The Bell Boat is a team boat for all, which has been used by every section of the community. It is nine metres long and the catamaran design makes it very stable - this enables safe transportation of up to 8 adults or up to 14 children plus a helm/coach.
It can be used by all ages and any ability – it truly is a boat for ALL!
The Bell Boat is ideally used as a school on water and gives those taking part a greater understanding of teamwork, individual strengths and co-operation. Above all, it’s fun!
Bell Boat Events
There are Bell Boat events run throughout the year around the country. These are fun events in which all ability levels are welcome. There is also an annual Bell Boat National Championship each year with prizes for age classes and scout/guide groups.
Paddle for Life
This is a Paddle scheme created for young people introduced to Bell Boating. School children are provided with a paddle kit, that before it is assembled resembles a sword and shield – this is then linked to a story about parliament and democracy. The children then assemble their own paddle often painting their own design on the blade. In some areas children have planted willow trees to provide paddle shafts for future generations and learn lessons about the carbon cycle and the environment. For more details of these schemes see The Curriculum at Key Stage 2 and Paddlesport.
The Bell Boat Helm Award
This award is specifically aimed at teachers to enable them to take young people on the water. A teacher with no previous paddling skills can qualify as a helm after a 2 day course (this includes 4 hours first aid). Courses are available through the Coaching for Teachers scheme.
For more details of the Bell Boat Helm Award click here.
Accessing Bell Boats
There are a number of “community” Bell Boats around the country which can be accessed on agreement with the organisation where they are based. For details of location, see Community Bell Boats document at the bottom of the page.
For more information on Bell Boats, Paddle for Life and details of how to purchase them go to www.bellboat.com.
More information about Bell Boats and how you can take 'Learning Outside the Classroom' one step further
Information about Community Bell Boats