There had been a strong history of kayaking and canoeing in the Clydebank area going all the way back to the Second World War. Where workers at the various shipyards would take off for a weekend’s voyaging, often in home-built boats, made from wooden frames and canvas. In the late 70s/early 80s, the first Clydebank Canoe Club was formed.
In 1987 there were two groups operating in the local area, both of which were tasked with providing development opportunities for local people through outdoor sports. Instructors from the Drumchapel Adventure Group (DRAG) were teaching kayaking which was then mirrored by a region-sponsored Outdoor Education Initiative (OEI) in Clydebank, who were also using kayaking as a development medium. Instructors from both organisations soon realised that a local club was required to allow their students to further develop their kayaking.
A joint initiative was established between these two groups and the Drumchapel & Clydebank Kayak Club was born! The club used the Drumchapel Swimming Pool as a base for pool sessions and boats were borrowed from OEI and DRAG for outdoor trips. Initially professional instructors provided instruction but as the level of skill held by members increased, members themselves entered the BCU Coaching Scheme. Members obtained awards and took on the responsibility to offer coaching to others within the club, setting a “pay-it-forward” trend that continues into the present day.
Over the years there has always been a core group of people who form our committee, working behind the scenes to keep the club running. Without their blood, sweat and tears the club would not be what it is today. We are always on the look out for new volunteers, so if you would like to get more involved in the running of the club please just let us know.