Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Find Out about the Club?
Your first point of call should be this website! It will give you a good view of the activities we undertake and also the interests of the members. However, the best way to understand what we do and what the club offers is to come down to the centre and talk to us. Either turn-up on a Sunday morning at 10am or (from April to October) on a Wednesday evening at 6:30.
Alternatively give the Chairman a call (Tel: 0118 9541672 or 07900 823028) to arrange a time.
How do I join?
Either print off or complete the membership application form (plus payment I’m afraid) from this website or email/write (webmaster@wokinghamcanoeclub.co.uk or WCC, Thames Valley Park Drive, Earley, Berkshire RG6 1PQ) and we will send you a membership form.
Looks good but what’s the cost?
Our membership year runs from 1st February to 31st January.
A reduced subscription applies when joining during the winter months.
For family membership please complete the Adult Application form for each adult and a Junior Application form for each child under age 18. For juniors please also download the junior code of conduct.
A one -off joining fee of £50.00 is payable for full Adult and Family membership.
Annual subscriptions are as follows:
If you are applying to join at any time between 1st February & 30th September the following figures apply.
Family membership £105.00
Adult membership £52.00
Student/ Junior or non-paddling member £25.00
If you are applying to join at any time between 1st October & 31st January the following figures apply.
Family membership £35.00
Adult membership £17.50
Student, Junior or non-paddling member £8.50
Where does this money go?
The majority of the money goes to pay the rent for the facilities we use at the Wokingham Waterside Centre. What money is left is used to run the various activities of the club and to purchase items for general club usage. The club operates on a non-profit basis.
Does the club have boats that I can use?
The club owns a selection of racing kayaks, general purpose kayaks and some Open Canoes. These are available for use by members of the club. In addition, we have limited and controlled access to a wider selection and number of boats owned by the Wokingham Waterside Centre
When can I paddle?
If you own your own boat, you can use it whenever you wish. Club Boats can be used with prior permission of the club. General access to boats owned by the Wokingham Waterside Centre is only provided within Club Sessions.
I want to use a club boat - who do I ask?
Your first point of call should be the Club Bosun. If he can’t be found (and he does hide well), a Committee Member can give permission.
Can I store my boat at the club?
Yes. Depending upon the time of year there is normally a waiting list so ask and see if there is room. Note; as we have to rent the space, fees apply. Full members are allocated one space, families with two. It is your responsibility to ensure that your boats are fully insured.
There is a fault with the door to the boat house - it will not close. What shall I do?
Do not use an axe. We have tried it, it does not work.
1. If one of the committee members is on site tell them of the problem;
2. If the WWC door can be opened (all WWC coaches should be able to open the door), open this door and then manually close the problem door.
3. Finally; Phone the number(s) provided for this eventuality, in the Club House
4. Please do not leave the door open without telling someone what you are doing. (we would like to keep our boats!).
Why do I need a swipe card?
Swipe cards give you access to the main building via the rear door. If you have a boat stored in the WCC boat bay you will also have access to this area. Your swipe card will not give you automatic access to the WWC boat bay. Swipe cards are issued by the Centre not the club but you can download an application from this website.
My swipe card does not work; I want it fixed?
If you believe it to be faulty please contact the Waterside Centre Office who will get you a replacement.
I’m locked out of the clubhouse - my clothes, car keys etc. are inside - how do I get back in?
Ok it happens to all of us. If it’s a normal Club Session time hopefully someone will come along and recognise you and let you in. If not, and you have a phone, call one of the emergency numbers which you have cleverly remembered to keep in your phone. If you don’t have a phone as a last resort walk up to the Oracle Security Centre at the roundabout and tell them of the situation.
Who are the committee members?
Thankless servants to the club who get nothing for doing everything or those lazy SOB’s who get nothing done. All depends on your point of view?
A list of the said individuals is provided on the notice board in the club and in the member’s only area of this website.
Does the club run BCU star award courses?
Not directly - but lots of other people do. Have a look at this rather good website to find one appropriate for you. http://www.bcusouth.org.uk/
Can I Get Help Improving My Kayaking, Racing, Canoeing?
Yes, yes and yes! The sessions we provide on Wednesday and Sundays are intended to be fun but also improve you skills and abilities.
Can I hire the clubhouse for a party?
The Club leases the facilities we use from the Wokingham Waterside Centre. WWC does hire out meeting rooms, do if interested please contact them directly: wokinghamwaterside@hotmail.com
Can you advertise my boat for sale on your website?
Out friends at Marsport have a very good ‘For Sale’ section on their website. We recommend you use them: http://www.marsport.co.uk
When do the monday night time trials start?
As soon as it gets light enough; this is normally after the Easter break. Check the website or Club notice board.
When do the Wednesday evening sessions start?
As soon as it gets light enough; this is normally after the Easter break. Check the website or Club notice board.
When Do The Sunday Morning Sessions Start?
A group of paddlers (and one dog) normally go out most Sundays (weather/river permitting). The formal sessions will start after Easter. Check the website or Club notice board.
