Want to know more about us? Here are the answers to some of the more obvious questions.
Can I see what the club is like before I join, maybe have a taster paddle?
Yes. Come and join us on a club paddle at the lake. Paddling is a social activity, it makes sense to meet us.
To arrange a taster paddle, contact us by email or through facebook.
We aim to start at 6:30pm, however sometimes we may be delayed by a few minutes. If you’ve booked a taster we will be there!
What is so good about paddling?
There are many benefits to taking part in paddle sports.
There is the obvious physical activity, but its not a PE lesson and in essence you are sat down throughout, so you decide how much effort is going to be used!
Floating on water has a way of clearing the mind of the stresses of the day. So mental well being is a real positive for the activity.
Paddling is best in a group, so there is the social interaction too.
Its an activity you can enjoy with the whole family. Your young children can learn alongside you. Older ones have a reason to interact with you. And, of course, you could leave them at home and have an hour to yourself.
What is a suitable age?
There is no upper age limit. Paddling is a whole family activity.
While very young children can enjoy paddling they need appropriate safety equipment.
As a guide, DUCKS buoyancy aids (life jackets) are suitable for ages of about 8 and over. Obviously, its the size of the child that counts.
What should I bring and wear?
A key feature of paddlesport is some kind of boat. Falling in is not a requirement, however you could still get wet.
Manmade fibres and layers are great. Sports tops etc.
On your feet, old pair of trainers, crocs or beach shoes.
Bring a complete change of clothes in case enthusiasm gets the better of you.
Don’t forget a towel.
We have access to the education building at the lake, so there is a place to get changed.
Its raining, can you still paddle?
Yes. Its a watersport.
Rain by itself is not a reason not to paddle.
If the weather was too bad to paddle, strong winds, lightning or monsoon etc, we would cancel but we’d keep you informed.
Can I just use the lake?
The lakes are privately owned and managed by South West Lakes Trust. We rent the lake to use for paddling. Our access agreement places restrictions on how we use the lake.
This means you cannot use the lakes at any time, it must to be as part of the club activity.
We can use the carpark when paddling. It is locked over night, but we have the key!
I’d like to try paddling, but I wouldn’t be very good.
What does good mean? Paddling is an activity that is enjoyable on many levels. Not all of us want to be elite athletes. Just floating on water is a very rewarding experience.
Don’t set the bar at an unachievable level and then feel its not worth trying the experience as you’ll never reach that imagined level. Yes have a goal and work towards it, you can always change the target when you have achieved the initial aim.
Enjoy the experience and you’ll be amazed!
My Olympic athlete days are a fading memory, how fit do I need to be?
Paddling can be enjoyed on a huge variety of levels.
From riding through boiling white water rivers to gently floating about.
There will be a place for you no matter what your fitness level.
I’m a complete beginner, what boat should I buy?
This is a surprisingly common question. The answer is really easy or really complicated.
Starting with easy. DO NOT BUY A BOAT! If you are a complete beginner how do you know what type of paddler you are. The best answer is to rent/borrow/hire boats until you know what you like.
The more complicated answer is first find out what part of paddling you enjoy.
If you must buy a boat, do not buy some one elses mistake. Websites are full of ads for people selling all their brand new kit, “only used twice, as I don’t have time to paddle”. This is usually quite advanced boats and gear. Often worth £1000+.
Some one else didn’t find out what sort of paddler they are, spent a fortune on kit, then found they fell in a lot because the boat itself was unsuitable!
How do I try different boats?
The best way is to join a club. We have kayaks, canoes & sea kayaks. With coaches who can help you get the best from them.
Every one who has bought a boat, thinks it’s the best one there is. They are keen to show you why, and will happily let you have a go in their pride and joy. It’s one of the great things about paddling, people love sharing their enthusiasm for the sport.
There is an exception to the statement ‘you can always borrow some ones boat.’
Racing boats.
If it’s referred to as a shell, it looks to be made of tissue paper stiffened with the tears of a unicorn and would shatter if exposed to loud music, understandably, the owner may not be too keen to share!
How much does this cost?
We try to avoid cost being a barrier to participation by keeping the costs to a minimum. We are not a commercial organisation, so our motive is not profit.
There is a membership fee, and a small weekly fee if you paddle. We hire boats for sessions, again a few pounds cost. If you have your own boat, you can of course use that.
The current membership form has the costs but we’ll be happy to explain as needed.
Is the car park available?
We can use the car park for club activities.
There is a height restriction bar at approximately 2.1m. If your vehicle is taller than this, we have the key and can let you in/out. Be careful if you have a boat on the roof.
The car park is privately owned and is locked at night, the times vary throughout the year. If the gate is locked when you arrive, we can let you in.
