Do you welcome new members?
Of course! We are always keen to see new faces. A vibrant club is reliant on new people coming in and joining in with the fun and games, bringing new ideas and energy. Our coaches thrive on helping develop your skills and giving you the confidence to enjoy this fantastic sport to its maximum. If you want to have a look around the club before you join, ask us about coming along for a Taster session.
When do you meet?
We meet every Thursday evening at 6pm from May to early September. During the Autumn and winter we have monthly night paddles, monthly weekend paddles and monthly pool sessions at 2 Rivers recreation centre in Christchurch. We also offer many trips, mainly during the summer months.
Can I borrow a canoe or kayak?
Our members can hire canoes/kayaks and other equipment from the Club to enable them to participate in Club organised activities. We charge just £1 to hire a kayak per evening paddle, and £5 to borrow a kayak for club weekend trips. We have a range of boats available from sea kayaks to river runners and whitewater kayaks, as well as small junior kayaks and Canadian ‘open’ canoes. Paddles, spraydecks and buoyancy aids are also available and can be hired for £1 each. Members are welcome to hire our kit each week, or alternatively you may bring along your own equipment. We are sorry but we do not have facilities for members to store their kayaks at the centre.
Are children welcome?
Absolutely! We are a family friendly club. Introducing children to the sport is one of our main aims, helping them develop a healthy love and appreciation of the great outdoors whilst encouraging and expanding confidence and skill on the water. Children are also very useful at keeping the old timers on their toes.
Youngsters under the age of 8 are welcome, provided they are under constant supervision from their parent or guardian who must be highly experienced paddlers and will remain their responsibility at all times.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes. It is imperative that all members can swim. The ability to swim 50 metres and feeling confident in the water is adequate. However you would always be paddling within a group with coaches and leaders on hand.
What do I need to Wear?
You can wear a wetsuit or waterproof trousers, or if it is warm quick-drying shorts, together with a quick-drying T shirt or rash vest. Beach/Wet shoes are good, otherwise an old pair of trainers will do. We also recommend a waterproof spray top to keep you dry and to keep the wind out. Always bring a change of clothes and a towel with you in case you get wet.
Do I need to have previous paddling experience?
We do have a requirement that all members must have taken a BCU Discover (1* ) course, which teaches you the basic paddle and rescue techniques, or be able to demonstrate that you can paddle to that ability. The good news is that each year we run the BCU Discover course for new members. You can of course take this course elsewhere and join us afterwards.
I am thinking of joining the club. Can I try it out first?
Yes, During the summer we offer £10 taster sessions on selected dates where you can come and look at our equipment and facilities and join us for a paddle, to see if Southbourne Canoe club is for you. If you would like to come for a taster, please see our taster sessions page to find out the date of our next taster session.