Events!

National Student Rodeo 2017

Every year, over a thousand students make the pilgrimage to Holme Pierrepont in Nottingham for the National Student Rodeo: the annual university freestyle kayaking competition. It's also world-renowned as the biggest and best kayaking party there is.

Competition starts on the Saturday morning, with the Extreme Slalom, which all competitors are entered into by default. This event will determine whether you qualify for the beginner, intermediate, or expert freestyle heats -- so don't be afraid to step up and give it a go, even if you've never sat in a freestyle boat before. No experience is necessary -- and it doesn't necessarily help; creativity and the willingness to take a swim in the name of looking cool are what count at NSR! Points may also be earned for fancy dress worn on the water, so bear that in mind too.

There are also competitions for Duos -- twice the paddler, twice the fun. This is one of the most unique and wild events of the weekend, with two paddlers in a single boat trying to throw the most outrageous moves in an attempt to score points. If you're interested, leave a comment when you sign up and find a willing friend/victim to partner up with.

If you feel like two blades is one too many, there will be competitions in C1 as well. Orange juice will be provided if you win. Additionally, there is an Old-Skool competition (mainly aimed at alumni and non students, though students are welcome to compete if there is space) -- even if not competing, this is a spectacular event to watch and a highlight of the whole weekend.

On top of all of this, there will be stands from all the major kayaking brands, with kit and boats to try out -- and for the lucky winners of the events, some shiny prizes.

We'll be camping on site, and tickets for the weekend's events are £53 this year (which covers camping, paddling, and -- perhaps most importantly -- the party).

The party theme this year is the Apocalypse, which is not an excuse to drink like there's no tomorrow. At NSR, you do not need an excuse to drink like there's no tomorrow; it's expected of you.

Refreshers Weekend Away 2016!

Yet again, DUCC is proud to announce another weekend away!

We'll be heading to the Lake District for a weekend, paddling the very finest rivers the region has to offer in a stunning setting, with some classic DUCC social fun planned for the evenings. Whilst all are welcome to come along on the trip, we would prefer you to attend some of our weekly trips beforehand - speak to Max or Katy if you're unsure. More details to be announced closer to the date - just sign up if you're interested!

Tyne Tour 2016

A cold wind blows from the North... the Tyne is calling once again.

Tyne Tour is one of the biggest events of the kayaking calendar, with paddlers coming from all over the country -- and even further -- to paddle the North Tyne, meet other kayakers, and generally have an awesome time.

We'll be leaving on the Friday, in time to set up camp in Hexham, have a warm meal and catch up with our friends and counterparts from other universities. There'll be a bit of chance to party with the others in Hexham -- otherwise known as party capital of the world -- before heading back to the campsite. In the morning, we'll be heading off to the main event -- paddling the North Tyne as a group. This is a great river for everyone, whether you're completely new, or a little more seasoned! It's not intimidating, but offers a challenge for the braver ones towards the end in the form of the infamous Warden's Gorge, the site of much excitement in previous years. After this, we can hang around the campsite for a while, but the real fun is the Ceilidh -- fun and dancing for everyone (don't worry if your co-ordination isn't your strong suit here -- kayakers are not known for their dancing skills; that said various members of the club will no doubt attest to my moves on the dance floor being absolute fire). As Sunday rolls around, we'll pack up camp and then paddle some more rivers - depending on conditions and what people feel like!

Tickets are now £30 - while fuel and food will be extra, it's stunningly cheap for not only one of the best weekends you'll have in your time at university!

NSR

This fantastic event is renown for being the biggest paddling party of the year, with a little freestyle thrown on the side. Never heard of freestyle before? Not been a boat shorter than you are tall? Doesn't matter! No experience needed, just the will to take a good swim in the name of looking cool. Ask anyone who's been and you'll hear the same story. Genuinely one of, if not the, best weekends in our entire calendar - think Tyne Tour but much, much bigger.

It's a ticketed event that will cost more than our normal weekends away, and we'll be camping next to the site. There a various tickets you can buy, paddling and not paddling. For now just sign up to show your interest - we'll book tickets into the new year and sort cars out from there!

Barrage

3 members going to the barrage to practice for BUCS slalom.

Wear Whoppers

Flat water training in K1s and river racers. If you’re fairly confident at kayaking and would like to try some river racing or sprint boats, come along to this free session.

Wear Whoppers

Flat water training in K1s and river racers. If you’re fairly confident at kayaking and would like to try some river racing or sprint boats, come along to this free session.

Wear Whoppers

Flat water training in K1s and river racers. If you’re fairly confident at kayaking and would like to try some river racing or sprint boats, come along to this free session.

Tyne Racing Practice

Taking a few people to a section on the Tyne to practice in River Racers ready for BUCS WWR.

Slalom Training

Flat water slalom training. If you’ve already had some experience at kayaking and would like to try out slalom, come along to this free session.