Caithness Kayak Club Important Info  
Club Fees          

Annual membership (adult) £12
Annual membership (concession) £6
Annual membership (family) £17.50
 
Pool Sessions          
Per session will be charged at normal pool admission rates from sept 06. Free for highlife card holders.
Use of Club Equipment          
Club Evening Paddles £2
Paddling with your own equipment £ free
The club has a selection of equipment to cover most paddling situations, In the long term members should start to purchase their own equipment to allow new members to use club equipment. Having your own equipment will allow you to go paddling more often as club equipment is only for use with a club instructor in attendance. The more you paddle the quicker you will progress and the more challenging paddles will be within your skill level
Want to come along and see what its all about        

As a non member you are welcome to come along for 3 weeks to decide if you want to join the club after this annual membership fees are due.
If you are new to paddling we would like you to complete a winters pool sessions before you come out on the open water with us. The Friday night paddles from Ackergill are for members that have completed a winters set of pool sessions. Paddling will be at the instructors discretion and will take into account weather & sea conditions and paddler ability. Paddlers under 16 require a parent or guardian on the water or shore so they can help them get changed and warm again if they get wet. Family days are open to paddlers of all ages and levels of experience. Experienced paddlers are welcome on all sessions.
           
What You need          
Pool Sessions  

 

      
Bring Your normal equipment for swimming (costume towel etc) The pool session are split. For the first 30 minutes the beginners and junior members are shown basic safety techniques, Including wet exits and various self rescue methods using floats and paddles, Adults are asked to assist with the juniors for this session. For the next 15 minutes the kids have a game of water polo. Now its the turn for the adults and more experienced and older junior members to work on various techniques as required for the next 30 minutes the last 15 minutes is usually a fast and furious game of water polo.
Sea sessions from Ackergill+ Family days          
The club will provide boats, paddle, spray deck and buoyancy aids.
You will need to bring suitable clothing that can get wet NO DENIM JEANS, Also a waterproof cagoule is needed. A warm change of clothes and a towel for when you are finished, a hat is handy, an old pair of trainers or shoes that can get wet. Something to eat and drink to keep energy levels up. Energy bars are ideal. Sometimes a family event will include a BBQ please bring your own burgers etc
           
Surf          
Members who go surfing tend to have all there own equipment, Capsizes whilst surfing are common so be prepared to swim or have a Bombproof roll. A wetsuit is a must as the sea can be very cold A long john style wetsuit of 3mm neoprene is recommended
           
River Trips          
Once again most river paddlers are going out using there own equipment. Although the club usually has river paddles organised to let members without there own boat have a go. An approved crash hat is a must for river paddling. As for surfing a wetsuit is strongly recommended for the river. If you are flush you could splash out on a dry suit.
           
Got The Bug What do I do Now??      

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If you get the canoeing bug, you may wish to purchase the following; here is a suggested order;
1. Thermals \ fleeces etc ( base layer clothing)
2. Wetsuit
3. Wetsuit boots
4. Drybag for spare clothes \ lunch
5. Drycag
6. Helmet and neoprene skullcap
7. Paddle
8. Neoprene spraydeck
9. Boat - Ask members for a go of boats, try as many as you can before buying your own as this is the most expensive bit of your kit
10. Pogies to keep your hands warm
11. Big waterproof bag for your wet kit

This link has some good ideas of what you might carry on your person and boat for a river running group
http://www.thamesweirproject.co.uk/kit.htm
 

Some shops selling boats and equipment include;
Highland Canoes, Myrtlefield Shopping centre, Aviemore. (closed Wednesday and Sunday ). Club Members get 10% discount on purchases
Caley Marina, Canal Road, Muirtown, Inverness. (canoe dept upstairs in the rear right of the building).
Tiso Outdoor, High Street, Inverness. (ask the staff to take you to the canoe dept upstairs).
Wetsuits and the like are available closer to home at the following shops. These are primarily for surf boarders but have some stuff that might be of use to a paddler
Tempest Surf, Thurso Harbour
Harpers fly fishing tackle shop, Thurso
Skate and Surf Between the Newmarket Pub and Royal Hotel Thurso
www.hugoross.co.uk Hugo Ross Fishing Tackle, High Street Wick Local stockist of maps, compasses, dry bags and outdoor gear.
 
         

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