My First AAA Canoe Trip: Why I’ll Never Doubt a Weekend with Strangers Again

Confession time:

I nearly convinced myself to skip AAA’s weekend canoe trip. Yes, I had completed a day hike with them in the past, but a full weekend with unfamiliar faces? Cue the anxious sweating. But hey, 'in for a penny, in for a pound”, right?

Spoiler alert: it was one of the best decisions ever. Here’s why. 

Pre-Trip Jitters (and Reassurance)  

The organiser, Mike, had already won me over with his pre-trip questionnaire (“Can you swim?” “Dietary needs?” “Need a tent?”). Practical? Check!

But still, my brain buzzed with “what-ifs”. What if the group was cliquey? What if I hated canoeing?  

Then came the carpool. I volunteered to drive two strangers from London. Two hours later, we were laughing like old friends. By the time we arrived, my nerves had melted into excitement.  

Day One: Camp Vibes: Tents, BBQS, and Sunset Pints

Great communication & getting there 

Mike’s WhatsApp group chat was strong.

He’d shared a What3Words pin (genius for finding obscure campsites) and a photo of the setup. When we arrived, tents were already pitched, gazebos stood tall, and three BBQS were ready to sizzle. Mike gave a quick rundown and then left us to settle in.  

As more people arrived, the vibe turned electric. My carpool crew claimed tents and jumped into salad prep (shoutout to the Victoria sponge cake that stole the show later). A few of us wandered to the River Wye, stumbled upon the Ross-on-Wye Rowing Club’s bar, and sipped pints while the sun dipped below the horizon. Perfection.  

Dinner?

A carnivore and veggie dream: burgers, halloumi, sweetcorn, and yes, those “interesting”, in a good way, salads.

Post-feast, we huddled around the fire pit, swapping introductions and stories of past AAA events. Many of the group had attended many different AAA Hiking Trips previously, and canoeing was a regular event for some. Will it feature again for me? We will have to wait and see!?

Mike briefed us on Day two—canoeing!—and I fell asleep thinking, Why was I even worried?  

Day Two: Canoes & Splash Wars 

Whoops. I overslept!

“Boom-boom” music (think Cat Stevens’ “Morning Has Broken”) jolted me awake from outside my tent.

Apparently, a ritual to awaken heavy sleepers. Mike’s porridge saved the day with ample fresh fruit—I’m now a porridge addict. Who knew?  

There was also ample choice for making your packed lunch with crisps, loads of fruit and an assortment of breads, cold meats, veggie stuff, sauces and something to wrap it all in, as I’d forgotten to read about bringing a lunch box to avoid your food getting crushed in the barrel.

Now for some paddling.

We hit the canoe centre after Mike briefed us (and reminded me to bring the safety cord for my glasses).

The instructors taught us to paddle without zig-zagging (mostly), and we were underway.

Once on the river, Mike reminded us of his Splashing Rule:

“If you splash anyone, you’re become fair game to be splashed.”

Naturally, his canoe became Target #1.  

We paddled, stopped for swim breaks, spotted a kingfisher, and ended up back at the rowing club after about 4 hours.

Dinner was enjoyed at a local pub with live music. Check. Followed by toasted marshmallows by the fire back at camp? Double check.  

Day Three: Breakfast on the River & Goodbyes  

Sunday was a breeze.

We paddled to a riverside pub for a full English breakfast—a perfect start to the day.

More splashing for those who wanted to engage, a packed lunch on the riverbank with a swim.

Finally, a bittersweet finish: packing tents and swapping Instagram handles with new friends.   

The Verdict

This trip was a masterclass in stepping out of your comfort zone.

Mike’s planning was flawless; the food rivalled glamping, and so were the people. Absolute gems.

Canoeing was a blast—even my chaotic start turned into a highlight.  

If you’re on the fence about trying AAA (or canoeing), just GO FOR IT!

You’ll leave with wet shoes, a full heart, and zero regrets. See you on the river next year as I'll be back 🛶  

Hugo  

P.S. Porridge toppings recommendations, anyone? 🥣  

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