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{"ID":106,"SpaceID":2,"PageID":20,"HasCommentsThread":false,"SeoTags":{"OpenGraphTags":[{"ID":"og:title","Name":"Club FAQs"},{"ID":"og:type","Name":"website"},{"ID":"og:url","Name":"https://www.halifaxcanoe.org.uk/Cms/Spaces/AU/Club+FAQs"}],"NonOpenGraphTags":[]},"Path":"Club+FAQs","Title":"Club FAQs","Author":{"ID":4,"Name":"Les Ford","CompanyName":null,"HasEmail":true},"Version":7,"IsDraft":false,"IsOldVersion":false,"PublicationDate":"10/02/2026 12:29","VersionDescription":"v7 - Les Ford","HideHeader":false,"IsFullWidth":false,"ThemeCode":null,"BackgroundColour":null,"JumpLinks":[],"Blocks":[{"Columns":[{"Width":12,"WidthClasses":"col-md-12 col-sm-12 col-xs-12","Elements":[{"ID":365,"Type":"IMAGE","Content":null,"ContentConfig":{"Caption":null,"Icon":null,"IconColour":null,"CaptionColour":null,"UnderlineColour":null,"TextColour":null,"FontSize":null,"LineHeight":null,"RequiresLoggedInUser":false,"BottomMargin":0,"PaddingLeft":"10px","PaddingTop":"10px","PaddingRight":"10px","PaddingBottom":"10px","PhoneVisible":true,"TabletVisible":true,"DesktopVisible":true,"CssClass":null,"PageLinkName":null,"PageLinkCaption":null},"ComponentCode":null,"ComponentError":null,"BottomMargin":"0px","PaddingLeft":"0px","PaddingTop":"0px","PaddingRight":"0px","PaddingBottom":"0px","CssClass":null,"ResponsiveClasses":"","PageLinkName":null,"PageLinkCaption":null,"Background":{"Colour":null,"ImageURL":null,"Filter":null,"IsParallax":false,"Image":"","Tint":""},"ImageConfig":{"ImageURL":"https://www.halifaxcanoe.org.uk/Client/Images/Cms/517645819_10165385542203906_4988437913884339801_n.jpg","ObjectFit":"contain","ImageHeight":null,"FrameStyle":null,"BorderRadius":null,"Caption":{"IsActive":false,"Text":null,"SubText":null,"Font":{"Size":null,"Colour":"white"},"SubFont":{"Size":null,"Colour":"white"},"Alignment":"centre","Position":"bottom","Margin":null,"BackgroundColour":"black","Blur":false,"Hover":false},"AltText":"Surfing a wave at the club","LinkURL":null,"BottomMargin":0,"PaddingLeft":"0px","PaddingTop":"0px","PaddingRight":"0px","PaddingBottom":"0px","PhoneVisible":true,"TabletVisible":true,"DesktopVisible":true,"CssClass":null,"PageLinkName":null,"PageLinkCaption":null},"IgnoreCache":false}]}],"ColumnSpacing":"0px","BottomMargin":"0px","TopPadding":"0px","IsFullWidth":false,"IsBackgroundFullWidth":false,"Background":{"Colour":null,"ImageURL":null,"Filter":null,"IsParallax":false,"Image":"","Tint":""}},{"Columns":[{"Width":8,"WidthClasses":"col-md-8 col-sm-12 col-xs-12","Elements":[{"ID":366,"Type":"HTML","Content":"\u003cp\u003eHopefully the following questions and answers will answer you initial questions, but if you have any queries or want further details please contact us for more information.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTell me about Halifax Canoe Club?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eWe are an active and family orientated canoe club based on the River Calder in Sowerby Bridge, Halifax. Club paddlers can often be seen playing on the white water course at the club, below County Bridge. We run regular activities throughout the year for all levels of abilities including courses for beginners, swimming pool sessions and coaching on both flat and white water at the club. Between April and September we are on the river in Sowerby Bridge. In winter our focus is on pool sessions and river trips. We also have access to Warley\u0026nbsp;Moor Reservior on the hills above Halifax.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are affiliated to the Paddle UK, the sports governing body in the UK and their \u0027Quality Club\u0027 accreditation.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca name=\u0022faq2\u0022\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere is the Club based?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eOur main base is our\u0026nbsp;clubhouse in Greenups Mill, Sowerby Bridge. We have\u0026nbsp;changing rooms, showers and boat storage facilities. This is next to the River Calder (just downstream of County Bridge). From here we have access to the white water course and a stretch of flat water where our summer courses and activities take place, as well as some sessions throughout the winter. \u003cbr\u003eAt Warley Moor reservior we ahve use of the sailing club\u0027s changing rooms and clubhouse, and\u0026nbsp; container with equipment stored. We can make use of this as an open water paddling venue.\u003cbr\u003eIn the winter we also use a local pool for evening sessions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca name=\u0022faq3\u0022\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat activities does the Club run?