About the Club

FAQs

Where is the Clubhouse?

What equipment does the Club have?

The club has plenty of equipment for use by club members on club activities. In particular, we have a fleet of sea kayaks, whitewater boats and canoes, along with paddles, life-jackets, and spraydecks. You can also use the clubhouse change rooms and showers before and after outings.

How much does it cost to use Club equipment?

For local sessions on the Cooks River, members can use a club kayak or canoe, along with a paddle, lifejacket and spraydeck, all for just five dollars.

Is your equipment available to just rent out?

The RCC isn’t generally in a position to just rent out gear on a commercial/hire basis – that’s not how we’re set up, with all members being volunteers etc. If you’re looking to simply rent out gear, we’re more than happy to share some recommendations for local businesses.

That said, each week there are typically 3-4 paddle sessions happening – so there are no shortage of opportunities to get out on the water. To get a better idea of what’s been happening recently, check out the club’s facebook page.

Where do you go on Club outings?

We are based on the Cooks River in Sydney, just a short paddle from the majestic Botany Bay. Our regular Friday and Saturday outings explore many parts of the Cooks River, Wolli Creek and Botany Bay. Further afield, we explore the wonderful waterways around Sydney, including Sydney Habour, Pittwater, Kuringai, the Nepean and Hawkesbury rivers and Port Hacking. Once you have the basis skills and experience, we can start exploring further afield, across Sydney, New South Wales, interstate and overseas. Some favourite locations include the Whitsunday Islands, New Zealand and Tonga .

What do I bring to a Club outing?

It will depend on the session and there may be some specific instructions, however as a starting point, we’d generally recommend:

1. Footwear that doesn’t mind getting wet (sandals, wetsuit booties, old runners etc). This is to protect your feet getting in and out of the boats.

2. Clothing that doesn’t matter getting a bit wet. Board shorts are common, with either a light-weight shirt (in summer) or a thermal top (for cooler months). Cotton clothing and jeans are generally best avoided.

3. A sense of adventure and humour – we’ll do everything we can to teach you some paddling skills and show you some fun times. We do ask that people respect that (a) that we may take you a bit outside your normal comfort zone and (b) that all members are volunteering their time.

4. Some food and water – there’s nothing like staying fed and hydrated to stay in good spirits.

They’re the main things before you come down… the rest we can run through with you on arrival. Expect a safety briefing etc, before hitting the water. If you can arrive on time or early, it’s always good — that way we can spend maximum time on the water and not keep others waiting.

How do I pay for gear usage?

If you’re looking for the club’s bank account details (for gear usage fees etc to be paid) – they’re here:
River Canoe Club of NSW –
BSB 012172,
Account 3018 65753
just enter your name eg J.White Boat Usage

How do I find out what’s happening?

Activities are posted to the Club’s website calendar – that’s the central location. There is a member email mailing list – that you’ll be automatically added into when you join up with the club. Typically there is a weekly summary email out letting people know what’s coming up.

For members posting upcoming paddling trip/activities – the mailing list address is rivers@rivercanoeclub.org.au


Other useful documents/information

The following is a list of useful Club policies, strategies and resources for new members when joining the Club. 

  1. The Safety Competencies outline the minimum basic skills and equipment for each level of trip in the Club. If you are new to paddling, then you must be taken through the competencies as outlined for flatwater before taking flatwater trips. These basics may take no more than a couple of hours by a Club Instructor or experienced Club paddler, but are essential to ensure that you safely enjoy your first experience in the Club. The Introduction to Flatwater Guide is an excellent resource for all paddlers when getting started. It goes through all sorts of things like the kind of boats, how to fit them out, your personal equipment all the way to a lesson on Navigation. The AC Safety Guidelines also spell out the guidelines for the conduct of organized trips, run by Clubs and Commercial groups.
     
  2. Club trips can be as small as a trip up Wolli Creek, or as large as a five-day moving trip down the Shoalhaven. It has a start and finish and is organized by a club representative. Club members can post impromptu trips to the yahoo group. They will identify the Grade of the trip, a description and their skill to lead this trip. Skill level can vary according to the complexity of the trip. Members can organize their own trips, and are required to observe all of the safe paddling recommendations. In doing so the AC Insurance will kick in should an incident occur. A summary brochure outlining the insurance policy can be found on the PaddleNSW or Australian Canoeing website. Boat insurance can also be purchased via PaddleNSW.
     
  3. The Club Calendar would advertise most RCC and PaddleNSW recreational trips, Club meetings and training opportunities.
     
  4. Single event members who are competent paddlers are welcome on all trips however a single event registration must be completed and a payment of $20 either online or to the trip leader before commencing the trip. There is no limit to the number of single trips taken however a new form and payment is to be used for each new trip. This rule is a condition of the Clubs affiliation with the State Body, PaddleNSW.
     
  5. Member’s boats can be stored at the Clubhouse. The policy can be found on the website under forms and documents.In summary, it will cost $150 per year and you will be provided a Clubhouse key for access at your convenience.
     
  6. The Club strives to deliver quality training and trip leading and supports the accreditation of members who are prepared to step up to take these leadership rolls. Qualified members who assist the club in this way can have their Australian Canoeing Registration reimbursed by the Club. Details of this policy can also be found on the website. A full list of qualified members can be found on the website under contacts.
     
  7. Checklists can be found for preparing yourself as a participant and a trip leader. The trip leader is required to have completed a Float Plan that includes an emergency management plan for each trip that they lead. PaddleNSW conducts Courses for Guiding, Flat & White water Instructors, Sea kayaking and Rescue.
     
  8. Trip reports are welcome and should be provided to the Magazine Editor by the 20th of each month. 

All the best for a great membership and let a Committee member know how you are going in the Club. Constructive feedback is always welcome.