Centre Information
General Information
The Adur Outdoor Activities Centre (AOAC), is situated on the banks of the picturesque River Adur at Shoreham. The Centre offers a wide range of outdoor and adventure activities as well as residential, social and conference facilities. With an indoor climbing and bouldering wall, through to our activities on the water with kayaks and canoes to mountain biking across the South Downs the centre has something to offer all ages and abilities. AOAC run a variety of courses across all areas of the centre.
Here’s a brief history lesson on the centre:
- AOAC was built in 1973 by WSCC as a facility for social, cultural and water-based activities for young people in Shoreham-by-Sea.
- By 1980 the Centre had developed very active Sailing and Canoe Clubs originally run by the two Centre full-time staff (a Youth Worker and a Boson). Fiberglass kayaks were built in the area now known as the Boat Store.
- In 1986 the County Council changed the organisation of the Centre to that of a Charitable Trust, grant-aided by the County, and appointed a Centre Manager to run the operation under the control of a Board of Trustees. The Centre was designated as a County Water-based Activity Centre, and was to be known as the Adur Water Activities Centre.
- By the late 1980’s the Canoe & Sailing Clubs had developed further to the extent that they became voluntary youth organisations run by their members rather than Centre Staff.
- A small residential facility (16-bed) was developed in 1992 by dividing up the Social area upstairs.
- In 1993 the name was changed to the Adur Outdoor Activities Centre, in view of the development of new land-based activities such as Mountain Biking and Orienteering.
- In 1998 a plan was developed for an Indoor Climbing Wall to be built at the Centre. Although subject to many delays in the planning and construction stages, it finally opened in August 2003. This led to an expansion of the Centre facilities to include a new Reception area and provision of vending facilities.
- A 2nd stage of development started in October 2003 which includes a major refurbishment of the changing and toilet facilities, replacement of outside building fabric and new double-glazed windows and doors.
- A third stage of development, finished in 2004, included a Low-Ropes course, a Small Indoor Climbing Wall and a new office. The old office has become a dual-purpose area as a rest/eating facility for Centre staff, and as a second Leaders room for residential groups.
- Most recently the Centre has had the sustainability project running in the summer of 2010. Where solar panels and new heating and water system we put in place to be environmentally friendly.
A Greener Centre
In 2009 the centre went green for more details visit our Greener Centre page.
Residential / Function Room
The residential block consists of a 18 bed unit (4 bedrooms, 8, 6,2 & 2), as well as a camping area within the Centre compound, making the AOAC the ideal venue for a small school or youth group (Camping ground currently under construction until further notice).
Shower and changing facilities are available both upstairs (for residential groups) and downstairs for all site users.
Upstairs the Centre has a spacious lounge and dining area with TV, video, pool, table tennis and table football. An OHP is available making these areas ideal for lectures, conferences or residential group activities.
Wifi is now available at the centre.
There is also a large lecture room downstairs, useful for those rainy days or pre-activity briefings.
Outside in the compound is a barbecue area, which is a great way to relax after a hard day of fun and enjoyment!
Please see bookings page on how to book the residential or an activity.
For general enquiries and more details on how to get in touch please go to our contact us page.