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eWe run regular activities throughout the year for all levels of abilities including courses for beginners, swimming pool sessions and coaching on both flat and white water at the club. The club runs regular day and weekend trips to paddle other rivers, explore sea kayaking, do safety courses and more. Paddlers from the club compete in slaloms\u0026nbsp;across the UK at attend various other\u0026nbsp;events. For more details of the kind of things the club do, see the Events page.\u003cbr\u003eThe Club’s main activities are providing coached sessions and white water kayaking both on the River Calder and on trips away. However, club members take part in a wide range of other paddlesport disciplines.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca name=\u0022faq4\u0022\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI’m a complete beginner – how do I get started?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eIn the summer we run a number of Learn to Paddle courses\u0026nbsp;on the river at Sowerby Bridge, while in the winter we run pool sessions at local swimming baths, which are suitable for complete beginners. Look on our events list or contact us so we can let you know when beginners courses or pool sessions are running.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca name=\u0022faq5\u0022\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI’m interested in the summer beginner’s courses – can you tell me more?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eOur Learn to Paddle\u0026nbsp;courses on the river usually start in early May, the dates for these appear on our website (usually in mid March). These will take you right through all the foundation skills and teh opportunity to complete the Paddle Discover Award. These courses are included in the cost of membership, so you\u0026nbsp;do need to\u0026nbsp;become a member of the club for the year (to the following March). This includes\u0026nbsp;use of all the necessary equipment (kayak, paddle, buoyancy aid helmet) and the coached sessions. If there is more than one member of a family doing a Learn to Paddle\u0026nbsp;course then the cost is still just the cost of a family membership of the Club (see our membership pages for current costs).\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca name=\u0022faq6\u0022\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI’m interested in the winter pool sessions – can you tell me more?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eIn the winter our pool sessions run in 5-week blocks from October to March in a local pool (again dates will be listed on our website). There is an additional\u0026nbsp;cost for pool sessions to cover our hire fees. You also need to be a member, however those joining after mid-September pay a reduced fee for the year (through to the following March). This includes coaching and use of kayak, paddle etc. Pool sessions are great for experienced paddlers to improve their skills especially learning to eskimo roll, but are also suitable for those wanting to start the sport in winter as you can still learn\u0026nbsp;all the foundation skills you need to get you started.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca name=\u0022faq7\u0022\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to be a strong swimmer?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eYou should be able to swim 50m in normal canoeing clothing, so this includes wearing a buoyancy aid. As canoes and kayaks can and do capsize you need to be confident in the water and happy to go underwater. If you are not a strong swimmer, please let us know when booking onto a course and let your coaches know on the first night of a course. In the pool we can relax the requirement a little.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca name=\u0022faq8\u0022\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow old do children need to be to start canoeing?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eAs children all develop at different rates there is no set age, it is more a matter of being big enough and co-ordinated enough to manage to paddle. From experience this tends to be around 7 or 8 years old. The Club has a number of junior kayaks and smaller paddles that make it easier for youngsters to join in.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca name=\u0022faq9\u0022\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat can I do after I’ve done a beginners course?