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Looking to learn to kayak (a shaft with a paddle at both ends); canoe (a shaft with a paddle at one end) or even paddleboard?
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Want to be an active member of a sports club?
Then come and try paddling with us......No experience is necessary.
Beginners should attend one of our introductory courses during Spring and Summer (see the Calendar for details).
If you are not yet sure whether you want to commit to an introductory course, contact us to come along as a Visitor for a Try Paddling session (Visitor form). If you are not used to a closed cockpit kayak, it may be worth attending one of our indoor pool sessions, so you can practice capsizing in a controlled environment. All sessions need to be booked in advance. Outdoor sessions may need to be cancelled, often at short notice, due to the weather or sea conditions.
What you’ll need?
Firstly, you must be able to swim at least 50 metres.
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 (without long laces that could get tangled)
- 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. 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
We offer some beginner's courses that typically cost about £90 for six sessions.
You can come to a maximum of six sessions as a visitor - Sea sessions £5, Pool sessions £10.
To join the club for up to a year costs:
- Adult £70
- Student (16-24) £35
- Junior (under 16) £35
- Associate (Remote) £35
- Social £15
To join, complete the Membership Form and hand to a committee member with your membership fee, or email the form and use a bank transfer.
Membership renewal is due at the start of February, each year.
Once you have joined, Sea sessions are free, Pool sessions are £5 (+ £2 if boat hire is required) and you can come to members only events (depending on skill level).
If junior members do not have a parent/guardian who is a senior member then one parent/guardian 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 training 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 check out our FAQ or contact us.