Leighton Buzzard Canoe Club

Leighton Buzzard Canoe Club, located in the town of Leighton Buzzard, is a welcoming and friendly club that caters to individuals of all ages and abilities. Established in 1976, the club is based at Tiddenfoot Leisure Centre and boasts a membership of approximately 100 active members.

The club has received recognition for its dedication to safety and child-friendliness, achieving Sport England Club Mark and BCU Top Gold Accreditation. These accolades demonstrate the club's commitment to providing a safe and effective environment for its members.

Within the world of canoeing, Leighton Buzzard Canoe Club offers a wide range of disciplines to cater to every taste. These include sprint racing, canoe polo, slalom, and wild water. As the club is situated on the Grand Union Canal, its focus is primarily on the “Flatwater” paddling disciplines of Sprint and Marathon.

Canoes, which feature an open cockpit, are paddled with a single bladed paddle. The club utilises various types of canoes, including touring canoes, marathon canoes, and high kneelers. Abbreviations such as C1, C2, TC1, and TC2 are commonly used to denote canoes for one or two people.

Kayaks, on the other hand, have a closed cockpit and are equipped with a paddle featuring a blade at each end. Leighton Buzzard Canoe Club utilises kayaks designed for both sprinting and marathon racing. These kayaks come in various configurations, including K1 for one person, K2 for two people, and K4 for four people. The club's kayaks are fitted with a rudder, controlled by a tiller bar located on the footplate.

The rudder can be manoeuvred from side to side with your feet to control the direction of the boat.

If you're looking to learn and develop your paddling skills, Leighton Buzzard Canoe Club offers programmes and opportunities to help you achieve your goals. With its friendly and welcoming atmosphere, the club is the ideal place for anyone interested in enjoying the sport of canoeing or kayaking.