
- A Community Amateur Sports Club with around 100 members;
- Open to all ages and backgrounds and just started a new Family membership scheme to encourage young paddlers;
- Located at the Batts Ford Boathouse (shared with Star Rowing Club);
- Affiliated to the British Canoe Union (BCU) the sport’s National Governing Body;
- Specialise in White Water Slalom, Flat Water Marathon Racing and having fun;
- Strong track record of sports development, including current GB squad member Etienne Stott and some strong juniors;
- Run National events at Cardington Slalom course and on the river in Bedford Town Centre.
About Canoeing/Kayaking
- The UK’s number one watersport by participation (Sport England survey, Dec 2006);
- Around 2 million people take part in canoeing or kayaking in the UK;
- Flat Water Sprint Racing and White Water Slalom are Olympic events;
- The UK team won 3 medals at Athens and will feature in Beijing 2008 and in London 2012;
- The old question - Canoeing uses a single ended paddle, Kayaking a double ended paddle.
For further details about the club please contact VKC Chairman, Rob Bates, on 01234 314066 or by e-mail: rob.bates2@ntlworld.com
