Activities are available to book now!

If you run a youth club, play scheme or an education or community project, we want to hear from you.

Bookings are available in the daytime, evenings and a limited number of weekends and whilst our primary focus is on young people we do cater for older groups as well. 

And the great thing is, thanks to the way we’re funded, many groups can have their sessions for FREE or at low cost, see below.

Funded sessions are available for groups from the following areas (subject to availability):

• Bury,

• Bolton,

• Salford,

• Stockport,

• Oldham,

• Rochdale,

• Trafford,

• Wigan.

For eligibility criteria please contact us.

About our typical session

We offer an introductory kayaking and water-play session delivered on a small stretch of the Ashton Canal in Droylsden. The session is safe, informal and fun, WAC's ethos is centred around play and youth work.

As well as single kayaks, participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of alternative craft including:

• Stand-up-paddleboards,

• Double kayaks,

• A rowing boat,

• Canadian canoes,

• Rubber rings,

• A coracle,

• A slide to seal launch into the canal,

• ...and more!

Please note the maximum group size we can accommodate is 15. 

Pricing

For groups not eligible for a FREE session we can still run exciting water-based activities for your community group.

A session costs £140.00 (subsidised for charity or voluntary organisations) for up-to 15 participants.

Feedback

"The students benefited they have a fun day they developed team building skills, working together, appropriate conversations. It also enabled them to physically challenge themselves" Manchester Secondary Pupil Referral Unit 

"WAC has always been an excellent place to take our trans young people. There are very few non-LGBT places we take young people where the venue doesn't need additional support in inclusion, but WAC has never had an issue. Fantastic youth workers." The Proud Trust 

"The session was just what the group needed, they all joined in and enjoyed. Here are a few of the things they said, "This is the best day of my life", "Can we come again", "Sir, i'm loving doing this" Standish Community High School 

Accessibility 

• We have recently refurbished our centre which has improved accessibility – no steps and stairs inside,

• Three toilets, two with Doc M installations,

• Car park located on-site and is approximately 30 metres from the Clubhouse,

• We have an accessible path which leads to the canal side,

• Double kayaks are available for an adult or carer and a young person to paddle together,

• We can ‘raft’ canoes which can accommodate 5-8 people – a very stable boat,

• We can place additional members of WAC staff on the session to provide additional support,

• Staff attend supplementary training where possible,

• There is a drop from the canal bank to the water of approximately 30 to 40 cm,

• The canal is approximately one metre in depth which can often reassure participants.

Please contact the team to discuss any access needs.

Further information

• WAC is a British Canoeing Delivery Partner: risk assessments, insurance documentation and additional information can be provided upon request,

• Sessions are delivered by trained Youth and Play workers who hold the necessary British Canoeing and First Aid qualifications,

• All participants must be over eight and able to swim a minimum of 25 metres unless prevented through reason of disability or discussed with us prior to making your booking.