Try paddling!
Welcome to Hastings Canoe Club
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Looking to learn to kayak (a shaft with a paddle at both ends) or canoe (a shaft with a paddle at one end)?
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Want to be an active member of a sports club?
Then come and try paddling with us......
We run beginner's sessions in the sea every Tuesday evening (except in the Winter) and in a swimming pool on alternate Thursday evenings all year round. These are the next sessions:
What you’ll need?
Firstly, you must be able to swim at least 100 metres fully clothed.
It is important you wear the correct clothing when you come paddling on the sea.
What you wear should not saturate with water if you fall in. If you do not have gear designed for water sports we recommend the following, depending on the conditions:
- Pair of old trainers or similar (please note crocs are not appropriate)
- T-shirt, thermal top (Cagoule or a thin water proof and windproof top)
- Towel (You will get wet so you should have a change of clothes to put on after the session)
For the swimming pool, a swimming costume and towel are sufficient.
You should also advise your coach of any medical conditions. At busy times, particularly in the summer, we often have more people than we can accommodate. Whilst we will do all we can to get everyone on the water, there are no guarantees. We are a member's club with no commercial remit and are looking to develop paddlers in the long term, rather than support fair weather paddlers seeking summer activities. Once you decide you like the club, you can apply for membership.
Costs
Your first visit will cost £4 (£2 for Juniors) to cover the BCU insurance premium.
You can then come to a further five sessions as a visitor - Sea sessions £5, Pool sessions £6.
To join the club for a year costs:
- Adult £50
- Student £25
- Junior £25
- Social £10
Once you have joined, Sea sessions are free, Pool sessions are £4 and you can come to the members only Sea sessions.
If junior members do not have a parent who is a senior member then one parent must join as a social member.
About Hastings Canoe Club
We do not rent out canoes or kayaks. We are always looking for new members and so provide coach-led groups for people who have never paddled before. We are entirely non-commercial and "staffed" entirely by enthusiastic unpaid volunteers. We supply the kit, you supply the paddler. The club is able to provide a limited number of boats, paddles and buoyancy aids so come along and try it out before you invest. Only in very special circumstances is club kit allocated to a specific paddler. If you do want to use the same kit from week to week or feel you need better kit than the club is supplying, go ahead and buy it. There are plenty of club members who can advise, or who may have kit they want to sell.
Safety is Paramount
Your safety and the safety of others is paramount. Membership of the club does not entitle you to take out boats if and when you feel like it. Until a coach/committee member has cleared you to paddle independently you may not be on the water in any boat that is stored at the club unless it is an organised club session.
When you are on the water under the supervision of another paddler, you are expected to obey the instructions they give. They have the right to end any session at their discretion.
Any questions, please drop us an email.
