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 8-18 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://www.facebook.com/chichesteryouthcanoecentre
Hunston Canoe Club: https://hunstoncanoeclub.co.uk
Do I need my own Canoe/Kayak/Paddleboard (SUP)?
For your introductory session/assessment we normally use a (short-ish) white-water kayak, although you can use your own kayak if you have one. 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 the essential kit (boats, paddles, buoyancy aids), as part of your 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.
For other club paddles and trips it is also possible to hire kayaks/SUP plus paddle & bounce aids for a small charge. Where possible, please transport your hired craft yourself, if not launching from the storage site at Hunston or Dell Quay (coaches suggest you buy a roof rack before you buy a boat!).
We do encourage members to purchase their own kayaks once they have decided which style is most suitable for them and members would want to purchase their own buoyancy aid, as well as a 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 vest or similar non-cotton shorts and shirt, fleece, 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 these can rub under the arms and restrict movement. A dry suit for very cold conditions is recommended, as a future investment.
During hot weather, a sun hat or visor and sunglasses are advisable, and wear a high factor sun lotion. Sunglasses and specs should be tied on with a string/strap as they’ll float away fast if they fall in the water. Ditto anything else that might float away/sink. In all conditions, bring along a bottle of water and a snack bar.
You will also need to wear suitable footwear that will stay on your feet if you capsize e.g. wet shoes, crocs with a heel strap or old trainers/pumps – not flip flops or wellies which will float away or fill with water if your feet go in the water. Moving water can carry things out of reach faster than you can grab them.
Remember a towel and some dry clothes for afterwards.
How do I find you?
Hunston : What3Words nuns.mouth.stove There is a small car park nearby (crab.edit.kick) or park in neighbouring streets. Please arrive early to be sure to find somewhere to park.
Dell Quay Sailing Club (DQSC) : Park along Dell Quay Road (running down to the Crown and Anchor pub and DQSC), and meet by the DQSC car barrier (tooth.finalists.taster).
What facilities are there?
Hunston : there is a small car park nearby. We have a little space in our boat shed, which can be used for changing if needed – please note that there are no facilities.
Dell Quay Sailing Club (DQSC) : Park along Dell Quay Road and meet by the DQSC car barrier. Showers, toilets and changing rooms are available to CCC members. You can leave things in a DQSC changing room locker (lockable, for a £1 coin returnable deposit) We are also welcome to purchase drinks and snacks from the bar when it’s open, and use the lounge and decking on a Friday afternoon/evening.
Swimming Pool charges?
Chichester Canoe Club rents the swimming pool at Havant’s Horizon Leisure Centre 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 is shown on the pool booking page of WebCollect (when dates are posted as winter approaches).
Why do you have two Facebook pages?
We have an ‘open’ Facebook page, where anyone can see Aand learn more about our club activities. We also have a ‘members only’ page, where we post trips and other information which is only available for our members.