Frequently Asked Question's

• What does the club do?

  
  

  Our main aim is to provide a safe environment in which people can develop skills in a wide range of aspects of canoeing.

  As such our core programme consists of:

  • BCU Courses leading to awards in various levels of Canoeing/Kayaking Ability

  • Regular Touring Trips in the East Anglia Region including the Norfolk and Suffolk Broads

  • Sea Kayaking and Surfing

  • A Programme of Marathon Racing and Training

  • Trips to other parts of the country including White Water

  • Canoe Polo Sessions in the winter and summer

  • Rivercare of our local stretch of the Waveney

  • Winter Pool Sessions

  • Social and Interest Evenings, including regular use of our summer barbeque

  All the activities are open to everyone but we we will restrict some activities according to ability. All activities are supervised by appropriately qualified instructors. We are constantly reviewing and expanding our range of activities and are always open to new idea's.

• What facilities does the club have?

  
  

  As of February 2004 we have a new boathouse offering some of the best facilities in the East of England, with toilets, showers, a large boat store as well as the use of the hall upstairs. This was funded by an EU grant with the support of many agencies, in particular, Waveney District and Bungay Town Council and the Broads Authority.

  We have a wide range of boats, paddles, buoyancy aids and other equipment which means that newcomers to the Club can take part without having to buy any equipment for themselves.

• What do I need to bring with me?

  
  

  With canoeing there is always a possibility that you may get wet. With higher level courses there will be an element of rescue training that will involve getting wet regularly.

  You will therefore need to bring with you:

  • A towel and a spare change of clothing

  • Clothes to wear which you do not mind getting wet and will not become heavy and cumbersome when wet. Denim is a poor insulator when wet and becomes heavy. Modern thermal and fleece clothing stays warm and lets the water out quickly. As you progress through higher courses you may wish to buy a wetsuit but this is certainly not essential in the early days. A waterproof cagoule is essential as is a wool / fleece hat.

  
  

  • Suitable footwear. Wellies are dangerous as are thick soled trainers which may trap your feet in a boat. Plimsolls / deck shoes, wetsuit boots or fully strapped rubber sandals are ideal.

  • On Winter trips layers of clothing are essential as is a hat, gloves and cagoule. Conversely Summer trips items like sun cream, sun hats, water, and sunglasses are also required to protect against the heat and sun.

• Will my children and junior members be safe?

  
  

  The Club has its own Child Protection Policy in line with guidelines set by the BCU which is displayed in the Clubhouse.

  In addition to this we have put in place:

  • An appointed Child Protection Officer whose details are given on the Child Protection Policy document.

  • The Child Protection Officer and those who are qualified to work with junior members photographs are displayed in the clubhouse, and members will know exactly who should be dealing with junior club members.

  • Every Member's personal details are kept private and are not passed onto any unauthorised persons or organisations.

  All juniors will always be under the supervision of a qualified Coach whilst they are with us at the Club.

• How will I know what is going on?

  
  

  All members receive a regular newsletter which keeps them informed of events, useful contacts, items for sale as well as keeping them up to date with any news. Clearly when courses are running information will be given to you by your course instructor. Additionally information will be available on this website regarding forthcoming events and contact numbers.

  In addition regular e-mails for those of you who are online will also be sent out to keep people updated with what is or isn't going ahead.

• How can I have a say in how the Club is run?

  
  

  The Club has a Committee which is elected each year at our AGM. All of our instructors are automatically committee members. The Committee meets 5 or 6 times a year to plan activities and discuss the way the Club is run.

  These meetings are open to all members, though in the unlikely event that a vote being needed only elected members have this right. There are always some Juniors on the Committee. If you have a suggestion but cannot come to a meeting then just contact one of the Committee members whose details are listed on this site on our contacts page.

• What are the rules of the Club?

  
  

  Whilst we do not want to impose a strict regime there are always rules that ensure that everyone is safe and feels happy during their time at the Club. A set of rules is always displayed in the Clubhouse along with our constitution.