Frequently asked questions

Starting out

What is the difference between canoeing and kayaking - which does PBCC do?

Canoes are generally paddled with a single blade paddle, whereas kayaks are paddled with a double-bladed paddle. Canoes are classically paddled by kneeling, although many people sit as it is more comfortable at first. PBCC has mainly kayaks and only 1 canoe.

What kind of kayaking do you do? What facilities do you have?

The PBCC mainly paddles flat water, white water and surf; some members also sea-kayak. We are a club with approximately 50 members of all ranges of ability and aged 18-65. We do accept members under 18 but they have to join with a parent or guardian.

The club paddles on the Thames every Wednesday and Thursday evenings (Thames paddling ), and has fortnightly pool sessions (pool sessions). The club has a lock-up container behind the Putney tow path at Barn Elms for storing its kayaks and some members kayaks.

Do I need to book to come to a pool session?

No, but the pool can get crowded. If you have never paddled before we ask you to contact the pool organizer [add link] to let them know you would like to come down so they can ensure there are enough experienced paddlers to help you get started.

What kit do I need to bring with me to pool session?

You will need a swimming costume and towel. Some people also like to wear a t-shirt in the boat, so bring along a spare one you don't mind getting wet. If you are learning to roll, goggles and a nose-clip are useful. Boats and paddles are available included in the pool fee (pool session)

Do I need to book to come to a Thursday evening paddle?

If you have never paddled before, or have limited experience we ask you to come along to a pool session first. Once you are ready for the Thames a weekly club notice is sent out by email, and you should let the person who is in charge for that week know that you are going to join the group on the Thames.

What do I need to bring with me to a paddle on the Thames?

It could be anything from a t-shirt, shorts and a pair of old trainers to full waterproof and warm gear and lights. There are boats, paddles, buoyancy aids and spray-decks at the lock-up. All you need is your personal gear. If you haven't paddled with us before ask the person running the session what would be best to bring, they should be able to advise you. However there are some general rules:

Some sort of footwear must be worn in the boats. Old trainers are fine, but do not tie the laces, instead tuck them in.
If it will be dark while you are paddling you will require lights. A white light must be visible through 360 degrees. it must be able to be attached either to the boat or your buoyancy aid. The best solution may one worn back and front. Head torches are also good.
A towel is always useful. Although you won't be planning to capsize, spray from your paddle or picked up by the wind may get you wet. Also, the changing facilities at the lock-up are simple a large towel might help you keep your modesty.
Similarly, a waterproof top can help keep you dry and if not needed stowed in the back of your boat.
Cotton clothing should be avoided. Although cotton feels warm when dry it saps heat when wet. Man made fibres are much better at letting the body retain heat.

Do I need a canoe to join the club?

No. Although most people who get into canoeing buy a boat (or two or three) you won't need one to start with. The club has a variety of boats from sea kayaks to white water. Boats are provided at the pool and for paddling on the Thames, and boats can be hired to club members for trips.

Do you paddle on the Thames other than a Thursday evening

Yes. Several members paddle on a Wednesday, but the pace is relatively quick and you need to keep up so this is only for experienced paddlers. Some also paddle on the weekend and will gernally send an E-mail round to invite other paddlers to join them.

I'm not sure I want to join, can I try it first?

Sure. Experienced paddlers are welcome to join us on the Thames after contacting us. Those new to kayaking can come to a couple of pool sessions and Thames paddles before deciding to take the plunge.

Is canoeing an expensive sport?

Like many sports it is as expensive as you make it. The club always attempts to keep costs down. Most equipment can be loaned from the club and to get started all you really need is a swimming costume. Club members generally share cars and lifts to the paddling locations so if you don't have a car or roof rack it doesn't matter.

Equipment

I'm going on a white water/surf trip, what do I need?

Most white water kayaking in the UK is done during the colder months so some clothing to keep you warm is essential. Below is a list of useful stuff, though it is worth asking the trip organiser if there is anything specific you might need, or contacting them if there is something you need.

Wetsuit
Dry cag/Spray top
Thermal top
Towel
Spare clothes (not all your time will be spent in a boat)
Some snacks for on the water
Nose clip (if you like to use one)
A dry bag to put spare clothes and snacks in
Plus a change of clothing and a towel for after paddling

Stuff you can borrow from the club:

Canoe/kayak
Spraydeck
BCD/Buoyancy aid/PFD
Paddle
Helmet

Also if you have any of the following:

Neoprene gloves or Poggies (neoprene mittens)
A steel/unbreakable flask
Scull cap(neoprene or similar material to keep your head warm) Ear-plugs to keep cold water out of your ears (specialist ones for kayaking can be bought from The White Water Canoe Center ).

I don't have any of that stuff, where can I get it?

You can always try and borrow stuff from other club members, ask the trip organiser. Failing that you can get most things on line, but it is worth going to a shop to try on most items of clothing. The closest store for most people is The White Water Canoe Center, and you can get a surprising amount of cheap gear from Decathlon (nearest store at Surrey Quays). Much that doesn't have to be tried on can be bought on-line, for example from Brighton Canoes

Getting better

Do you run courses?

We do sometimes run courses towards getting the BCU star awards. It depends on what trained coaches we have available. Otherwise members go on courses with Plas y Brenin, the Treweryn or commercial companies, which we can advise you about.

Are there any books/DVDs that will make me a better paddler?

No book or DVD will make you a great paddler, but some can help hone your technique.

Books

Canoe and Kayak Handbook, BCU, ISBN 978-0953195657
Kayak: A Manual of Technique, Nealy, ISBN 978-0897320504

DVDs

Learn to Kayak, Kayakojacko

Are there any courses I can go on?

There are plenty of organisations offering everything from one day beginner courses to exotic holidays. Here is a list of some.

Plas y Brenin the national mountain centre for England and Wales, based in North Wales.
KayakoJacko who have coaches in London and nation wide.
Plas Meni [to be filled in]

How do I really get better?

Practice, practice, practice. Just get out and paddle. Nobody expects you to be the best paddler after one hour in a pool. The more you paddle the confident and capable you will be.

Stupid stuff

I don't understand what you mean, what are poggies/screw roll...

As with many other activities there are many terms used that are not common, take a look at the paddler's glossary .

If I take up kayaking will I have to start saying rad, cool and awesome in every sentence?

It would be awesome if you did, because we'd I think you were trying to be rad; but really we will think you are a lot more cool if you don't.