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eIt’s entirely up to you but most people go move on to other\u0026nbsp;coached session to take them to the next level of developing their skills. This could be progressing to paddling competently on flat water, white water, sea kayaking, having a go a slalom, doing safety courses or gaining higher awards.\u0026nbsp;As you progress you can take part in river trips, play on the white water at the club, or go on weekends away. We also encourage people to have a go at various other different disciplines of the sport.\u003cbr\u003eMany club members enjoy playboating and river running, but opportunities exist to get involved in racing or train to become a helper or become a\u0026nbsp;qualified coach or leader.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca name=\u0022faq10\u0022\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI’ve paddled before how can I get involved?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eYes, the best way to do this depends on your previous experience. \u003cbr\u003eIf you have a bit of experience, then it may be more appropriate for you to go straight onto our intermediate coaching sessions rather than a beginner’s course. These run on the river between April and September or in winter come to pool sessions.\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003eOf course, if you have paddled before there is no need to join one of our courses, you can just come along and paddle with us – although we are likely to ask some questions about your previous experience to ensure you have the skills to safely join in at the level you want to.\u003cbr\u003e\u0026nbsp;Get in touch with some details of your previous experience and we\u0027ll advise which sessoin(s) would b best for you to get involved with.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need to be a member?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eTo join in club activities (coached courses, trips etc) you do need to be a member. When you join one of our beginner’s courses you join the Club for that year. For current fees see the membership pages. We also have concessionary rates available for full time students and unemployed people. Membership runs from April to March each year.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca name=\u0022faq12\u0022\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat do I get for my membership?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eUse of the club facilities (changing rooms etc), free coaching from our PUK qualified coaches and free use of club gear during club activities, plus the opportunity to join in with the wide range of club activities (on and off the water). A limited amount of space is available for members to store boats at the clubhouse for an additional fee. Adult members can also get a key for the clubhouse.\u003cbr\u003eYou can also make use of our access to\u0026nbsp;Warley Moor reservior, although to do this outside of club sessions you will need PUK membership to provide the insurance required to paddle there.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo I need my own kayak and other equipment?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eAt first you don’t need any special equipment, as this is all included in our beginners courses. For all club organised courses you can use club equipment (people doing coached courses with us get priority for the use of club equipment). There is no charge for use of club equipment as part of a coached club activity.\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003eAs you progress you will want to get your own equipment and eventually a kayak, but there’s no pressure to go out and buy one, and you’ll probably want to try quite a few and decide what aspects of the sport you want be involved in before you buy a boat.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca name=\u0022faq14\u0022\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat activities do you offer for young people?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eYoung people can join in the clubs activities at all levels including coached courses from beginners through to an advanced level on moving water, we also have young people going on to do leadership and coaching awards.