Lido Pool Sessions

The most fun you can have in a boat on a Thursday evening

Every Thursday evening throughout summer we have exclusive use of the beautiful Lido facilities near the centre of Cheltenham.

The Lido is a brilliant place for beginners to try out Kayaking for the first time in a safe environment led by one of our fantastic volunteer coaches. Improvers can practice their skills in nice warm water – without the cold shock that falling out of your boat on a river usually accompanies! Experienced paddlers can hone their “playboating” technique or join a friendly game of Canoe Polo.

FOR BEGINNERS

Taster sessions and beginner courses led by our fantastic volunteer instructors

FOR IMPROVERS

Space to do your own thing with a workshop most weeks on different skills

FOR THE COMPETITIVE

Canoe Polo to test your skills and get the heart racing

FOR KIDS

A fun evening activity regardless of their ability level

8th May – 21st August 2025

Thursdays 19:30 – 21:00*

* The final two sessions will finish earlier due to low light and will be discounted

Keynsham Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7PU

How to purchase tickets?

Non-members and prospective new members can make their booking or ask a question by sending us an email using the button next to the activity of interest. This will direct you to the Coaching Officer for the Taster Sessions and Beginner Courses, or to the Club Captain for everything else. Please state in your email which sessions you would like to attend. You’ll be sent a Visitor Form (emergency contacts etc) and details of how to pay by Bank Transfer.

Pre-booking is essential. Additional courses may be added throughout the summer so please get in touch to register your interest.

Existing members should purchase their tickets through the Member Mojo Store.

CONTACT US

Send the Club Captain an email FOR GENERAL ENQUIRIES

CANOE POLO

Friendly Polo Games welcoming all abilities

ROLLING COACH

In the “rolling corner” you’ll find a coach to help you perfect your technique

FAMILY FRIENDLY

Kayaking at the Lido is great fun for all the family

POST-KAYAKING PUB TRIP

Head to the pub afterwards, we’re a social club

Beginner Multi-week Course

For adults and parents together with their children aged 11+ with no or very little kayaking experience.

Three 90 minute progressive sessions at the Lido with a qualified volunteer coach followed by a half-day guided river (or canal) trip to put your skills into action.

During the course you will learn how to control your kayak including paddling forwards, backwards, sideways, stop, turn, and safely capsize.  You will also learn the safety aspects of kayaking on very sheltered or slow-moving bodies of water.  The courses are aimed at those with an interest in joining the Club to continue their paddling development.

Available courses:

Thurs 22nd May, 29th May, 5th June plus river trip on Sun 8th June – sold out
Thurs 19th June, 26th June, 5th July plus river trip on Sun 6th July – sold out

Adult

£98

Junior (Age 11+)

£75
Book your Session

Send the COACHING OFFICER an email to Book

Taster Session

For adults and parents together with their children aged 11+ with no or very little kayaking experience.

Led by a qualified volunteer instructor, the 90 minute session will cover basic paddling skills with some fun and games along the way. You will also learn how to capsize and safely exit your boat.

An ideal way to try out a new activity for the first time in a safe and controlled environment and a good introduction to our Club.

Available sessions:

Thurs 15th May
Thurs 12th June
Thurs 10th July
Thurs 24th July
Thurs 4th August

Adult

£25

Junior (Age 11+)

£15
Book your Session

Send the COACHING OFFICER an email to Book

Junior Group

Come paddle, play, and learn! Our Junior Kayaking Group meets every Thursday from 7:30pm to 8:30pm at the Lido, followed by 30 minutes of free time. Aimed at ages 8 to 14, though we can be flexible to accommodate anyone keen to get involved.

Each session begins on dry land with a warm-up game and some skill-building before we hit the water to practice and play. We’ll finish with some capsizing practice and then enjoy a bit of free play. Beginners welcome.

Junior Non-Member

£11

Junior Member

£6.30
Book your Session

Send the COACHING OFFICER an email to Book

Just Paddle

If you already know how to kayak then feel free to book a regular session on any of the Thursday evenings to come along and paddle with us.

You’ll be able to meet other members of the club, enjoy an evening on the water and choose to get involved with one of our skills workshops or the friendly canoe polo game if you’d like.
We have plenty of boats of various sizes and other equipment you can borrow if you don’t have your own.

Adult Non-Member

£16.80

Junior Non-Member

£11.00

Adult Member

£9.10

Junior Member

£6.30
Book your Session

Send the Club Captain an email to Book

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I wear?

You should plan to get wet. A swimming costume plus quick drying active wear such as a running top with either leggings or board shorts for example will be suitable. If you have any water sports specific clothing such as a rash vest or wetsuit those would be ideal. Avoid cotton in all layers because it absorbs water and stays wet.

The breeze can be a little chilly on cloudy evenings once you are wet so if you have a thin, lightweight windproof layer please bring that along. Beach/neoprene shoes or barefoot is fine at the pool. Please make sure they are clean and not muddy.

Do I need my own equipment?

You can bring your own but we have all the equipment you may need available to borrow. This includes boats, paddles (left and right handed), spraydecks; and for the polo games we have polo specific paddles, buoyancy aids and helmets.

Do I need to be able to swim?

Yes, all participants in the pool need to be able to swim.

Are there any age restrictions?

Our taster sessions and beginner courses are suitable for adults and children aged 11+. All other activities are suitable for anyone who is competent to participate safely. Under 18s must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times.

Do parents/guardians need to take part?

A parent or guardian must supervise and be responsible their children at all times. They can either join the session on the water or supervise from the poolside.

Generally, under 11s need to have a parent with them in the water but this is subject to the discretion of the coach if it is an organised junior group session. For the taster sessions and beginners’ courses, these are an ideal way for parents and children to learn together in a fun and safe environment.

Do you have boats for small children?

Yes, we have some small boats and paddles that are suitable for children.

What time should I arrive and who should I speak to?

Please arrive at 19:15 so that you have time to get changed before the session starts. There will be someone from the club at the entrance to the Lido who will direct you where to go.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, pre-booking is essential. If you would like to find out more about the club you are welcome to come and speak to us at the Lido and take a look to see what’s going on, but you will not be able to participate without pre-booking.

How do I pay?

We accept payment by Bank Transfer. You will be emailed the bank details when your booking is confirmed.

Where is the Lido?

We meet at the Cheltenham Lido, Keynsham Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7PU which is near the centre of town, between the Cheltenham Hospital and Sandford Park.

Is there free parking?

At the time of writing, yes, the parking in the Cheltenham Lido car park is free between the hours of 18:00 – 22:30. Please see the Cheltenham Lido website for further details https://www.cheltenhamlido.co.uk/car-park/ and please check the signs in the car park upon your arrival to confirm.