Do I need to have paddling experience before I can join Chelsea Kayak Club?
No. However, if you have no or limited paddling experience we would rather not have you join until you’re sure sea kayaking and touring is for you. We also require individuals to be of a certain standard before they can paddle with us on our regular Thames sessions. Please refer to the Trip and Session Guidelines for further information on how the Club grades its trips and sessions.
If you would like to participate in a beginners course which should get you to a level where you can join the Club should you wish to and get involved in regular Thames sessions and trips, etc then please drop us an email at info@chelseakayakclub.co.uk and we will advise you on next steps.
The full membership fee seems quite expensive compared to most other London clubs why is this?
The full membership fee represents excellent value for money and includes access and use of great facilities available at Cremorne Riverside Activity Centre (changing rooms, toilets and hot showers) as well usage of good quality boats and equipment during Club organised trips and sessions.
Basic membership is really aimed at individuals who either live outside London and cannot regularly make the weekly Thames session and / or have their own boats and equipment. However, additional fees are payable if attending Thames sessions and if Club boats and equipment are used on Club trips and sessions.
Why is an additional fee payable for individuals who are not members of the British Canoe Union?
Chelsea Kayak Club is a Canoe England affiliated club and affiliation provides all members with third party / civil liability insurance during Club organised activities. The £2 capitation fee is payable for any Club member who does not hold individual membership of the British Canoe Union in their own right. By paying the fee you are ensuring that you are covered by the third party liability insurance under our policy.
Are there additional costs to pay?
If you’re a Full Member additional costs will only be incurred if we run away or overseas trips which require hiring boats and equipment, and if training courses are organised. Clearly there will be costs associated with accommodation, transport, and any social activities the Club gets up to. However, the Club will do its best to keep costs to a minimum and it will always look for ways to get the best possible deal for its members.
Do I have to be a member to come on a Club organised trip?
Yes. Membership ensures that you and the Club are covered in respect to third party liability.
Does the Club do other types of paddling?
Yes and No. The focus of Chelsea Kayak Club is on sea kayaking and touring, however many of its members are members of other London based clubs which do whitewater, polo, surf, etc. Chelsea has been formed because very few opportunities exist in London for sea kayaking and touring. If you are interested in getting involved in other types of paddling then there will be opportunities to do so.
Does the Club have a regular pool session of its own?
Yes and No. CKC members are able to access two regular pool sessions as follows:
Virgin Active, Lily Road, Fulham – Saturday mornings, 8-9am
CKC members are able to attend the pool session run by Putney Bridge Canoe Club. The session costs £9 and includes boat, paddle and spraydeck included. No booking required, just turn up with your swimming costume and 20p for the locker. More details at: http://www.putneybridgecc.co.uk/pool.
Brixton Pool – Sunday evenings, 8-9pm
A regular open pool session which takes place at Brixton Pool every Sunday night all year round. This session is open to beginners, intermediates and pros. The session costs £8 (as of 1st July 2011) which is payable at the pool reception. CKC members wishing to attend this session on a regular or semi-regular basis please email info@chelseakayakclub.co.uk.
The Club is also looking to organise an ad-hoc Rolling Clinic at a local pool in the near future.
Can guests paddle with us on the Thames?
Yes, but only on Thursday nights. If you have paddled before you can come along for a trial session on the Thames to see if you like the Club. Guest sessions cost £10 per session and you must sign the Register each time. You must also join the Club after three guest sessions if you want to continue to paddle with us. However, you cannot just turn up so please email info@chelseakayakclub.co.uk to secure a place.
Can I store my personal sea or touring kayak at the facility?
Probably not as storage space at the facility is limited. However, please email info@chelseakayakclub.co.uk for further details.
I am entering an organised race / event (e.g Devizes to Westminster, quadrathlon’s, adventure races, etc) can I train with your club?
Not really. We are not set-up to accommodate individuals or groups wishing to just train for the purposes of entering a particular event. There are several other clubs in the London area which may be better suited for this purpose, such as Richmond Canoe Club and the Royal Canoe Club.
Are boats and equipment available to hire to the general public or for corporate events?
No. We do not generally hire boats or paddling equipment for ad-hoc usage; this is only available to members on Club organised trips or activities.
