TRIPS AND EXCURSIONS

Each discipline of paddling enables us to explore different areas and types of water.

Over the years we’ve had the opportunity to access many opportunities and new events with trips being organised each season mostly in the warmer months, but day trips also take place in the winter.

Our paddling has taken us to circumnavigating Hayling Island : Solent paddles : Chichester Harbour paddles : River Wye weekend : Poole Harbour (including Old Harry) : River Thames and The Hamble.

… there are many more interesting places to explore and enjoy with our friendly club!  You will need to sign into Web Collect (link in menu bar) to view our trips.

PEER PADDLES, AKA PADDLE WITH FRIENDS

Chichester Canoe Club’s objective is to run as many trips as feasibly possible, within the limitations of the number of coaches and leaders available and their qualifications and skillsets.

In addition to the above trips, Peer Paddles may also be organised by groups of people from within the club but are not a Club organised activity and therefore ARE NOT covered by Chichester Canoe Club liability or insurance.

On a Peer Paddle, no one takes overall responsibility for the safety or well-being of the group. There is no designated leader assumed or otherwise.  Someone may co-ordinate meeting times and venues but has no more authority than any other participant.

Everyone takes full responsibility for their own kit and safety whilst behaving in a responsible way.  Paddlers in the group have a duty of care and are expected to look out for themselves and each other whilst staying within their own limitations.

You need to: –

  • be confident in the water/conditions/tides you are paddling in
  • be comfortable in the abilities of others in the peer group
  • do your own risk assessment based on water levels, weather conditions etc
  • make your own decisions and not be influenced by anyone else in the group to paddle outside of your level of competence and comfort zone
  • be realistic about your ability
  • be responsible for your own boat/paddles/clothing so that you are used to paddling using your own equipment. Please note that Chichester Canoe Club boats CANNOT be used for peer paddles
  • be aware of the planned route before departing and agree to any change to the trip

To help you make your own informed  judgement call, the link below has some really useful information re wind strengths.

https://www.kayarchy.co.uk/html/03thesea/003wind.htm#beaufortscaleforkayakers

There is a lot of other information accessible via this link. Kayaking in tidal conditions is not as straightforward as you think when you look across the water on a lovely sunny day.

Paddle safe and have fun.

KAYAKING

Kayaking refers to a closed cockpit or ‘sit in’ boat – experienced paddlers usually wear a spray deck to keep water out. Kayaking can be on any type of water; white water rapids, sea, or flat water for racing or river touring. There are different boats for each type and you can try many of them with us before you decide which one is for you. There are also ‘sit on top’ boats which can be great fun for the family. But be warned – you will enjoy them all! We can provide you with personal training which covers paddle skills and water safety.

PADDLE BOARDING

Paddle boards have become one of the most popular ways for people to enjoy waterways. Come and try one with us – great for whole body tone up and even used to practice yoga on if you prefer something more sedate!

CANOEING

Canoeing refers to Open cockpit boats or Canadian paddle craft. Great for solo, double and even dogs!). Canoe paddling the local rivers and harbours can be a wonderful way to see our natural landscape in a way that no footpath can offer. We also run camping weekend tours for those who want to exercise their ‘expedition’ within. We can help with making this fabulous pastime.

COURSES

We encourage our members to develop their skills by:

  • Joining on our club sessions
  • Participating in club trips
  • Signing onto courses.  From time to time we can offer PaddleUK Awards (eg Paddlesafer Award, Paddlesport Safety and Rescue Course, Start, Discover, Explore Course).  Alternatively, get a group together to get discounted rates with a local provider who offers Touring, Canoe and Sea Kayak Awards.