Debdale Outdoor Centre

Went open water swimming here for the 1st time. Like swimming in a Luke warm bath! Very nice swim,well organised,clean water. Staff very friendly,good changing facilities. I'll definitely be back.

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Staff were really lovely and helpful, facilities were basic but everything you needed. The weather was stupidly hot so the water felt glorious! Plenty of staff on kayaks keeping an eye on swimmers. My only complaint and it is a small one, the swimmers route is quite small, but I do realise you're sharing the reservoir with lots of other people, as well as swans and geese. Would definitely come back though and highly recommend

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I wanted to say how much my son, his friends and us as parents enjoyed having his birthday party with you guys. I'd contacted a couple of different companies enquiring about a water sports party and you were by far the most helpful and accommodating. The day itself was brilliant; Jake, our instructor has the perfect balance of supporting individuals where needed (most had never done stand up paddle boarding before) but allowing the children to be independent, as there self confidence grew. The games and challenges were perfectly pitched for the group and our 3 hours on the water flew by, topped off with James bond style rides in the safety boat!! The facilities were great- hot showers and clean changing rooms were much appreciated as was use of the classroom to feed hungry children! Having discovered your centre, we'll definitely be back to do more and spreading the word!

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What a fantastically run venue… I found it hard to believe it was council owned as every other interaction with a council sports centre has been subservient in comparison. The staff are lovely here - I brought my son for the first time to try windsurfing. I wasn’t overly optimistic as he is only 6 and I imagined it would be quite difficult… but I was so impressed! The wetsuits and life jackets are included in the price of the session (which was £6-8 from memory) and they have changing facilities on site for men and women. Once changed my son was encouraged to help the rest of the boys/girls carry out the surfboards from the stores - I thought this was a very clever way of having them bond and giving them responsibility. They were then shown how to set up the boards and carried them out to the lake. The session lasted hours - the staff were in the lake on a motorboat should any of the kids need assistance. My son fell in a few times and although upset they managed to convince him to carry on… which has ultimately paid off as he now cannot wait to return. Theres a lovely community feel to the centre and I felt very moved by the level of commitment the staff had to the children. In a world where water-sports are often inaccessible to children who cannot afford a wetsuit, let alone a board, this cuts through the privilege and gives an opportunity for all. The only negative thing I have to comment on (which is most likely not in the hands of the staff) was the changing rooms being tired and in need of a revamp. It would be lovely to see some money poured into the facility as it clearly pours benefits into the community in tenfold. My son hasn’t stopped talking about this place - we’ve since been back for holiday club (£25 a day… bargain) and intend to become members after the school holidays are finished. Thank you Debdale Outdoor Centre!

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