FAQ: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
m →Courses |
Tweaking BCU PUK and other updates |
||
| (11 intermediate revisions by 3 users not shown) | |||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
=== | {{NOTOC}} | ||
===Tuesdays=== | |||
;What happens on a Tuesday evening? | ;What happens on a Tuesday evening? | ||
:Typically, we will have | :Typically, we will have groups working on the PaddleUK Discover and Explore awards on [[Shadwell Basin]], a group or two out for a paddle on the Thames (to Greenwich or Westminster, depending on tides) and a [[polo]] session. In addition there will sometimes be [[Open canoeing|open boat]] sessions and sessions focussing on specific skills such as rolling or rescues. | ||
;What time should I arrive? | ;What time should I arrive on a Tuesday? | ||
We | :We plan to be on the water at 7:00 p.m. - at which time equipment is locked away. We recommend you arrive at 6:30 p.m. to give yourself time to change, select equipment and join a coaching group. | ||
===Courses=== | |||
;Do you offer private courses? | ;Do you offer private courses? | ||
:No. Our coaches are volunteer club members who give their time on a Tuesday night for the simple fun of meeting new people and passing on their love of paddling. If you need something more specific have a look at the list of commercial coaches on our [[links]] | :No. Our coaches are volunteer club members who give their time on a Tuesday night for the simple fun of meeting new people and passing on their love of paddling. If you need something more specific have a look at the list of commercial coaches on our [[links|links page]]. | ||
;Do you offer courses for groups? | ;Do you offer courses for groups? | ||
:No. We have a high demand for our [[ | :No. We have a high demand for our [[induction for beginners]] and it would be unfair to allow block booking. | ||
;I have paddled before do I need to do the beginners' | ;I have paddled before do I need to do the beginners' induction? | ||
:Our beginners' | :Our beginners' induction will get you to the PaddleUK Discover level. If you already have higher level such as Explore or overseas awards, or have paddled to a higher level than this, then there is no need to do the beginners' induction. If you paddled a few times in school or did the BCU One Star award years ago then it is probably worth doing the induction. | ||
;I want to book | ;I want to book an induction or taster session but the dates are not open yet. Can I reserve it with you in advance? | ||
:No | :No. Please wait until the date you want is available. The [[induction for beginners - Booking form|booking page]] gives an indication of when this will be. | ||
===Club Facilities=== | ===Club Facilities=== | ||
;What kit do you provide? | ;What kit do you provide? | ||
:We have boats of a variety of different types, paddles, buoyancy aids, spray decks and waterproof paddling tops ('cags'). We aim to provide basic to intermediate level kit so that members can try most aspects of paddlesport with club kit but as they get more specialised we encourage them to buy their own. | :We have boats of a variety of different types, paddles, buoyancy aids, spray decks and waterproof paddling tops ('cags'). We aim to provide basic to intermediate level kit so that members can try most aspects of paddlesport with [[Club equipment|the club kit]], but as they get more specialised we encourage them to buy their own. | ||
;Can I store my boat at the club? | ;Can I store my boat at the club? | ||
:We have limited boat storage and we prioritise the space for club boats. There is some space for members' boats and these are offered at the discretion of the committee to active members at a rate of | :We have limited boat storage and we prioritise the space for club boats. There is some space for active members' boats and these are offered at the discretion of the committee to active members at a rate of £120 p.a. Speak to a member of the [[committee]] if you would like to be added to the waiting list for storage space. | ||
===River Thames=== | ===River Thames=== | ||
;Can I paddle on the River Thames? | ;Can I paddle on the River Thames? | ||
:Club members with the | :Club members with the PaddleUK Sea Kayak Award, or an equivalent qualification, can paddle on the Thames in a group of no less than three. If you have done your PaddleUK Explore award in the club, there will be opportunities to go out on the Thames buddied up with a qualified paddler. | ||
;Do you have information about possible put-ins, get-outs, landing spots etc on the Thames Tideway? | ;Do you have information about possible put-ins, get-outs, landing spots etc on the Thames Tideway? | ||
:Yes. One of our members has put together a guide to the Tideway (and other coastal locations in the area) and this is available on our | :Yes. One of our members has put together a guide to the Tideway (and other coastal locations in the area) and this is available on our [[SeaAccess|sea access page]]. | ||
;Where can I find future tidal predictions for the Thames Tideway? | ;Where can I find future tidal predictions for the Thames Tideway? | ||
:The | :The [[Port of London Authority]] publishes tide data up to a year in advance on the [https://pla.co.uk/tidal-information tidal information section of their web site]. | ||
Latest revision as of 11:02, 1 June 2026
Tuesdays
- What happens on a Tuesday evening?
- Typically, we will have groups working on the PaddleUK Discover and Explore awards on Shadwell Basin, a group or two out for a paddle on the Thames (to Greenwich or Westminster, depending on tides) and a polo session. In addition there will sometimes be open boat sessions and sessions focussing on specific skills such as rolling or rescues.
- What time should I arrive on a Tuesday?
- We plan to be on the water at 7:00 p.m. - at which time equipment is locked away. We recommend you arrive at 6:30 p.m. to give yourself time to change, select equipment and join a coaching group.
Courses
- Do you offer private courses?
- No. Our coaches are volunteer club members who give their time on a Tuesday night for the simple fun of meeting new people and passing on their love of paddling. If you need something more specific have a look at the list of commercial coaches on our links page.
- Do you offer courses for groups?
- No. We have a high demand for our induction for beginners and it would be unfair to allow block booking.
- I have paddled before do I need to do the beginners' induction?
- Our beginners' induction will get you to the PaddleUK Discover level. If you already have higher level such as Explore or overseas awards, or have paddled to a higher level than this, then there is no need to do the beginners' induction. If you paddled a few times in school or did the BCU One Star award years ago then it is probably worth doing the induction.
- I want to book an induction or taster session but the dates are not open yet. Can I reserve it with you in advance?
- No. Please wait until the date you want is available. The booking page gives an indication of when this will be.
Club Facilities
- What kit do you provide?
- We have boats of a variety of different types, paddles, buoyancy aids, spray decks and waterproof paddling tops ('cags'). We aim to provide basic to intermediate level kit so that members can try most aspects of paddlesport with the club kit, but as they get more specialised we encourage them to buy their own.
- Can I store my boat at the club?
- We have limited boat storage and we prioritise the space for club boats. There is some space for active members' boats and these are offered at the discretion of the committee to active members at a rate of £120 p.a. Speak to a member of the committee if you would like to be added to the waiting list for storage space.
River Thames
- Can I paddle on the River Thames?
- Club members with the PaddleUK Sea Kayak Award, or an equivalent qualification, can paddle on the Thames in a group of no less than three. If you have done your PaddleUK Explore award in the club, there will be opportunities to go out on the Thames buddied up with a qualified paddler.
- Do you have information about possible put-ins, get-outs, landing spots etc on the Thames Tideway?
- Yes. One of our members has put together a guide to the Tideway (and other coastal locations in the area) and this is available on our sea access page.
- Where can I find future tidal predictions for the Thames Tideway?
- The Port of London Authority publishes tide data up to a year in advance on the tidal information section of their web site.