Master the best Whitewater rivers of Northern England!
Whitewater Canoe Performance Week
Dates: March 23rd – 27th or October 26-30th 2026 | Paddling Days: 5
Limited Spaces Available
Join Ollie Sandeman and Matt Haydock for a transformative 5-day performance week designed to bridge the gap between Grade 2 competence and Grade 3 mastery. This isn't just a guided tour; it’s a deep dive into the technical precision and tactical mindset required to run whitewater with confidence, flair, and control.
Working in close collaboration with Matt Haydock of Rapid Development, join our week touring the whitewater canoe classics of Northern England. A week developing your paddling under the guidance of two experianced, highly active, advanced coaches, low student-to-coach ratio allowing for a highly individualised experience, ensuring you get the specific feedback and "cast iron tactics" needed to level up your river running.
Coaching Duo- Two Advanced Coaches & Paddle UK providers and National Trainers: Ollie Sandeman and Matt Haydock
Low Student to Coach Ratio- A week of highly personalised and individualised performance feedback and coaching.
Dynamic Venue- Based in Penrith, accessing the best of the Tees, Eden, Lune, Greta, and more.
Skill Level- Designed for Grade 2 paddlers (solo or tandem) looking to progress toward Grade 3.
Technical Focus- Precision techniques: power transfer, boat setup, trim, angle, and timing.
Dynamic Logistics- Rivers chosen daily to match water levels and the team's specific developmental needs.
A Week Of Progression
We’ll be operating on a maximum ratio of 1:4 to ensure you receive dedicated input from both coaches which will help to build confidence and provide the skills you need to level up your paddling. This week will help you to refine your techniques, reduce your mishaps and to have the confidence and skills required to tackle grade 3. We will spend time looking at boat set up so you can maximise your performance, the key techniques of power generation and power transfer, with cast iron tactics of trim, angle, momentum, and timing that will enable you to move around the river more efficiently and with more precision.
The Classroom: Northern England’s Finest Whitewater
Based near Penrith, we sit at the heart of the North's best whitewater. Our location allows us to pivot in any direction to find the perfect water levels and features for your progression:
East: The technical challenges of the Tees and Swale.
North: The classic flows of the Eden and Nith.
West: The steep and scenic Greta and Derwent.
South: The reliable and varied Lune, Kent, and the South Lakes gems.
The Power of Two Coaches: Having two experienced coaches means we can split the team based on confidence and ability on any given day. You are guaranteed the "Goldilocks" level of challenge—not too easy, not too scary, but just right for growth.
The Coaches
Matt and Ollie are not only both experienced advanced open canoe coaches, but also Paddle UK award providers and national trainers to an advanced level. They have spent over two decades paddling rivers throughout Europe and North America on expeditions and adventures. In addition to their technical understanding they pride themselves on the people skills and personality to provide you with an excellent week of coaching, which balances support and challenge in the most developmental way possible; along with a fun and enjoyable guided week on Northern England’s best white water rivers.
Logistics & Details
Daily Schedule: 09:00 – 17:00.
Equipment: Participants are required to provide their own whitewater-outfitted canoe (Canoes are available to hire), personal paddling kit, and safety gear.
Self-Sufficient: You will be responsible for your own transport, food, and accommodation.
Accommodation: We recommend basing yourself near Penrith. Contact us for a list of recommended campsites, B&Bs, or hotels to suit your budget.
Ready to Level Up?
Join us for a week that will change the way you see and paddle whitewater.
Dates: March 23rd – 27th, 2026 or October 26th-30th 2026
COST: £550 pp
Pay deposit to secure your place.