Description
All In Short Breaks – Free SEND Family Paddlesport Sessions
All In Short Breaks supports children and young people in Shropshire (under 18) who have a
disability or additional need, helping them access fun activities in their local community.
To take part in these exciting opportunities, families will need to register as an All In member.
For further information and registration see link Short Breaks
Paddlesport Programme
Our inclusive paddlesport sessions offer something for everyone, including:
Rafted canoes
Paddleboarding
Other fun water-based activities
✅ Completely free for All In members
✅ Open to children, young people, their families, and carers
✅ Designed to be supportive, inclusive, and enjoyable
Drummond Outdoor
Drummond Outdoor is committed to providing high-quality outdoor learning experiences through paddlesport. We create a supportive, inclusive, and caring learning environment that enables children and young people to build confidence, develop skills, and enjoy meaningful experiences on the water.
We have a long and established history of supporting adaptive paddlesport. This includes canoe expeditions with Robert Clive Special School in the early 1990s, ongoing delivery with our drop-in group Tuesday Night Paddlers and our recent involvement in supporting the All In sessions during previous summers. This depth of experience ensures our sessions are delivered with understanding, flexibility, and care.
Most activities take place on the River Severn, launching from the canoe ramp at the County Ground, located beside the Riverside Car Park at Frankwell. The Bellboat picnics take place on the Montgomery Canal near Welshpool.
Accessibility and Support
If a child or young person requires 1:1 support to participate safely and confidently in our activities, we kindly ask that a Personal Assistant or family member attends to provide the necessary support.
For participants who require access to full changing facilities, including a hoist, please contact us in advance to discuss facility availability.
Please note that canoeing and kayaking activities are generally more accessible than stand-up paddleboarding. We are happy to advise on which activities may be most suitable for your child or young person—please contact us to discuss individual needs.
Family Paddlesport Tuesday Evenings
Family Paddlesport Evenings offer an enjoyable and supportive introduction to paddling, whether you are seeking an active challenge or a relaxed experience on the water. These fortnightly Tuesday evening sessions provide families with the opportunity to develop skills, build confidence, and have fun together in a safe and welcoming environment.
Led by a qualified and experienced coaching team, participants will receive tailored guidance across a range of paddlesport, including canoeing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Sessions are suitable for a variety of ability levels, with opportunities for participants to work towards recognised Paddle UK Awards where appropriate.
Sessions are open to All-in members as well as their siblings, families, and carers. Bookings can be made for individual sessions or as a block, offering flexibility to suit family schedules.
Please note that session dates and venues may be subject to change if river levels or conditions are unsuitable.
Age Range
6–17 years
Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied as specified by the provider.
Dates and Times
Time: 6.00pm – 7.30pm
Venue: Frankwell Canoe Ramp
Frequency: Selected Tuesday evenings from May to August
Session Dates:
- 19 May
- 2 June
- 16 June
- 7 July
- 21 July
- 4 August
Family Canoe Session
Family Canoe sessions provide All‑in families with the opportunity to share a relaxed and enjoyable paddling experience together in rafted canoes. These sessions focus on supported participation, allowing families and carers to paddle as a group while exploring the river in and around Shrewsbury.
Participants will have the chance to discover new perspectives of the town, explore sections of the river both above and below Shrewsbury, spot local wildlife, and step ashore on shingle beaches along the way. Sessions are delivered at an accessible pace, with encouragement and guidance provided throughout.
The sessions are open to families and carers accompanying All‑in members. By prior arrangement, families may join for part of the session to suit individual needs.
Please note that dates and venues may be subject to change if river levels or conditions are unsuitable.
Age Range
6–17 years
For children under the age of 8, please contact the provider prior to booking.
Dates and Times
Time: 2.00pm – 4.30pm
Venue: Frankwell Canoe Ramp
Frequency: Selected Saturday and Tuesday afternoons from June to September
Saturday 20 June
Saturday 18 July
Tuesday 11 August
Tuesday 25 August
Saturday 12 September
Family Bellboat Picnic on the Montgomery Canal
Join us for a relaxed and enjoyable family day out on the Montgomery Canal, exploring the waterway by Bellboat and stopping along the route for a picnic. Bellboats are large, stable team boats paddled with canoe paddles, making them ideal for families and groups of all experience levels.
This trip offers a fantastic opportunity to discover the Montgomery Canal—often referred to locally as the “Lime Line”—between Pool Quay and Welshpool. Along the way, participants can enjoy spotting wildlife, spending time outdoors, and sharing a fun experience with friends and family in a safe and supportive environment.
Full joining instructions and further details will be provided upon booking.
Meeting and Finish Details
Meet: Pool Quay, 10.00am (full details provided after booking)
Finish: Pool Quay, approximately 3.30pm
Age Range
6–17 years
Children under the age of 8 must meet the provider’s supervision requirements.
Booking and Enquiries
Please email the provider directly for booking information and enquiries.
Dates
- Sunday 9 August
- Saturday 22 August
If your child or young person is not water‑confident, or if you are unsure about their ability to participate, we encourage you to contact the provider directly to discuss suitability and support requirements.
Additional Information
What to Wear
- All specialist equipment (including wetsuits) is provided.
- You need to bring:
- A rash vest or t‑shirt and shorts to wear under the wetsuit
- Trousers and pullover (not cotton)
- Waterproof jacket
- Old trainers or shoes that stay on securely
- A towel
Staffing & Safety
- Sessions are run by experienced, Paddle UK–qualified coaches.
- All staff have:
- Enhanced DBS checks
- First aid qualifications
- Drummond Outdoor is licensed by the Adventure Activities Licensing Authority and is a Paddle UK Delivery Partner
Booking Information
- Pre‑booking is mandatory for all activities.
- Sessions may be rescheduled at short notice due to river levels or adverse weather.
- To book, email: info@docanoe.com
- When booking, include:
- Your child’s All In Membership Number
- Any additional needs that should be considered
- Parent carers and siblings up to 18 years old can join the activity.
- Additional adults may be included: at extra cost, or at the provider’s discretion.
