In response to the growing demand from local paddlers in Chester, a dedicated group of canoe coaches came together in May 1999 to establish Deva Canoe Club. Their vision was to create a vibrant recreational club where paddlers of all levels could connect, share their love for the sport, and embark on exciting adventures down rivers, across the sea, and through open canoeing.
Since its inception, Deva Canoe Club has been committed to fostering a strong paddling community and providing a platform for unforgettable experiences on the water. The Club has over 170 members, including experienced paddlers and coaches, who are always happy to provide help and advice to new members. New members often join the Club through pool sessions at Northgate Arena or via the Club's website. Additionally, the junior club Chester Riverside Canoe Club is a great source of new members as their members grow up.
Club fees are £15 per annum, and the Club year runs from 1st April to 31st March. The fees cover administration costs and affiliation to the BCU, as well as providing equipment and courses. We have a wide range of Club boats and equipment, including sea kayaks, open boats, kayaks, sit-on-top, and stand-up paddleboards, which can be used during club sessions to help people get started in the sport.
From April until September, we run club sessions on a Thursday evening, where we use the River Dee and the Weir. Sundays are year-round sessions held at The Riverside Centre, and we also organise river and sea kayaking trips. During the summer, we run training sessions for beginners and the more competent. We also organise training days for Canoe Safety, White Water Safety, Sea Kayaking Safety, First Aid, and Coach Development.