French Alps to the UK via Asia
Canoe Control International was founded in 1989 by well known UK expedition kayaking paddler and coach Stuart Woodward. Since his first French Alpine trip in the same year he has spent every summer developing his French Alps Kayaking School. With the remainder of the year spent either running trips and expeditions throughout the world or teaching on the rivers of Dartmoor in the South West of England.

Young Paddlers and the Grand Canyon
Early in the history of the company Stuart devoted a lot of time and energy to coaching and mentoring young paddlers, which amongst other things involved him becoming a trainer on the first British Youth Kayak Expedition to the Grand Canyon. This and subsequent projects over the years have seen many young paddlers develop into the athletes at the cutting edge of paddlesport today. Two such examples are former World Freestyle kayak Champion Deb Pinniger and renown expedition paddler Allen Ellard.

Know your River
The current range of courses and locations offered by Canoe Control International have been developed over the years and are based on an intimate knowledge of the areas in which they operate together with an unblemished safety record.

Great Coaches and Guides
Our coaching team has always comprised of world class staff with experience of paddling on some of the worlds greatest rivers.. Many of whom are well known and respected with-in the paddling community for their personal achievements.

Experience Counts but Qualfications help
Maintaining a high level of personal ability and coaching expertise, can only be acheived by doing. Getting out of the (warm) lecture room, and out onto as many varied graded rivers as possible is so important. Other wise quality teaching unless backed up by recent experience can not be produced. This is one of Canoe Controls many strengths, the amount of river time staff and our clients are exposed to. Stuart continues to be fully involved with the river leadership and coaching. As well as being a BCU L5 Coach and L5 Assessor he is also a Qualified Professional Alpine White Water Guide.

If you have any further questions about the company, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Mission Statement

To continue to provide a coaching/guiding environment built upon technical expertise, experience and professional conduct.

Stuart Woodward
Owner of Canoe Control International.