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Cheltenham Canoe Club started off in 1980 as the YMCA Canoe Club. Three years later The Pitville Paddlers were formed consisting of 28 enthusiastic members. Over the next 20 years the club has grown to over 120 members with the aim of promoting the sport of canoeing in the Cheltenham area. The club is run by a committee elected annually at the A.G.M., held in January and consists of a Club Captain, Secretary, Treasurer plus up to six additional members. The Club is also active socially, arranging barbecues treasure hunts during the summer as well as a club dinner at Christmas. Non-canoeing activities include volleyball, ten-pin bowling quad-biking etc. Winter PaddlingDuring the winter, the canoe season reached its height as this is when most of the rain falls to fill the rivers up. The Club mainly paddles rivers in the South West and Wales and there is usually a river trip organised for most weekends from late September until early May. The club paddles all grades of river from flat water suitable for beginners through to raging torrents only suitable for the expert and insane. Senior members of the Club will guide you as to what you are capable of. There are also weekends away to such places as Dartmoor and Mid Wales as well as the occasional opportunity to be more adventurous and go to the North East, Scotland and even the Alps.
Summer PaddlingDuring the Summer while the rivers are low the Club indulges in its other great passion, surfing. Weekends away are arranged to many of the best surfing beaches in the South West and West Wales. Surfing whether it be in canoes or surf-skis and boards is always fun and novices are always surprised at how quickly they can pick it up.
Pool SessionsFrom the end of May until early September the Club uses the outdoor Sandford Pool on the Keynsham Road behind Cheltenhan General Hospital. Click HERE for map. These sessions are on Thursday nights, starting at 7.30p.m. and lasting for 1½ hours until dusk. Paddlers of all abilities are welcome. Again there is the opportunity to receive coaching and to get involved in the games of canoe polo that happen down the deep end of the pool towards the end of the night. All you will need to bring with you is a swimming costume, a towel, a tee-shirt and a cagoule; however you may find it wiser to bring something warmer as it can get cold. Cost is £2.50 for members and £3.50 for non members. The summer pool timetable is available HERE.
Beginners CoursesThe Club runs a couple of beginner's courses in February and July. There are a limited number of places available so if you would like a place on one you are advised to apply early. If there is sufficient interest the Club is also able to arrange private courses during the summer at Sandford Pool. For more information about the courses we run please contact . Club Policy on Equipment and JuniorsThe Club owns a number of boats, both general purpose and specialist, plus all the ancillary equipment such as paddles, helmets and spraydecks. These are kept in the Club shed and are available for use on Club trips. However most members usually take advantage of discounts that can be negotiated through the Club and acquire their own equipment during the course of their first year. Junior members (those under 18 years of age) are welcome, but the Club insists that a parent of guardian joins them (although not necessarily to paddle) to take responsibility for them. B.C.U. and Sports Council AffiliationThe Club is affiliated to the British Canoe Union and members are encouraged to work for the various B.C.U. Canoeing Star Tests and Instructor Awards. The Club is also affiliated to the local Sports Council. Thursday Night Meeting PlaceSince Thursday 29th August 2002 the club has been meeting at the Dowty Sports and Social Club, located on Hatherley Lane just off the Golden Valley roundabout. Click HERE for a map. People usually gather for a pint from about 9pm onwards. |
