YOUR FIRST TIME

The Adur Canoe Club's main activities are based on the river Adur outside the Adur Outdoor Activities Centre (AOAC). Due to the tidal nature of this water, some of our sessions may not suitable for less experienced paddlers (all new paddlers joining the Adur Canoe Club must hold a minimum of a BCU 1 Star Award). We therefore advise you to check our tide time tables or contact us to avoid disappointment when visiting on an unsuitable day.

Tide Times | How to Contact Us (Committee Members)

Open Days

Although the Adur Canoe Club cannot accept complete novices to our normal club sessions (with exception to our pool sessions), we hold at least one Open Day each year (normally in the summer when it's warm!). Our club Open Days are aimed at introducing anyone of any age and ability to the sport of kayaking and canoeing (there's a difference!). If you are interested in coming along and having a go, please check-out our calendar and look-out for our club Open Day (you'll find all the information about the Open Day there).

Clothing

Foot Wear
It is essential that adequate foot wear is worn to protect feet from cuts. Foot wear is worn throughout the session which also includes inside the canoes and kayaks, therefore, they may get damp. We recommend the use of Plimsoles or deck-shoes. Huge trainers, boots or shoes with loose laces are not suitable.

Other Clothing
Most paddlers wear a swimming costume then wear additional clothing for warmth. Tacksuit bottoms or shorts are great, tight jeans are not suitable. During the cooler months thermals or thin woollen jumpers are great.

We will provide windproofs, helmets and of course buoyancy aids.

Restrictions

Important
New members to the club must hold a minimum BCU 1 star award. The following 'local' venues run BCU training courses throughout the year; many of our members have used them, so please contact them if you are interested.

• Adur Outdoor Activities Centre
• Southwater Water Sports

Age Restrictions
We do have age resitrictions, so please read the following carefully...

Under 12

Always bring your parent or guardian with you.

Aged 12 to 17

Please bring a responsible adult with you the first time and make sure the responsible adult talks to the Duty Instructor of the day. In the interest of safety (weather or tidal nature), although rare, we may have to turn people away; so we need to know that our younger members can return home safely! After the first time you can probably paddle with us unaccompanied, but please check with a member of staff.

Non-Members of the Club
If you're not a member we ask you to join up as a "Day Member" for the session. This pays for all the facilities, and public liability insurance. Please note, due to insurance reasons, you can only visit the club a maximum of 3 times as a Day-Member. After this you will need to join as a full member.