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Beginner’s Workshop Weekend
NEW for the 2023/24 Season!
This year we have decided to switch up our methods of introducing our running partners to the world of Cani-Sports, including Canicross and Cani-hike. Our new beginners workshop will give you the confidence to explore the trails with your canine partner from the warmth of a hall with hot drinks to hand!
This workshop is a prerequisite for joining our other sessions as it ensures you have a minimum level of competence and understanding when out on the tails and running with the group.*
It comprises two morning sessions and you will receive a course handout for easy reference afterwards.
Saturday Morning (30th September, 9.15am-11.45am), The Church of the Good Shepherd, The Avenue, Tadworth, Surrey, KT20 5AS
A ”dogless” theory morning, so that you can learn the basics without the stress of managing your dog at the same time.
It will include: Introduction to Canicross, Canicross Specific Sports Equipment, How to develop Directional Cues, Building confidence on the trail, Trail Running Tips and Tricks, Hydration and Heat injury, Good Etiquette, Terrain safety and more.
Our aim for our Theory Taster is to arm you with the information you need and the confidence to use it on the trails with your dog. During our session you will get the opportunity to try on belts, and handle all the kit most commonly used to see what might work best for you and your pup.
There will be a refreshment break with drinks and cake.
Sunday Morning (1st October, 7.00am-9.00am), Denbies Wine Estate, Bradley Ln, Dorking RH5 6AA
A practical session, out exploring some of the beautiful trails that Surrey has to offer, and putting into practice what you learned on day 1, so hopefully you’ll feel a little more relaxed and your dog will too! Participants will be divided into small groups according to running ability with each hosted by one of our experienced Leaders, who will support you into your first steps into the world of Canicross. We accommodate all speeds and levels of fitness, so please don’t worry about fitting in!
You will need to ensure that you have time to warm up, kit up and prepare for your Leader Briefing before we hit the trails.
What do you need to know for the practical:
During our theory session we will give you a step by step guide on how to get ready for the practical session. On the day, we will hand out kit and be on hand to help you get ready.
The session will go ahead unless prevented by extreme weather conditions, we will let you know as soon as possible but in some cases this might not be until the morning of the practical.
Please wear appropriate clothing and shoes. This includes:
- Trail Running Shoes (these are essential – road running trainers do not have suitable grip for slippery trails!)
- Clothing suitable for running in, taking the weather into account – hats, gloves, layers etc if needed
You should also remember to bring:
- Water for both you and your dog in the car for afterwards.
- Any medication such as inhalers, epipens etc (and make sure to disclose these on your Registration Forms)
- Happy, healthy and willing canine companion on day 2 only.
Your Beginners’ Workshop fee also includes our basic Club Membership (worth £10) for your first year, which will allow you to register for all other class sessions.
You can upgrade from the basic ‘Pay as you go’ membership to the Full Membership for £30 – please ask for information.
Please complete our Registration Form prior to your session so we can ensure we have the right sized kit available for you to try.
Full location information will be sent in a follow up email prior to the event.
* Have you canicrossed before and have previous experience? You may be exempt from this course – please contact us to discuss!