Frequently asked questions

If you have any questions regarding Castle Canoe Club, please check these ' frequently asked questions' before contacting the club. Thank you.

Where can I find Castle Canoe Club?

Can I leave my bicycle at Castle Canoe Club?

Can I park at Castle Canoe Club?

Do you have facilities for the disabled?

Do I need to be able to swim?

How old do I have to be to join Castle Canoe Club?

Can I bring a group of friends to paddle at the club?

Can I hire a boat from the club?

Does Castle Canoe Club provide private lessons?

What sort of boats do you have?

Can I store a boat at Castle Canoe Club?

How often does Castle Canoe Club arrange trips?

Does Castle Canoe Club play canoe polo?

Is Castle Canoe Club active in canoe slalom?

What training does Castle Canoe Club offer to members?

When can non-members visit the club?

Where can I find Castle Canoe Club?
The club is based at The West Reservoir Centre, Green Lanes, London, N4 2HA. For more information see the find us section of the website.

Can I leave my bicycle at Castle Canoe Club?
Bicycle racks are located in the main car park, close to the main door of the West Reservoir Centre. Please do not bring bicycles into the West Reservoir Centre building.

Can I park at Castle Canoe Club?
During club opening hours cars can be parked in the car park at the West Reservoir Centre. Drive along the lane, past the Castle Climbing Centre, to get to the car park.

Do you have facilities for the disabled?
Access to Castle Canoe Club is across flat ground and via ramp access. The club has changing and toilet facilities designed to be accessible by the disabled.

Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes. You must be able to swim 50m.

How old do I have to be to join Castle Canoe Club?
You must be over 18 years old to paddle at Castle Canoe Club.

Can I bring a group of friends to paddle at the club?
Castle Canoe Club is run by volunteers and does not have the facilities to cater for groups of over four people.

Can I hire a boat from the club?
Boat hire (for use away from the reservoir) is only available to members. See the equipment page for more information. Non-members can check the links page for public canoe and kayak hire options near London. Boat hire whilst at the club is free, during club opening times, to members and to non-members who are visiting for a taster session.

Does Castle Canoe Club provide private lessons?
No. The club does not have the facilities to provide private tuition.

What sort of boats do you have?
Castle Canoe Club has a wide selection of canoes and kayaks. These include many river running kayaks, with a smaller selection of play boats, slalom boats, sea kayaks, wavehoppers and open boats (traditional canoes, also known as ‘Canadians’).

Can I store a boat at Castle Canoe Club?
No. The club uses boats which belong to the West Reservoir Centre. The centre does not provide any private storage facilities for individuals.

How often does Castle Canoe Club arrange trips?
The majority of the club’s activities are currently restricted to the reservoir, although members are encouraged to organise trips. The website events section shows upcoming club trips.

Does Castle Canoe Club play canoe polo?
The club is not active in competition polo, but members do frequently make use of the polo court set out on the reservoir.

Is Castle Canoe Club active in canoe slalom?
The club does not have slalom facilities and is not active in competition slalom.

What training does Castle Canoe Club offer to members?
The club provides occasional training opportunities, which are run by the West Reservoir Centre’s qualified instructors. Check the website events section to see what we currently have on offer. The club also aims to run pool sessions, where volunteer instructors will do their best to assist other members who wish to improve their paddling.

When can non-members visit the club?
Non-members may visit for a free taster session on any Sunday morning or Tuesday evening when the club is open. Please ask for the Duty Officer and they should be able to show you around, answer any questions you may have, and get you on the water. You must be able to swim and aged over 18. Bring a change of clothes for paddling in, trainers or sandals for wearing when on the water and a towel. There is no need to book in advance - just come to the club and ask for the Duty Officer.