Start your paddling journey with Packers Paddle Sports Club. With over 30 years of experience, they are a friendly, volunteer-run club based in Peterborough, dedicated to introducing people of all ages and abilities to the joys of paddle sports.
This activity is good for wellbeing because
- it can reduce stress and anxiety: being on the water tends to create a calming environment. The rhythmic motion of paddling and the sounds of nature can help lower stress levels and shift attention away from worries;
- it can improve mood: like other forms of exercise, kayaking triggers the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters associated with positive mood and well-being. Regular paddling can help reduce symptoms of mild depression and anxiety;
- it encourages mindfulness: when kayaking, you naturally focus on your surroundings, balance, paddling technique, and navigation. This can create a "flow state" where you're fully engaged in the present moment, reducing rumination and mental clutter.
How to contact
Where to go
Packers Canoe and Paddle Sports Club Ham Lane Peterborough PE2 5UU UK
One Leisure Abbey Rd Ramsey Huntingdon PE26 1DP
What to expect
Where and when do they paddle?
- Wednesday Evenings (April to September)
Meet at 18:30 at Ferry Meadows, Nene Park for a 19:00 launch.
What3Words location for the sailing race hut is "launch.tender.axed" - Friday Evenings (winter)
Indoor sessions at One Leisure, Ramsey. - Sunday Mornings (all year)
Meet at 09:30. River trips take place at various scenic locations.
How do I sign up?
You can sign up to sessions via their events calendar page and pay for a 'come and try it' session, or alternatively just turn up for lake sessions.
Someone will be there to meet you and lead you through getting ready to get on the water. If you have not pre-booked online, a membership form for each person will have to be completed before you go on to the water, so please allow enough time. You can email [email protected] if you are nervous and need any additional information.
All sessions cater for all abilities and age ranges, no experience needed.
What do I need to bring?
Full kit including paddles, boats, spray decks and cags are provided if needed. If you have your own you are welcome to bring those (note, please see rules about your own equipment if you are attending a pool session).
What should I wear?
- You are likely to get wet so make sure you have a towel and a change of dry clothes with you. There are nice changing rooms with warm showers.
- A swimming costume makes a suitable under-garment, especially at the pool.
- For the lake: A tee-shirt and shorts of man-made fibres such as polyester or lycra.
- Wet suits are excellent at the lake, too.
- A light-weight polyester fleece is ideal as well. Even when the weather (and the water) is warm, you can still get cold if there is a breeze.
- Wear a wind-proof outer layer such as a lightweight waterproof cagoule. The club has a range of paddling tops that can be borrowed on the evening.
- Shoes: wear thin-soled plimsoles or better still a pair of purpose built water shoes.
- DO NOT WEAR cotton tee shirts, jeans and heavy large trainers. They hold water, are heavy, make you cold, make it more difficult to fit in the boats and spoils the fun of paddling.
Attendees can leave at any time, as long as you let a committee member know first.
More information
Ferry Meadows sessions: Park at the car park near Lakeside Kitchen and the Watersports Centre, and walk over to the sailing race hut near the Watersports Centre. Volunteer committee members will be there and guide you through the process of joining. Parking charges on Wednesday evenings are included in the cost of membership and in 'come and try it sessions', which means that YOU DO NOT NEED TO PAY FOR PARKING ON WEDNESDAY. Speak to a member of the team in the sailing hut for details on the voucher required for the parking machines. There is a toilet block on the north end of the car park.
One Leisure Pool sessions: Free parking and toilets are available.
All sessions, including 'come and try it' ones, have a cost; see their event calendar page and then click on one of the sessions for a breakdown of the current rates.
The club prefer card payments. You can pay online or just turn up and use their card reader. Full prices available on their website. (Note that when you sign up for their events there are 2 options, either pay directly by card, or buy sets of tokens and use these for payment. Ask them for more information about tokens if you decide to become a member.)
Informal carers or support people are welcome to attend, but if they are on the water there will be a charge.
See some of the other fun the group gets up to:
How to contact
Where to go
Packers Canoe and Paddle Sports Club Ham Lane Peterborough PE2 5UU UK
One Leisure Abbey Rd Ramsey Huntingdon PE26 1DP
