2010 Prices

Annual Youth Membership (April 1st - 31st March): A donation at your discretion based upon what you can afford to pay and the value that you perceive we offer. No further charges except away-trips.

Adult Courses: Priced individually as listed.
Adult (24 years +) per session rate: £12.00
Book of 5 Adult session vouchers: £50

Adult (24 years +) season tickets:
Summer season ticket (April-Oct inc.) £130
Winter season ticket* (Nov- March inc.) £50
Annual season ticket* £160 (includes membership of Pimlico Paddlers and Westminster Windjammers - associated clubs for adults organising away-trips for sailing and kayaking).

Students! A 25% discount applies to the cost of a season ticket upon proof of fulltime education.

Please note that we cannot accept credit or debit cards!

*Clothing regulations apply from November to March.

Health Benefits

Kayaking, canoeing and sailing are active sports which require a degree of physical exertion - the level of exertion depends on you. As a result, these sports can provide a base level of exercise to people of all ages which can be hugely beneficial to your health - both mentally and physically.

To read an article published by the British Canoe Union click here

For information from the British Heart Foundation, click here

Our Staff

All of our staff hold either British Canoe Union or Royal Yachting Association (or both) qualifications. These are the national governing bodies of the sports of canoeing, kayaking and dinghy sailing in the UK. In addition to this, the core staff have over 60 years of experience between them so you are in safe and experienced hands. WBB prides itself on its safety record which is unscathed in over 30 years of operating on the tidal Thames.

All of our staff and volunteers are Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) checked.

Group Bookings

Kayaking/Canoeing:

If you are a group wanting a one-off session we can organise this for you based upon a minimum 2 hour session. The charges are as follows:

1 - 8 people: £160
9 - 16 people: £320
17 - 24 people: £480

Extended sessions are charged at a further £80 per hour. Please contact us.

Sailing:

Due to the instructor : pupil ratio for dinghy sailing the costs are higher. Please contact us for more details.

Volunteer Your Help

Westminster Boating Base relies heavily upon the help of volunteers in order to run kayaking and sailing whilst maintaining the low membership fees.

We are always seeking the support of qualified kayaking, sailing or powerboat Instructors and also assistance from those that are experienced in these sports. Westminster Boating Base was established in 1976 and operates on a daily basis on the tidal section of the River Thames - a very demanding piece of water with strong tidal flows. In return for your services, we offer the wealth of knowledge and experience of our staff.

Through working with Volunteer Centre Westminster, we are able to provide a full programme of training and support for volunteers. This includes a free CRB check, free training courses relevant to your role, and the opportunity to apply for funding to gain formal coaching qualifications. We have a volunteer coordinator in place who will give you a full induction to your role, and ensure you enjoy your time spent volunteering with us.

Would you like to be a Westminster Boating Base volunteer? Please contact us.

Vacancies

Westminster Boating Base is a charity teaching young people and adults to sail and kayak on the tidal section of the River Thames in the centre of London.

Part-time Kayaking, Canoeing & Dinghy Sailing Instructors
NGB qualified, enthusiastic and dynamic Instructors are required for the forthcoming 2010 summer season starting in April and finishing at the end of October. Instructors with BCU and RYA qualifications are needed.

Further training will be available to successful candidates to gain other NGB qualifications including RYA Safety Boat Certificate.

Please apply by sending your CV by email to: alan@westminsterboatingbase.co.uk or by post to: Alan Price, Director, Westminster Boating Base, 136 Grosvenor Road, London, SW1V 3JY.

Powerboat Instructor
If you are a qualified Powerboat Instructor and are interested in working with us on a part-time basis, please send your details and/or CV to the above address.

Shop

WBB keeps a stock of Typhoon, Yak & Crewsaver, second-hand and new wetsuits, drysuits, boots, gloves, cagoules and spraydecks.

Ask in-house for details.

Winter Clothing Regulations

Clothing regulations apply through the winter from 1st November through to 31st March.

SAILING: A winter-weight wetsuit (5mm thickness on the body) or a drysuit plus other appropriate clothing including soft-soled shoes.

KAYAKING:2 options

• A summer-weight wetsuit (3mm thickness on the body) plus a cagoule and other appropriate clothing including soft-soled shoes.
• A drysuit (one or two piece) plus other appropriate clothing including soft-soled shoes.