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Joining FAQ
This page lists are most of the questions that people wanting to join usualyy ask. You might also want to check our more general FAQ page.
Poole Harbour Canoe Club
This page lists are most of the questions that people wanting to join usualyy ask. You might also want to check our more general FAQ page.
Just send back the membership form and a cheque to the address on the form. You can download it from the web-site. We will then send out the members password to you so you can download the members pack and gain access to the events list and members contact details.
We only have insurance cover to take you on the water once you are a member but you are welcome to visit the club by coming down to the club on a Wednesday night during the season. Alternatively commercial organisations such as Woodmill in Southampton do offer taster sessions.
You need to be a club member for our courses. The courses are popular and we usually have a waiting list so do join and put your name on the list now if interested.
A course isn’t essential but is the fastest and best way to learn, the alternative is to pick it up gradually on club nights. If you are a raw beginner then you may have to miss some activities if no-one is available to look after you. For Juniors we run sessions with a coach in attendance.
The 5 week courses are run by our volunteer coaches form the beach in the harbour. They run on midweek evenings while there is daylight from Late Spring to Autumn. Courses are usually a couple of hours on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday but if there is sufficient demand other days can sometimes be arranged. The more flexible you are the quicker we can fit you in. Course dates are arranged as instructors volunteer there is no fixed timetable. After joining the cl;ub you should contact the training officer with your course needs.
You need to join the club first. The beginners course is then £20 for 5 weeks.
All our courses usually mix adults and children, although we try not to have a sole adult surrounded by children. Seeing the children outclass you is usually too much for most adults. You can make us aware of your interest in staying together when you put your names on our course list.
We have no age limits on membership. The young children of family members can paddle with their parents either in a shared boat or alongside. We have a specific junior section for which 8 is the minimum age. A proportion of junior events will only be suitable for those of 10 or more. Ability to swim is required of any juniors participating without parents.
We have paddlers of all ages and in every age group right up to 70+. We HAVE taught old dogs new tricks!
If you are attending a beginners course Boats, Paddles, Buoyancy aids and spraydecks are supplied. Wetsuits aren’t needed only a waterproof top. Do bring a change of clothes a towel and footwear that can get wet. Juniors in particular are more prone to getting totally soaked. If you’re not on a course then equipment can be borrowed for a fee until you buy your own.