Splashu offers a vibrant range of paddlesport activities, from weekly sessions and exciting trips to supporting major County events like the County Explorer Camp.
We’re committed to developing the paddle skills of Scouts, Explorers, Network members, and Adults through hands-on experiences and progressive training. We offer opportunities for permit skills development and assessments, and have a range of paddlesports equipment available for group hire.
We’re always looking for enthusiastic paddlers to support our sessions and events. If you’re confident on the water and keen to help inspire others, we’d love to hear from you!
paddlesports@westlancsscouts.org.uk
There are many ways you can get your group on the water e.g. existing weekly sessions, borrowing kit and making use of local activity centers’. You can also submit an enquiry to us for a bespoke session, and our paddle lead will explore what’s possible (we cannot guarantee to accommodate every request).
Scouts & Explorer instructed Sessions
On Monday evenings Scout and Explorer groups can book onto taster sessions at Spade Mill reservoir. We have a range of craft that can be used, including Kayaks, Canoes, Stand Up Paddle boards or Sit-on top kayaks. So, you can start by learning how to paddle in a straight line, or try something new! These run from approx. 6:30pm until 8:30pm. Look out for the advertising flyers on WestLancs+ early in the year to book on.
Activity centres and clubs can also run paddle sessions on request for groups. Check-out our activity directory here – For opportunities local to you.
Take your own group on the water
We have sit on kayaks, canoes and sea kayaks that permitted and experienced leaders can hire (with trailers). Interested? Get in touch.
Younger sections
Local Scout activity centres e.g. waddecar and bibby’s farm have ponds more suitable for little ones to get on the water. Contact them directly to see what they can offer for your section
Summer Thursday evening skill development course
Explorers, Network members and adults who can already paddle to a basic level can develop their skills through a 7-week course at spademill with the aim of working towards paddle UK run by Splashu instructors. These courses usually start in June. ENUQIRE NOW FOR 2026! .
Foundational skills courses
Paddle UK has a series of courses which provide foundational skills in paddlesport activities. These courses are a fantastic way to starting your paddle sport journey and offered through many clubs and activity centres.
We aim to increase availability of such courses to West Lancs Members, so please do submit an enquiry if your interested in attending a course.
Advanced skill development and courses
The best way to develop and enhance your skills is through joining a club. However, we will organise courses e.g. Sea kayak & canoe expedition training, White water and Paddle safety skills and tailor them where there is interest.
What is a permit?
To lead a water activities session for young people, as a Scout instructor, you will need an activities permit. To gain one you make an application to an assessor for the activity you want to lead, and they check your skills, experience and suitability for the permit requested
Starting point
To gain a permit, you will need to demonstrate competency in the activity you want to lead, and skills in working with groups of young people. Getting on the water regularly and working towards Paddle UK’s qualifications is a strong path to gaining a permit
Support to gain a permit
Splashu is keen to support those who wish to gain permits. We can offer access to skills development courses and a buddy to support progression towards a permit. In some cases, we may be able to offer support towards funding. Support is also available via the adventurous activity development team. More information can be found here https://westlancsscouts.org.uk/activities/adventurous-activity-permit-scheme/
Permit assessment opportunities
Splashu can organise permit assessments ad-hoc, during an existing activity or through permit assessment events. Either book onto one of our upcoming permit assessment days, or drop us an enquiry to see if we can accommodate an individual assessment.
Join the team & instruct
We are always looking for help on the water. If your an instructor or an enthusiast keen to help on the water, pleas get in touch!.
Our ambition is to offer a programme of expeditions and international paddlesports trips. We are keen to hear from experienced paddlers, with an interest in mentoring young people, leading adventurous journeys, and shaping unforgettable experiences on the water. Whether your passion lies in whitewater, touring, or sea kayaking, we welcome your expertise and enthusiasm to help inspire the next generation of Scouts
Spademill Monday Session Information for groups available here
What Badges can we get?
There are loads of scout badges that you can achieve, from Time on the Water to the Paddle Sport staged activity badge as well as the Nautical Skills staged activity badge.
