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RYA training centre in London running Inland Waterways Helmsman courses and other bespoke canal boat training.
Reviews 52
Mark Fisher
Mar 28,2023I entirely agree with both of my co-trainees comments. We all had different levels of experience and Kerstin found time to give bespoke feedback which was very welcome. As a solo helmsman I now have the much needed confidence to start my boating journey. A first class training experience and excellent value for money. Thank you Kerstin.
Elderly woman
Mar 28,2023Very good leaning environment. Kirsten was both friendly and approachable but also good at keeping our focus . Well organised weekend with lots of “ hands on time” for the 3 trainees . Learnt so much in 2 days and now keen to put it all into practice . Would definitely recommend.
Graham Davidson
Mar 27,2023Have recently completed a two day Helmsman’s Course with Willum Boat Training…I found the course very comprehensive, covering many aspects of narrow boat handling,my instructor,Kerstin has a great deal of knowledge which she willingly imparts to her students, It is simply explained and easy to understand…. and most of all,enjoyable, even in the rain …. Would definitely recommend
Kathy
Mar 14,2023Kerstin is a wonderful instructor! The training weekend was excellent - it covered everything that I was apprehensive about and I feel so much more confident as a result of Kerstin's patient and clear guidance. I would highly recommend this training to any new boater!
Lucy
Mar 14,2023Kerstin was a fantastic instructor. Very good value for money. After 2 days of I now feel so much more confident driving my boat, turning, locks etc. Kerstin is very knowledgeable and gave feedback constantly throughout the session. I would recommend Willum Boat Training to anyone looking to gain experience on the canals.
Rebecca
Feb 22,2023Very patient and considered training. Took us through all the basics and built confidence throughout. Excellent training.
Nick Katz
Feb 22,2023Clear instruction, good H&S, useful tips and a very well kept canal boat made this training experience very enjoyable. Would happily recommend Willum Boat Training.
Joseph
Nov 09,2022Kerstin is a great trainer and made the course fun and interesting. I really appreciated her enthusiasm and vast knowledge. I now feel more confident and look forward to exploring the UK waterways thanks to her training.
Aase Villadsen
Nov 02,2022Kerstin ran an excellent Helmsman course and it really increased my confidence in handing a boat. I highly recommend to any aspiring boater to do this.
Sorin Liubarschi
Sep 24,2022A very comprehensive and useful 2 days covering the base of Helmsman course done by a very professional and friendly instructor.Was a very pleasant experience that i do recomand to any beginner...imagine you buy a 20..200k boat ...you need this training for sure.
Paddy Wyatt
Sep 17,2022Whilst I was very excited to go on the Helmsman's course, I was also slightly trepidatious......I needn't have been! It is a full weekend for sure and so much is covered. Yet by day 2, everything that had been taught on day one by the excellent Kerstin was remembered. It really is a course whereby anyone can confidently navigate our inland waterways safely and confidently. I promise that it is worth every penny, is great fun as well as educational.....and Kerstin is simply brilliant aboard the delightful 'Willum'!
Steve
Jul 03,2022This course was delivered very well, Kerstin covered all aspects in very good detail (theory and practical) and we never felt rushed. There were many handy tips and tricks shared along the way as well. Our confidence in managing a narrowboat has increased enormously and I'd really recommend this course to anyone else considering getting a narrowboat.
MD
Jun 15,2022As a total newcomer to narrow boating, the course was more challenging than I anticipated but the support & encouragement from Kerstin was first rate. Great location, easily reachable from London & perfect stretch of canal to practice, not congested but has all the necessary elements to practice manoeuvres. Highly recommended.
jack payne
Jun 13,2022As a total novice I wanted to gain some experience and knowledge of narrowboat handling before I buy one. This course was an amazing experience. Kirstin is a fantastic teacher, very knowledgeable patient and understanding she made us all feel at ease and built confidence very quickly teaching us various manoeuvres and guiding us through everything in a very friendly and professional manner. After two days I now feel confident that I can pilot a narrowboat on my own. I highly recommend doing this course if you are thinking about getting a narrowboat. It was an inspiration to me and I can't thank Kirstin enough for teaching me so well.
Ellis Woolley
Jun 05,2022Kerstin's two day training programme for a narrowboat newcomer was very well structured to give her students the best means of learning some theory, basics of the boat, standard cruising operation and a variety of manoeuvers, all without it seeming rushed or too challenging. Very glad to have gone through the course, highly recommended.
Steve C
Jun 01,2022Brilliant two days. Learnt so much. Kerstin was very patient as we practiced how to moor the boat and complete 180 degree turns. I feel so much more confident and am really looking forward to my boating holiday having had so much personal guidance. Would recommend to anyone considering a boating holiday on a canal for the first time.
Dr Mark Lee
May 07,2022The course joining instructions were accurate and detailed. Communication was very good and friendly. The trainer was excellent - friendly, knowledgeable and supportive but firm and decisive when necessary. I now feel much more confident in my ability to handle a narrowboat.
Darius McStay
Mar 28,2022Kerstin was so helpful, not only giving me complete confidence as a newbie but also so much valuable help re moorings, apps and links I'd asked about, and generally. Throughly enjoyable two days and have come away ready for boating life - thanks Kerstin!
Nick Gerrard
Mar 01,2022The entire experience was brilliant!! Brilliantly presented by Kerstin!! All my fears about boating were expelled! I highly recommend Willum Boat Training and Kerstin!! 5 ⭐️
Joseph
Apr 18,2023Kerstin is a terrific teacher, everything is very thorough but highly enjoyable too. Highly recommended.