Bellboating
What is a Bell Boat?
A Bell Boat is a twin hulled canoe (pictured to the right) suitable for 10 children or 8 adults.
What are the Bell Boats used for?
Bell Boats can be used for beginners watersports sessions, special needs groups, childrens parties, charity events, Key Stage 2 work, Environmental / Regenaration, Exploratory / Wildlife work.
Do participants have to be experienced or able to swim?
Bell Boats are perfect for the complete beginner to watersports. With Bell Boats being such a stable platform they are ideal for young children who may be nervous due to it being their first time on the water. Special needs groups find them particularly useful as they take little effort to generate a reasonable pace and can cover good distances with an inexperienced crew.
How much does it cost?
Bell Boating is a low cost activity.
With an experienced, qualified centre helm, the cost is £50.00 per hour
Using your own qualified helm, the cost is £30.00 per hour.
Can I become qualified to helm the Bell Boat?
Yes! There are no pre-requisities for the Bell Boat helm course. Courses are held here at Castlegate Quay Watersports Centre. Please ask a member of staff of contact the centre on (01642) 528689 for more details.
What can I expect from a Bell Boat session?
Whether its a 2 hour session or a full day your session can include:
Paddling from the centre towards Tees Barrage where the crew will learn how to paddle efficiently using teamwork. Along the way, young people can be taught about regeneration projects along the edge of the river Tees. On arrival at Tees Barrage the boat will enter the lock where students will be taught about water safety and how a lock works whilst experiencing it at first hand. Once downstream of the Barrage environmental issues can be explained with regards to pollution and differences between salt and fresh water. If you are lucky, the wildlife will be above and below you and the seals may even come and say hello! On the paddle back there will be some fun and games and you may even get wet.
