Lakeside YMCA - Water Based Activities

About

YMCA National Centre, Lakeside - hidden within 400 acres of private woodland along the south western shores of Lake Windermere.

As a centre of excellence in outdoor learning we’ve been here for more than 60 years and in that time, we’ve helped more than a million young people to build a better future.

Today, we’re one of the largest outdoor activity centres in Europe, delivering top quality outdoor learning from, in our opinion, the best location you could ask for.

Water Based Activities

Canoeing

What does the activity involve?
Our Canadian/Open canoes are usually paddled by 2 to 3 people. Sessions take place in our Centre bays on Lake Windermere and involve learning and developing paddling techniques, playing games and going on short journeys. It is possible (although quite easy to stay upright) to capsize and get wet and the session can have a 'wet' ending so be prepared!

What are the aims of this activity?
To develop teamwork, communication skills and gain water confidence. This positive experience is a fantastic tool for group development.

Duckies

What does this activity involve?
Paddling inflatable rubber rafts (Duckies). Playing games and having fun on and in the water in a small cordoned off area of the lake.

What are the aims of this activity?
To gain water confidence and introduce groups to basic paddle sports in a fun environment.

Group Canoe

What does the activity involve?
Groups work in teams of up to 15 in our large group canoes. Learn about paddling and steering skills & techniques. You could also take part in Group Canoe orienteering. Since the boat will not tip as much as other boats it is particularly good for introducing younger ones to paddling or those very nervous about the water. (It is a good activity if you want to go out on the lake without getting wet.)

What are the aims of this activity?
Build teamwork and co-ordination amongst the group. Appreciate the natural beauty of Windermere.

Kayaking

What does the activity involve?
Our kayaks are single person crafts with a cockpit area for the paddler to sit in. The session take place in our centre bays on Lake Windermere close to the shore to teach basic skills of paddling and steering. There are many activities and games that can be played on water and a short journey is usually a good aim for a group. There is usually a wet finish with plenty of opportunities for splashing and the odd accidental capsize during the session.

What are the aims of this activity?
To develop water confidence, skill development, personal challenge, group awareness and fun with an introduction to the lake environment.

Raft Building

What does the activity involve?
Groups work together to build a raft with wooden poles, barrels and ropes. They must then get their team round a course as a race against another team or to collect something – a rescue mission to a stranded person or a key to unlock a treasure chest. 3 hour sessions will involve plenty of practice, perhaps a little pioneering, to allow groups to really take ownership of their raft. Younger groups may head to the craft room to make adornments for their pirate vessel!

What are the aims of this activity?
Rafting is a dynamic high involvement activity requiring good team working throughout the design, building, paddling and dismantling of the raft. It is an activity which appeals to a full range of age and ability levels. The session is about teamwork and communication skills.

Long Boat Sailing

What does the activity involve?
Learn to sail in a stable boat with an instructor on board. With up to 8 people per boat this is a sociable experience and with two boats the whole group can take part. These large boats can operate the majority of the year and are ideal for those less mobile or those not confident venturing onto the lake as you do not get wet or go in the water.

What are the aims of this activity?
Encourages teamwork and communication to successfully sail the boat. Listening and observation skills are particularly required. Basic understanding of the skills needed for sailing are also developed.

Pico Sailing (Single Handers)

What does the activity involve?
In pairs the group set up and learn to sail a dingy boat in the safe environment of our bays on Lake Windermere. Working independently and with other boats the group will gain confidence and put basic skills into practice. The session gives a real sense of independence as each pair sail on the lake and race other boats.

What are the aims of this activity?
Introduction to sailing; groups learn the very basic skills required to experience an independent and exciting taste of dinghy sailing. The sessions encourage social interaction and promote confidence. They also increase the demand on their listening and observation skills.

Cookout

What does this activity involve?
A cookout can be incorporated as part of a whole day outing being completed by land (walking), water (group canoe) or both (i.e. group canoe one way and walk the other). As well as the opportunity to experience a day in the great outdoors, the group will cook a hot meal using tranjias either for their lunch or as their evening meal depending on when the activity takes place.

What are the aims of this activity?
Cookouts include outdoor food preparation and cooking whilst raising participant’s awareness of the environment and local area. This requires both team and personal organisation whilst providing a sense of achievement and an experience in an outdoor environment.