Activities for adults at Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre (WOEC)

Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre (WOEC) is situated on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. It benefits from easy access to a variety of high-quality watersports and climbing venues. Within 8 miles you'll find:

• sheltered harbours and bays
• the fleet tidal lagoon
• tidal races
• Portland crags
• sea caves.

Our experienced coaches and tutors are on hand to provide a safe, enjoyable and exhilarating experience, be it your first time at the sport or desire to enhance a specific skill.

We offer a range of taster sessions, guided paddles, and courses to meet your desired outcomes, including bespoke tuition for individuals or small groups.

To book or enquire about any of our activities, please email woec@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk 

Paddlesport safety and rescue (PSR) course

The Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course (PSR) was previously named Foundation Safety and Rescue Training (FSRT). The course aims to provide paddlers with key skills required to operate safely and to be able to deal with common problems in a sheltered water environment.

• two Tuesday evenings
• 29th April and 6th May 5:30pm – 9pm
• £130pp
• no minimum age. Suggested 14+

The course is designed for all paddlers irrespective of their chosen craft. This is a prerequisite of the Paddle Sport Instructor or Canoe / Kayak Coach qualifications. 
Information on the course can be found here 

There is an optional eLearning module bookable directly with Paddle UK that will be useful to complete ahead of the physical course, but is not essential. For more information on the eLearning click here.

SUP instructor qualification

This course is a great first step for stand-up paddleboards looking to deliver safe and enjoyable taster sessions based on their group’s needs and aspirations. 

• Tuesday 8th & Wed 9th April 09:30-16:30
• £260pp
• minimum age 14. Suggested 16+

For information on the course content, and pre-requisites candidates can visit: Stand Up Paddleboard Instructor | Learn to teach SUP today 

Prior to joining the course, every candidate needs to be a Paddle UK member, and have registered on the course via their JustGo portal. You will have access to this portal once you have Paddle UK membership. To buy Paddle UK membership, click here.

Paddlesport instructor (PSI) qualification

This qualification will develop your practical skills to deliver a safe and fun introductory paddlesport sessions from your sit-on-top kayak. You will learn about group control, safety and how to use games and mini journeys to inspire adventure and exploration. 

• Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th June
• 09:30-16:30
• £260pp
• minimum age 14. Suggested 16+

For information on the course content, and pre-requisites candidates click here. Prior to joining the course, every candidate needs to be a Paddle UK member, and have registered on the course via their JustGo portal. You will have access to this portal once you have Paddle UK membership. To buy Paddle UK membership, click here.

Prior to joining the course each candidate must have completed a Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course (PSR) or previously named Foundation Safety and Rescue Training (FSRT). We are running a PSR course on the 29th April and 6th May. You can also explore other PSR course options here. 

Archery instructor award

This is an entry-level course allowing you to deliver fun and safe introductory archery sessions. Little or no prior experience of archery is required. 

• Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th June, 9am – 5pm both days
• public price £195 or staff price £165 
• minimum age 17

For more information on the course content and Archery GB, click here.
Bookable directly though the Archery GB provider, aim4sport. To book, email courses@aim4sport.com or call 07501 506347.

Adults only rock climbing taster sessions

Join the team for a gentle introduction to rock climbing on the crags of Portland. This can be either your first ever climbing experience or a transition from indoor walls to real rock.

• Monday evenings 5:30pm to 9:30pm
• on Monday 16 June, 23 June, 7 July or 21 July
• £55 per person, per session
• available to book one or multiple sessions
• minimum age 18 

Enjoy being fully immersed in nature as you climb the sea cliffs of Portland and listen to the waves below. Some of the crags (cliffs) are an adventure just to get to them, with the climb approaches requiring steady footing and being confident on uneven or exposed terrain. Once at the crag and climbing, you might even be watched by a nosy seal or capture a sighting of a dolphin in the bay from a very different perspective.

Transport and equipment are all provided; however, we will suggest you bring your own climbing shoes if you have them.

Small group size with two instructors.

SUP and kayak taster sessions 

These are run as family sessions, however adults are welcome to book individually too. 

Please visit our family activity page for more information. 

Ladies only taster sessions

Join our inspirational female* leaders on a series of mini adventures in and around Weymouth and Portland. With an encouraging and supportive group, you will have the opportunity to push yourself slightly out of your comfort zone and try new things. Choose from a variety of Friday or Saturday mornings. 

• £30 per person, per session
• available to book one or multiple sessions
• Transport and equipment are all provided

* On rare occasions the female leader might be working with a male leader as a team of two. 

Friday mornings 10am to 1pm

**2pm finish and priced at £55

Saturday mornings 09:30am to 12:30pm

**2pm finish and priced at £55

Adult SUP club

Begin you stand up paddle boarding (SUP) journey or improve your skills with our SUP Coaches over a series of six summer evenings at the beach. We will work towards a mini journey, and explore paddle strokes, turns and possibly even a little racing along the way. 

• 6pm to 9pm on either Tuesdays or Thursdays, you decide. 
• Tuesdays 3, 10, 17 & 24 June, 1 & 8 July
• Thursdays 5,12, 26 June, 3 & 11 July
• £180 for a block of six evening sessions

Begin you stand up paddle boarding (SUP) journey or improve your skills with our SUP Coaches over a series of six summer evenings at the beach. We will work towards a mini journey, and explore paddle strokes, turns and possibly even a little racing along the way.

Paddleboards, wetsuits, buoyancy aids provided and bust transfers included. You can bring your own board if you have insurance.

Adult SUP club trips

Put your newfound SUP skills into action with a series of gentle trips on local rivers, all with different flow, scenery and challenges. 

• Tuesday 15 July, evening trip to Wareham on the River Frome
• Thursday 17 July, evening trio to Bridport on the River Brit
• Saturday 19 July, day trip to Wimborne Minster on the River Stour
• £65 per evening trip (4 hours) 5:30pm to 9:30pm
• £130 per day trip (6 hours) 8am to 2pm

Paddleboards, wetsuits, buoyancy aids provided and bust transfers included. You can bring your own board if you have insurance.

To book, email woec@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk