Midland Canoe Club (MCC) is a vibrant and inclusive club located in Darley Abbey, Derby. Situated on the picturesque banks of the river Derwent, the club boasts a state of the art clubhouse and is a registered Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). MCC is run by a dedicated team of volunteer club members and is affiliated with British Canoeing.
At MCC, members have the opportunity to engage in a variety of water activities such as recreational canoeing, inland kayaking, sea kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The club welcomes individuals of all ages and abilities, and offers equipment, coaching, and a supportive community of like-minded paddlers to ensure that everyone can have as much fun as possible.
The club offers a range of activities throughout the year. From September to June, experienced coaches conduct regular pool sessions to help members build their confidence and skills. These sessions serve as a great way to prepare for the fair-weather season. Between June and September, taster sessions are available for new members at the club's site on the River Derwent.
Additionally, advanced coaching sessions and courses are offered, subject to coach availability. MCC also organises an annual sea kayaking course, which is divided into two tiers based on ability – novice or advanced.
In addition to the planned activities, MCC encourages and supports peer-led activities. These include gourmet canoe trips that involve semi-wild cooking, casual day-trip loops, introductory white water day trips, and occasional weekend trips around the UK. The club strongly encourages members to explore different paddling disciplines and participate in as many activities as possible.
MCC also has a dedicated Youth Coaching section called PaddlePower. This programme is designed for members under the age of eighteen and offers coach-led sessions in a safe and enjoyable environment. Young paddlers can learn and develop their skills with support from experienced coaches.
During the winter months, MCC runs kayak sessions in Derby at Moorway's swimming pool. These sessions take place from September to June and include PaddlePower sessions for different age groups, as well as Member's Sessions. To ensure the safety and comfort of all participants, entry to Member's Sessions is by pre-booked and pre-paid tickets only. Tickets can be purchased online and are released one week prior to the session.
For those interested in trying out the sport or considering joining the club, taster sessions are available during the summer months. These sessions take place once a month on Thursday evenings and are open to individuals aged eight and above. Participants under the age of fourteen must be supervised at all times. Prior to attending a taster session, individuals under the age of eighteen must have a consent form filled out by a legal guardian.
Midland Canoe Club welcomes new members, experienced paddlers, and anyone interested in exploring the world of canoeing and kayaking. Whether you're looking for a fun recreational activity, want to improve your skills, or simply enjoy spending time on the water, MCC offers a friendly and supportive community to help you make the most of your paddling experience. Contact the club for further information or visit their social media pages to see what they have been up to.