FAQ
Beginning Kayaking
Can I join the club?
Yes! New memberships are open to anyone at any time of the year. Please see the membership page for details.
Can I try before joining?
Yes! We offer try-it-out sessions on Sunday mornings at 10am. You don't need to book or pay anything. Just turn up with a full change of clothes and a towel. One of our members will show you around the club, provide equipment and teach you the basics of paddling on the canal. Once you realise you love it you can sign up for membership and continue coming up every week!
Do I need to know how to canoe/kayak first?
No! You can start as a complete beginner and you will learn everything gradually from the more experienced members.
Do I need to be able to swim to do canoeing/kayaking?
Yes, you do! You don't need to be a great swimmer but you must be comfortable in the water and be able to swim at least 25m.
Is there any age limits?
We usually recommend children are at least 9/10 years old when starting out. For younger children it can be a frustrating experience as the boats are designed for bigger people. However there are some children of members that occasionally paddle before this age with their parents and enjoy the experience.
There is definitely no upper age limit. The limiting factor for older adults is usually having sufficient flexibility to get in and out of boats. However some boats are easier in this regard than others so don't be put off if you struggle at first.
Do I need my own equipment?
You don't need any of your own equipment except clothes, shoes and a towel! The club has buoyancy aids (life jackets), paddles, spraydecks and boats for paddlers from beginner to intermediate level. After some time you may wish to purchase your own equipment. Usually the first item people purchase is a personal bouyancy aid to ensure they always have one that is comfortable dry. After this it might be paddles and then later a kayak (or two or three!)
Do I need to pay to use club equipment?
Nope! Use of club equipment is included in the yearly membership fee. This includes for regular training and races/events.
What should I wear?
It depends on the weather and your tolerance for cold. We usually wear general sports gear, the same as used for running or cycling - close fitting shorts/tights and tight fitting sports top. During the winter thermal layers, a windproof outer layer and a hat are usually required.
Do not wear: jeans, hoodies, wellies
On the canal we generally don't wear wetsuits but these are definitely advisable for river trips at all times of year. A sleeveless or multisport wetsuit is best. Surf wetsuits are very difficult to paddle in.
You will want some form of footwear - either normal runners or neoprene booties/socks. These are necessary as there are sharp rocks, thorns, glass, etc in and around the canal.
Why do I see some paddlers going barefoot and wearing lighter clothing?
Some advanced paddlers wear short sleeve tops/singlets when training and racing because they are generating immense amounts of body heat and need to stay cool. Do not be tempted to copy them unless you are also doing intense training. You will quickly get cold from the wind chill and water.
These paddlers often go barefoot for more precise control of their boats and under the assumption they are unlikely to end up in the water. Again, it is not advised to follow this practice unless you are training in racing boats.
Do I have to wear a lifejacket/buoyancy aid?
Yes, all paddlers must wear buoyancy aids at all times on the water. It is a club rule and the law.
Make sure your bouyancy aid is comfortable, tightened and the correct size for your weight.