\u003cbr\u003eIn the summer we run a weekly beginner and intermediate sessions for young people and\u0026nbsp; club nights. These allow youngsters to participate regularly and try out different aspects of the sport under the watchful eye of qualified coaches and helper. We also encourage young people to have a go at slalom and as there experience develops join in with river trips. We can also help if you would like to do canoeing as part of a GCSE in PE or towards sections of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca name=\u0022faq15\u0022\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDo you do anything other than canoeing?\u003cbr\u003eW\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c/strong\u003ee have a number of social events throughout the year, including quizes and a social for\u0026nbsp;our Annual General Meeting in January/February. Our weekend trips away are sociable and non-paddling family members usually come along as well.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ca name=\u0022faq16\u0022\u003e\u003c/a\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho do I contact for more information?\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/strong\u003eContact our Membership Secretary \u003ca href=\u0022mailto:membership@halifaxcanoe.org.uk\u0022\u003emembership@halifaxcanoe.org.uk\u003c/a\u003e or have a look round or our website.\u003c/p\u003e","ContentConfig":{"Caption":null,"Icon":null,"IconColour":null,"CaptionColour":null,"UnderlineColour":null,"TextColour":null,"FontSize":null,"LineHeight":null,"RequiresLoggedInUser":false,"BottomMargin":0,"PaddingLeft":"0px","PaddingTop":"0px","PaddingRight":"0px","PaddingBottom":"0px","PhoneVisible":true,"TabletVisible":true,"DesktopVisible":true,"CssClass":null,"PageLinkName":null,"PageLinkCaption":null},"ComponentCode":null,"ComponentError":null,"BottomMargin":"0px","PaddingLeft":"0px","PaddingTop":"0px","PaddingRight":"0px","PaddingBottom":"0px","CssClass":null,"ResponsiveClasses":"","PageLinkName":null,"PageLinkCaption":null,"Background":{"Colour":null,"ImageURL":null,"Filter":null,"IsParallax":false,"Image":"","Tint":""},"ImageConfig":{"ImageURL":null,"ObjectFit":"contain","ImageHeight":null,"FrameStyle":null,"BorderRadius":null,"Caption":{"IsActive":false,"Text":null,"SubText":null,"Font":{"Size":null,"Colour":null},"SubFont":{"Size":null,"Colour":null},"Alignment":null,"Position":null,"Margin":null,"BackgroundColour":null,"Blur":false,"Hover":false},"AltText":null,"LinkURL":null,"BottomMargin":0,"PaddingLeft":"10px","PaddingTop":"10px","PaddingRight":"10px","PaddingBottom":"10px","PhoneVisible":true,"TabletVisible":true,"DesktopVisible":true,"CssClass":null,"PageLinkName":null,"PageLinkCaption":null},"IgnoreCache":false}]},{"Width":4,"WidthClasses":"col-md-4 col-sm-6 col-xs-12","Elements":[{"ID":367,"Type":"COMPONENT","Content":null,"ContentConfig":{"Caption":null,"Icon":null,"IconColour":null,"CaptionColour":null,"UnderlineColour":null,"TextColour":null,"FontSize":null,"LineHeight":null,"RequiresLoggedInUser":false,"BottomMargin":0,"PaddingLeft":"10px","PaddingTop":"10px","PaddingRight":"10px","PaddingBottom":"10px","PhoneVisible":true,"TabletVisible":true,"DesktopVisible":true,"CssClass":null,"PageLinkName":null,"PageLinkCaption":null},"ComponentCode":"gallery","ComponentError":null,"BottomMargin":"0px","PaddingLeft":"0px","PaddingTop":"0px","PaddingRight":"0px","PaddingBottom":"0px","CssClass":null,"ResponsiveClasses":"","PageLinkName":null,"PageLinkCaption":null,"Background":{"Colour":null,"ImageURL":null,"Filter":null,"IsParallax":false,"Image":"","Tint":""},"ImageConfig":{"ImageURL":null,"ObjectFit":"contain","ImageHeight":null,"FrameStyle":null,"BorderRadius":null,"Caption":{"IsActive":false,"Text":null,"SubText":null,"Font":{"Size":null,"Colour":null},"SubFont":{"Size":null,"Colour":null},"Alignment":null,"Position":null,"Margin":null,"BackgroundColour":null,"Blur":false,"Hover":false},"AltText":null,"LinkURL":null,"BottomMargin":0,"PaddingLeft":"10px","PaddingTop":"10px","PaddingRight":"10px","PaddingBottom":"10px","PhoneVisible":true,"TabletVisible":true,"DesktopVisible":true,"CssClass":null,"PageLinkName":null,"PageLinkCaption":null},"IgnoreCache":false}]}],"ColumnSpacing":"0px","BottomMargin":"0px","TopPadding":"22px","IsFullWidth":false,"IsBackgroundFullWidth":false,"Background":{"Colour":null,"ImageURL":null,"Filter":null,"IsParallax":false,"Image":"","Tint":""}}],"PageURL":"https://www.halifaxcanoe.org.uk/Cms/Spaces/AU/Club+FAQs?version=7","AllVersions":[],"Comments":[],"UpdatedComments":[],"Spaces":[],"IsWatching":false,"LastViewTime":null,"CanEdit":false,"CanPublish":false,"CanCopy":false,"CanCreateTemplate":false,"CanComment":false,"CanReadComments":false,"CanModerateComments":false,"CanLike":false,"CanWatch":false}
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