Based in the Derwent Valley near Matlock, Acclimbatize are located perfectly to access and facilitate the best canoeing, raft building and kayaking water sport activities in the Derbyshire Peak District.
Introductory sessions for canoeing and kayaking usually take place on placid sheltered water but more exciting opportunities to paddle on expanses of open water or along the River Derwent are equally convenient from our operating base.
Join us for a canoeing journey on the river Derwent or for a high jinx raft building session at the spectacular setting at Carsington Water.
Input on our Canoe and Kayak sessions may depend on location, age, ability, time available and weather conditions. Leadership style is mostly action centred and will include some technical demonstrations and the use of appropriate coaching methods.
Structured play and games are a key feature in our water sport sessions. Play helps progress personal skill acquisition and boat handling techniques. Fun deepens the level of engagement and boosts the retention of learning.
Development – Canadian style Canoes (2 seat boats) provide an excellent medium for micro team working and instantaneous problem solving. Small teams are essentially interdependent making any journey a teamwork challenge.
In Kayaks (single seat boats) like on Bicycles – forward movement and concentration keep individuals focussed on the task at hand. Participants are self-dependant and will grasp and importance of listening and responding to safety instructions and guidance accordingly.
Key Learning: Safety equipment, active listening, acquisition and application of new skills, experiential learning, independent progression.
“What a blast!”
Our improvised raft building sessions take place on open placid (non-moving) inland water.
We use raft building as a multi faceted team challenge activity. The level of input from instructional staff during rafting sessions will be tailored to reflect levels of motivation, practical awareness and commitment within the team.
The design and construction of a raft, which must later be relied on by its creators presents a realistic, genuine and practical problem-solving task. All team members can work together toward achieving a shared but single goal.
Acclimbatize staff are on hand to advise on appropriate knots and aspects of safe design.
Having completed the build phase – now comes the journey !
The team may be tasked with completing a designated journey or the retrieval of pre-placed object at a challenging but achievable distance from shore.
The consequence for failure at the build stage may be obvious, but can teams follow up their success and work as a co-ordinated, cohesive unit to cross the open water and fully complete their challenge – organised celebrations and antics ahoy!
Key Learning: Team working, cooperation, self organising, skills application
The association logos throughout the pages of this website represent membership of the highest professional bodies at both national and international levels. Click on any of the logos below to view our safety and quality information.
