FAQs
Here are some of the more frequently asked questions we receive. If your query is not here, then please contact us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Can children come along?
Children between the ages of 8-15 may paddle with us, as long as they are accompanied by a responsible adult on and off the water. However, your child may have more fun at one of the following clubs, who are specifically aimed at children.
Chichester Youth Canoe Centre: https://chi-ycc.org.uk
Hunston Canoe Club: https://hunstoncanoeclub.co.uk
Do I need my own canoe/kayak?
For your induction we normally use a white-water kayak. Whilst it may feel a bit unstable at first, it’s responsiveness will allow you to learn the different techniques and hone these skills which can then be easily applied to the other types of kayaking. We can provide boats, paddles, buoyancy aids etc, which are included within the introductory session fee. If you are borrowing a kayak, please let us know your height and weight so a suitable boat is allocated for you.
It is also possible to hire kayaks when participating in club activities, for which there is a charge. Where possible, please be able to transport the hired kayak, if not launching from the storage site.
We do encourage members to purchase their own kayaks once they have decided which style is most suitable for them and members should purchase their own bouyancy aid and roof rack for transporting kayaks.
What should I wear?
It is good to be water confident as you may get wet whilst kayaking, and will need to wear something suitable for the weather conditions on the day. Board shorts, rash vets or similar, and a cagoule to keep off the wind are all good. Do not wear jeans or any similar heavy material. If it’s cold some people wear a wetsuit although they can rub under the arms and restrict movement. A dry suit for very cold conditions is recommended.
During hot weather, a sun hat or visor and sunglasses (with strap) are advisable, and wear a high factor sun lotion. In all conditions, bring along a bottle of water and a snack bar.
You will also need to wear suitable wet shoes or old trainers – not flip flops or wellies. They need to stay on your feet if you capsize.
Remember a towel and some dry clothes for afterwards.
What facilities are there?
Hunston: there is a small car park: please arrive early as it does get busy. We have limited space in our boat shed, which can be used for a changing if needed – please note that there are no facilities.
Dell Quay Sailing Club (DQSC): showers, toilets and changing rooms are available. You are also welcome to purchase drinks and snacks from the bar when open, and use the lounge and decking on a Friday afternoon/evening.
Swimming Pool charges?
Chichester Canoe Club hires out Havant swimming pool so we can continue our training throughout the winter months and improve skills. This is very costly, so we have to ask for a contribution from people wishing to use this facility. The price of pool sessions are shown at the time of booking on WebCollect.
Why do you have two Facebook pages?
We have an ‘open’ Facebook page, where anyone can see some of our club activities. This is used as a marketing tool. We also have a ‘members only’ site, where we post trips and other information: this is only available for our members.