AN ORGANISATION enabling local people to benefit from sport outdoors on the river is excited to be expanding its range of activities.
The Lighthouse Watersports Club, based in Liskeard, was founded with the aim of making kayaking accessible and affordable for everyone locally.
With all sessions led by instructors, and all kit provided, the club offers ‘mini paddle’ taster sessions on sit-on kayaks for children and adults.
Anyone who’s done a taster session can then book onto one of the club’s picturesque evening and weekend trips on local rivers, setting out from places such as Lerryn, Wacker Quay, Lostwithiel and Siblyback.
The Watersports Club was borne out of the Lighthouse Centre community organisation, which provides various types of activities and support for local people, from food deliveries to emotional well-being workshops for young mums, and affordable soft play and bouncy castle sessions in the school holidays.
The club now has 44 members who come out regularly to enjoy the beach, lakes and rivers safe in the knowledge they are with a qualified instructor and fully insured and COVID secure.
CEO Clare Bevan said: “Our aim was to make kayaking easily accessible and affordable to local people from Liskeard and the surrounding areas.
“However, as we use several different rivers, mainly in the Caradon area, people from further afield do come out with us.
“We want to encourage everyone to have a go at this incredibly beneficial activity.
“Therefore we wouldn’t turn anyone away and welcome people from all over.
“There’s no criteria to join, just to come out on one of our mini paddles or tasters and see how you get on.
“At the moment, due to COVID, there’s no joining fee – just an opportunity to take your mind off everything and escape in the tranquillity of the beautiful local rivers.”
The club has recently taken delivery of some paddle boards – and so stand-up paddle boarding will now also be on offer.
Sessions take place all year round: anyone interested in getting involved should look for Lighthouse Watersports Club on Facebook or call 07769 848307.