Beginners Program

Beginners being instructed on beach

This year we have a new plan for introducing new members and beginners to the club, the plan below is targeted at new members who have very little paddling experience.

If you are already a confident paddler you may want to jump to Step 3 and come back Step 2 to refine some skills and then help out with Step 1 and 2. The plan below also provides opportunity for experienced club members to build a log book for their Guide or Instructor Award.

When

See the Club calendar for dates; Please contact the trip leaders nominate in the calendar entries for each event you wish to attend and copy training.rivercanoeclub@gmail.com when you contact the trip leaders for the trips as well.

The trip leader will want to know about your previous experience, full name, contact number, membership status, plus an emergency contact name and number. Providing this information upfront makes it easier for the trip leader to prepare for the trip.

What you will need to bring:

  • Your own food and water bottle
  • Shoes that will get wet
  • Hat, suncreen
  • Clothes for paddling, (synthetic cloths dry quicker than cotton which will stay wet and cold for longer)
  • Towel
  • Change of clothes for afterwards


Step 1: First Timers Paddle Opportunities:

Both these events are based from the club house and are on relatively sheltered water of the Cooks River.

·       Coffee Paddles from the club house at least once a month, places are limited

·       Midweek Evening Paddles once daylight savings starts, places are limited

Step 2: Flatwater Skills Sessions every couple of months (members only):

These skills days will focus on members new and experienced working on kayaking skills, from paddle strokes, edging, rescues and rolls. Also how to use a spray deck safely on kayak.

These days are very popular the club will bring as many boats as possible however all the equipment will be shared between the members throughout the day

Step 3: Flatwater Adventure Paddle:

Once you are confident in a boat it will be time to have a go at one of the club flatwater paddles.

At least once a month the club will have a paddle somewhere around Sydney. These paddles are usually 15-25km and take 3-4 hours of paddling. The destination may require transportation of a boat either your own or a club boat. Check the calendar for dates and details.

Where to from there?

There are many options with kayaking or canoeing

·       Canoe Skills (the finer art of a single blade)

·       White Water Skill Weekend (3 planned over Summer)

·       Sea Kayaking Skills

·       Thursday Morning Fitness Paddles (every week)

·       WOMDOMNOM (the best recreational kayak event in Australia)

·       Hawkesbury Classic (serious training and competition)

·       White Water Safaris

·       Snowy Extreme Race

·       Guide or Instructor Qualifications?

If you are keen to be part of River Canoe Club, join up http://www.rivercanoeclub.org.au/join