What equipment / clothing do I need?

You don’t need to buy any special equipment to start canoeing as we will supply suitable boats, paddles and buoyancy aids. When you are on the water thermals or sports tops are ideal but anything that’s suitable for the weather including a waterproof anorak if wet, hat if cold, shorts and a t-shirt if warm will be fine as long as you are warm enough. We recommend that you do not wear cotton or anything that will become heavy when wet as this will be uncomfortable and if you do happen to capsize it will make swimming harder. You will also want some sort of footwear, an old pair of trainers is fine or wetsuit boots. You should definitely bring a spare set of clothes in case you get wet. 

So what sort of canoeing is this?

We are a flat water club i.e. members normally paddle rivers without significant rapids, rocks and gradients.  We train on the River Severn in Worcester, where there are several miles of pleasant river between Diglis and Bevere locks.  The focus tends to be on racing, touring and recreational paddling.  If you are interested in white water paddling you would probably be better off at a local club that specialises in this, such as Wychavon or Cheltenham Canoe Clubs. Having said that many of our paddlers have been white water paddlers in the past with many being ex-international slalom athletes, whitewater paddlers and many of our members also do sea kayaking and regularly go on trips. Our members have also paddled the Grand Canyon, taken part in surf ski racing, kayak surfing and descent racing. So if you fancy having a go at any of these we are happy to point you in the right direction or give you advice. There is no shortage of expertise at the club!

What’s the difference between canoeing and kayaking?

A kayak is propelled by a paddle with a blade on each end like the pictures below. They can be long for cruising, racing or sea kayaking, or short for white water use. They can be made out of hard plastic, fibreglass, carbon fibre, canvas and lots of other things. Most kayaks are designed for one person (K1), but you can also get doubles for two people (K2) and those for four people (K4).

An open canoe, also known as a Canadian canoe, is (normally) a wider boat which is propelled using a short paddle with a blade at one end as shown in the photo below:

A sprint canoe is skinny much like a sprint kayak, the difference is that you are high kneeling and your paddle has a blade on only one end. Currently we don’t have any spring canoeists but Fladbury canoe club which is only 20 minutes has many canoe paddler and their member have a fountain of knowledge in this discipline.

How expensive is canoeing?

Apart from the membership fee (which is a bargain at around £2 a week for an adult), it’s as expensive as you want it to be. If you want to buy a top of the range carbon fibre paddle and ‘vac bagged’ kayak you can spend several thousands.  On the other hand if you are happy with the club’s boats and paddles you can spend practically nothing.  Most people who get into canoeing end up buying some more suitable clothing, especially for when it gets a bit colder. It doesn’t have to be specialised canoe kit though, the sort of thing you might wear for running, cycling or football can be perfectly suitable.  Later on, most canoeists buy their own paddles and eventually boat(s).

Do I have to be able to swim?

Yes, you need to be able to swim 50m wearing the clothes you will be paddling in.

I have a disability / health condition, can I go canoeing?

Mostly yes. The most important thing is that you tell your coach and others you are paddling with of anything that might affect your safety when canoeing. Do speak to us if you have any concerns and we will help facilitate you and get you on the water

Any other questions?

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