We offer an excellent start in the sport of canoeing with qualified coaches guiding you through paddlesport skills enabling you to succeed.  Beginners are encouraged to progress through the British Canoe Union Star Award scheme.  On completion of the 2 Star award, which includes a broad foundation for all types of paddlesport, members may wish to specialise and concentrate their training and skills in a particular field.  Some of the various options are listed below :

Marathon

Marathon racing runs on a divisional system, the lower Divisions 7, 8 and 9 race over a maximum of only 6.5 Km  with few or no portages.  The next group of Divisions 6,5 & 4 race over a distance of 13 Km  often with portages.  Then progressing to Divisions 3,2 & 1 over 20 Km with portages.   Promotion from a lower division can take place at local level and is on a percentage basis. The club enters teams of all ages and abilities into the Essex Winter Series and Eastern Region Hasler Series.  In both these events the team are quite competitive and we are always looking for new members to join the team.

 Sprint Racing

Sprint Racing is the 'track event' of the canoeing scene and it has been in the Olympic Games since 1936. The National Watersports Centre at Holme Pierrepont, Nottingham, is the main centre of racing in Britain. Before competing there, paddlers have to reach a standard based on times over 500m. there are a rapidly growing number of local regattas supported by the club. 

 Touring

Touring on different rivers and canals locally and further afield is done informally. You just need to keep an eye on the club notice board and club news letter to find a trip which you may find fun, don't be shy, ring the organiser if you have any questions. The more people the more fun.

 Slalom

Canoe slalom is a time trial event run through a course of obstacles on a wildwater river. This course consists of up to 25 'gates' hanging over the river through which a paddler must pass in the correct order and direction.The Essex Slalom Squad train all year round on Tuesday evening at the club and are happy to help people progress on to competition level.

 Wild Water Racing

Time trials on wildwater, with competitors starting at minute intervals, there are no poles, penalties or points for style; simply the fastest time wins. Typical races are 10 to 15 minutes long, although there are some 'sprint' race events with two short runs of 2 or 3 minutes. A two division system runs with Division A races on harder courses, promotion from B to A is on a percentage basis. When you have the appropriate closed cockpit skills and racing ability there are club members who can help you. 

The Social Side

There is certainly a great social life with canoeing, from meeting other club members at the weekly sessions to enjoying the weekend camping at various events.

This is not just a club for paddlers only. We actively encourage husbands, wives, children, mums and dads to come along and support and of course help when possible with ferrying boats, lighting barbeques, etc.

What could be better than being out in the fresh air watching canoeing ........... so bring them along .................... you never know, we might get them into a canoe!
 

 Club’s Newsletter

The Club's Newsletter is produced bi-monthly and is sent out to all members of the Club by email. It keeps members of the Club up to date with information and includes reports on events which members have taken part in.  

Club Sessions

Saturday mornings 10.00 - noon is a very busy mixed session which includes regular Adult beginner groups.

Tuesday & Thursday 5.30pm. Race training for sprint and marathon

Monday & Thursday  6.15pm. Adult touring/race/long distance group

There is an every increasing number of sessions for juniors. We have two Community Sports Coaches working in liaison with local schools providing introductory sessions during the week.

Adults who wish to start or come back to canoeing should contact the club to arrange a convenient start date as there is a waiting list.

The local swimming pool, Riverside, runs canoeing sessions on Monday and Wednesday evenings. These sessions enable pracice for capsize drill, rolling etc. Please contact the swimming pool for details.

Club Membership and Fees

We are currently asking for a payment of £20 for the initial 'Come & Try It' session (this is also the joining fee for the club). Following the first session if you wish to join the club subscriptions for the year starting 1st April 2010 are :-

Full Member £42.00
Family Membership £60.00
Junior Member (under 18) £30.00
Ask about concessionary rates.

If you join mid year the rates applicable are on a pro-rata basis. Please read the constitution for further rules. No landing fees or additional fees apply apart from equipment hire (see below)

Should you wish to store your boat in the boathouse, subject to availability, the annual fee is £32, £48 or £64 depending upon type of rack required.

Club boats and paddles can be hired at £4 per day for members of the club who can demonstrate the correct control of the equipment.  Members are liable for any damage to club equipment that is hired to them.

Non-members can only use club equipment with a member of the club in attendance, a non-member hire fee of £7.50 is charged and they will be liable for any damaged to club equipment that is hired to them..

Changing facilities, hot showers, use of the clubhouse, use of the river with slalom course and licence for the Chelmer & Blackwater Navigation are all part of the benefits membership offers.