Becky Jones tries her hand at canoeing. Or is that a kayak? Let her explain...

The beautiful spring-fed lake, the lush green trees, the singing birds and the preening swans: I could be in a rural idyll. I am, however, just metres from a busy main road in Hinckley. The well-hidden aquatic gem I'm standing beside is The Pit (so called as it's a former clay pit) – home to Hinckley Water Activities Training Centre, a non-profit organisation which offers kayaking, canoeing and outdoor activities to individuals and groups.

Tonight, I'm taking to the water under the guidance of senior coach Steve Burrows. Since learning to canoe/kayak here 26 years ago, Steve has spent the past 24 years teaching – including stints in Australia and New Zealand – as well as taking part in kayak racing, and even kayaking up the Zambezi. So I really couldn't be in better hands.

Enlightened

Once I've been kitted out with a buoyancy aid, Steve takes me through the basics, and explains the difference between a kayak and a canoe.

"The only difference between a canoe and a kayak is the type of paddle and the way you sit.

"If you sit in it, with a double-ended paddle, it's a kayak. If you kneel in it, with a single blade, it's a canoe." Aha.

Feeling enlightened, and excited, I help Steve carry our first mode of transport – a 16ft long Canadian-style open canoe – down to the water. On Steve's instruction, I tentatively climb into the front part of the boat and sit down while he gets into the rear seat – from where he'll be steering. We grab our wooden single-bladed paddles, get them into the correct position – with hands shoulders' width apart – and we're off!

"You set the pace of the strokes. I'll follow you" says Steve. "Try and keep the paddle vertical, and start as far forward as possible, pulling it down the side of the boat in a straight line, to your waist. It's about being as efficient as possible with your stroke."

I stretch forward and pull back the paddle, trying to keep it in a straight line – which isn't easy in a curved boat. We're moving really quickly – although, I must confess, I think most of the power is coming from the rear of the boat. But, according to Steve, I'm doing well. "You're a fast learner" he congratulates me, before teaching me how to "correct" the stroke, by adding in a little flick forward at the end of my backwards stroke.

After an enjoyable 20 minutes paddling, Steve reckons I've got enough skill to have a go in one of the single-seater kayaks. These are 10ft long and controlled using a double-bladed paddle, which is feathered to make it more aerodynamic. As I slide into my sleek red kayak, I'm brimming with enthusiasm at the prospect of going it alone. Well, alone in the boat anyway. Steve will be nearby in his own kayak, wearing his skirt. Also known as a spraydeck, this flexible cover keeps the water from sloshing inside your kayak. I can't have one today as I haven't done a spraydeck test. As this involves rolling underwater, I don't mind too much. I'm just glad I'm wearing my waterproof overtrousers, as within minutes I've got a lapful of water. But it feels great to be master of my own boat, paddling away, chatting to Steve as I go. In fact, I'm feeling much calmer than I expected. Well, that is until I meet a stream of experienced kayakers.

As I'm still trying to master the art of going in a straight line, I veer off into the side of three or four of them.

"Sorry – I'm a beginner" I shout rather pathetically. Fortunately, they're understanding.

We finish the lesson in a double kayak. As darkness begins to fall, our two-hour session comes to an end. Time's passed really quickly, and despite the dreary weather, it's been great fun.

"You were really relaxed on all the boats," says Steve. "Perhaps it's a new sport for you."

Ooh, now there's an idea.

A few more lessons and I'll be Eskimo rolling with the best of them. Maybe......

Info

Hinckley Water Activities Training Centre offers courses and events for individuals and groups. Call Steve on 01455 251113

www.hwatc.co.uk