Membership

Benefits

Canoeing is the generic term for paddling a kayak or canoe. A canoe is paddled with a single bladed paddle and kayak with a double bladed paddle. Canoeing and kayaking can be a great lifetime activity. Paddling can be as moderate or vigorous an exercise as you wish. Injuries in canoeing tend to be less than most land based activities since impact is reduced and it is non weight bearing. Paddling uses the whole body, with the main source of power coming from the large torso muscles. Age and gender are no barrier, babies to no known upper limit. Paddling possibilities are endless - relax and enjoy nature on a quiet river or take part in vigorous canoe events such as the 111km overnight Hawkesbury ultra marathon, or feel the exhilaration of whitewater, sea or surf. Canoeing is an ideal family pastime which can involve all family members.

Recreation - The club organises recreational activities including; quietwater paddles and weekend camps; whitewater weekends and trips, fitness and aerobic paddles; lazy social paddles, nature paddles, video nights and barbecues Many of these events enable all members of a family to take part, removing the need for the "Saturday sports taxi".

Quietwater - You have a wide choice, from quiet sandy creeks, mighty rivers, lakes, and estuaries. Take an hour or a month long paddle. Go with a group, take the family or enjoy the serenity of solitude. Be as relaxed or as vigorous as you wish. A quiet paddle to relieve stress or a long endurance paddle battling wind and wave. Get into areas not accessible on foot and away from the crowd. Enjoy the dancing reflections on the water by day or night. Camp out overnight in magic places and take a little more luxury in your canoe or kayak than you could in a pack.

Whitewater - Enjoy the wild and remote scenery of wild rivers. K&C runs introductory whitewater and whitewater skills, courses from time to time as well as whitewater recreational paddles. Members must complete a flatwater skills course (or have equivalent skills) before moving onto whitewater. Whitewater might not be your scene right now ...but with some skills behind you may be surprised how enjoyable you might find it. K&C have qualified instructors and WW kayaks to get you started.

Aerobic and fitness paddling - Regular aerobic fitness paddles evenings and weekends. Suitable for any age or craft. This gets you fit and hones your paddling efficiency. No hard impacts to damage backs or knees. Many K&C paddlers take part in ultra-marathon paddles e.g the Hawkesbury Classic (111km overnight from Windsor to Brooklyn).

Download K&C Membership Form

Download Course & Event Calendar

Conditions

New memberships are provisional for one year and are subject to acceptance by the Board. Provisional members have all rights and privileges of full members except voting rights.

A one-off joining fee payable by new members at the time of application. This includes your first introductory course and paddling resource literature.

Privacy - Members personal information will not be disclosed to any person or body other than where K&C is required to do so by law, for safety procedures and to communicate with members.

The club is set up to facilitate skill development and enjoyment of kayaking and canoeing. In return, K&C expects certain things of members:

• Complete the one day introductory course and Basic Skills Audit in a reasonable time. It is our experience that almost all paddlers have gaps in their skills and knowledge. Skills, techniques and equipment are constantly being updated and even experienced paddlers can benefit from a completing the introductory course as a refresher.
• Volunteer your time - As a not-for-profit association the club relies on volunteers to carry out most of its activities. You may be required to lend a hand (no coercion) from time to time.
• Care for the environment - Use the environment sensitively and with minimise impact.
• Risk Management - No activity is without risk. Paddling is no exception. K&C has well developed risk management procedures in place. Members are expected to conduct themselves at all times in such a way as to minimise risk to themselves and others. Members must agree to be bound by K&C rules and policies currently in force and sign the club waiver. Risk management is an integral part of all our skill and instructor courses.
• Paddling Restrictions - Many club activities and club boat use outside the creek at Bobbin Head, will require a minimum of our Basic Skills Audit. Other activities such as open water, whitewater, sea and estuary paddling will require higher levels of AC Awards. Courses and assessment for these higher awards are conducted by the club from time to time.
• Club Equipment - The club has quality equipment to get members started but members are expected to eventually purchase their own equipment. See club boat usage for details of conditions and cost.

Download K&C Rules and By-Laws