THE BOYS’ BRIGADE NORTH WEST KENT BATTALION
WAC – THE SITE
The Water Activity Centre (WAC) is owned and managed by The Boys’ Brigade North West Kent Battalion. WAC is located on The River Medway at Tonbridge and for many years as provided fun on the river for all ages. This is a great place for young people to learn and improve their kayaking skills.
In recent years, WAC has undergone many site improvements carried out by volunteers within The Battalion. A brand new roof and a new floor layout have greatly improved the usability of the site and made it more comfortable for spectators.
Our center is well equipped, within easy reach of Tonbridge town centre and railway station. From the balcony, there are unobstructed views of the River Medway and the sports field and park to Tonbridge Castle. A swimming pool, paddling pool, light railway, and café are available in the park. The boathouse has mains water and electric, separate changing facilities showers and toilet.
WAC – THE FACILITIES
Although The Battalion cannot supply equipment and craft, thanks to the generosity of BB Companies within the Battalion, canoes and buoyancy aids and other equipment stored at the center are available for use when hiring WAC.
There is also equipment available for raft building
NWKBB WATER ACTIVITY CENTRE
There are enough Kayaks and equipment for 12 people to paddle at a time. Naturally, if any damage is caused to the equipment it is the responsibility of the user to arrange and pay for repairs.
NWKBB WATER ACTIVITY CENTRE
The centre can be hired on an hourly or daily basis as shown on the booking form.
BCU courses can be arranged if required at additional cost.
WAC
Fun & fellowship on the water.
WAC
REGULAR KAYAKING SESSIONS
The Battalion offers reqular kayaking sessions throughout the summer (currently on Monday evenings). Booking is essential for these evening sesions.
CANOEING
Kayaks and canoes are provides by NWK Battalion and local companies for use when hiring WAC. The Battalion has 11 licenses for The River Medway, therefore a maximum of 11 boats can be on the water at any one time unless personal permits are available to use also.
Please understand that we cannot supply staff for all sessions.
RAFT BUILDING
Barrels, ropes and paddles are available at WAC. These can be used for raft building.
Additional raft building equipment is alway welcome. Please get in touch if you are able and willing to donate any raft building equipment.
We’d love to see your rafts – please email your pictures to us.
INSTRUCTION & TUITION
WAC is hired on the understanding that you provide suitably qualified staff for your session.
If you require qualified and experienced staff for your session, please ask as we may be able to help. All we ask is that an additional donation be paid as a thank you for the time given by any volunteers
OPEN CANOES
KAYAKS
PADDLES
BUOYANCY AIDS
WAC HIRE CHARGES
| Session | Non-NWK Battalion | NWK Battalion |
| 3-hour Group (2019) | £50 | £40 |
| Full Day Group (2019) | £100 | £80 |
| 3-hour Group (2020) | £55 | £44 |
| Full Day Group (2020) | £110 | £88 |
Price increases reflect the improvement work that has been carried out.
Hire change includes use of the whole site as well as alls kayaks and equipment provided by NWK Battalion and local Companies.
WATER SAFETY RULES
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ALWAYS listen to instructors and do what is asked of you
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DO NOT run around the WAC
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Safety equipment MUST be worn at ALL TIMES when on, in or near the water:
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Buoyancy Aid
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Helmet
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Suitable footwear
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Ensure all equipment is suitably fitting and worn correctly – if in doubt ask!
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Spraydecks must ONLY be worn if you have carried out a supervised capsize drill
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Swimmers and Canoeist DO NOT mix
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NEVER paddle alone
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HAVE FUN and enjoy your time at the WAC!! Spread the word and tell your friends and companies about WAC.
YOUR VIEWS