Welcome to the Westel Canoe Club - Winners of the Strand Trophy for the Top Touring Club in England 2009!
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Introductory Sessions for Novices
Part of Westel's mission is to introduce new paddlers to the delights of kayaking and canoeing, and to ensure that people paddle safely and competently. Our objective is that new members achieve British Canoe Union qualifications that will allow them to paddle when and where they like.
Our next BCU One Star course will start on Saturday June 19th at 1300. More information about the course, fees etc. can be downloaded HERE.
Those who already have the One Star test or who achieve it this summer and wish to progress can join a Two Star course on Sept 11th and 18th, Oct 2nd and Oct 9th.
New Boat Fees Arrangements
Following the Club AGM it has been agreed that we trial a new alternative arrangement for payment for members who use club boats. From the start of the new membership year you will have a choice. You can either continue to pay £2.50 per session, or you could pay an annual fee of £80 instead.
This arrangement will benefit the frequent paddler, but will also benefit the Club, by reducing the amount of cash changing hands and simplifying accounting etc.
If you decide to take up this trial arrangement you can pay your £80 when you renew your membership. You will still have to record the fact that you have taken a boat on the boat sheet, so that we can keep track of usage etc.
If you have some paddling experience and would like to come along to meet us and possibly to paddle at an ordinary Saturday club session please email Andrew Wallace, the club chairman - his email address is on the Contact page.
Pre-requisite: be able to swim 50 metres in the clothing you wear paddling.
All paddlers should always bring a change of clothes to each session, and a towel. Leave jewellery behind - particularly large rings, or items that are not waterproof. Spectacles should have retainers so they stay with you when you fall in. For your sake and ours, please explain any medical issues to a coach before you get on the water.
Paddle at your own risk: canoeing and kayaking are risk sports; involuntary capsizes are routine; other injuries and accidents are possible.
Warning: some people find paddling is a fantastic activity, offering enjoyment of the river in all seasons, pleasurable exercise and good companionship: developing a life-long paddling habit is a real possibility! Senior: £56 p.a Junior: £30 p.a. Spouse/Partner: £30 p.a. Deduct £2 from above if a member of BCU Members also guarantee Westel Canoe Club Ltd for up £1 maximum. Click here… to see where we are! FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE CHAIRMAN OR SECRETARY
MEMBERSHIP FEES
Rack Fee: £35 p.a.
Newsletter only: £8 p.a.
Touring and racing Club Boats are available at £2.50 per session for club members and £5 per session for visitors, including use of Thames licence.
Paddle at your own risk: canoeing and kayaking are risk sports, involuntary capsizes are routine, other injuries and accidents are possible. How To Find Us
Latest News
PAUL WAINWRIGHT
It was with great sadness that we heard of the premature and sudden death of Paul Wainwright.
Paul was a keen and capable paddler, and was well-liked throughout Westel for his enthusiasm, his generosity in helping paddlers and his many efforts for the club. He sorted out our website, made great strides in becoming a coach and still had time and energy to spend paddling and encouraging others. He had involved himself in a number of local groups associated with the river and in such gave the club a "local voice". He was enthusiastic about life on and around the river. He was deputy chairman; his contributions to the committee were thoughtful and balanced.
Paul died on Wednesday 16 June: he had paddled his canoe to the club where he bumped into Peter Loy and Dave Simpson, and seemed in good spirits. He suffered a major heart attack while paddling back to his home on Taggs Island. Local residents noticed his plight and went to his aid, but he was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital. Paul died while doing one of the things he loved so much.
Report on First tour of the New Programme
If you would like to see what some of us got up to on the first tour of the new programme there is a report with a picture here
New Touring Programme for 2010
For details of our new touring programme click Here.
Westel Wins Strand touring Trophy - Again!
The Strand Trophy is awarded each year to the Club with the most touring miles logged. We have won it now eleven times,and every year for the last seven.
River Conditions on the Thames are variable at any time of the year and in winter they can be particularly tricky. For the latest updates on each section of the river the Environment Agency website has details.
Westel Receives Support from Hampton Fuel Allotment Charity
Westel Canoe Club is delighted to have been awarded a grant of �6090 from the Hampton Fuel Allotment Charity.
The money is being used to support our work of introducing adults and young people to kayaking and canoeing and providing coaching and tuition for newcomers and improvers.
We will use the money to buy new boats suitable for coaching and training to replace some of our older boats. We will also support club members who wish to obtain coaching qualifications.
We are very grateful to the Charity for their generosity which will enable the club to continue to provide a service to the local community.
Boat Licences
You need a licence to paddle on the Thames (and on other UK waterways). The Club buys a number of licences each year for use with Club boats. Mike has bought the new licences for 2008 and has attached them to boats. If you are taking a club boat out do make sure it has a current licence. There is a hefty fine available if you fail to carry a lience!
Westel touring Dates
The touring Section get out most weekends - all welcome. For forthcoming dates contact Jeff…