FAQs
Q.
When was Hampton Canoe Club established?
1970. Original name ‘Westel Canoe Club’.
Q.
What is the Club’s purpose?
Community participation in healthy recreation through paddle sports: Kayaking, Open Canoeing, Stand Up Paddle boarding (SUP).
Q.
Who can join the Club?
Adults from 18 – 85 years young.
Q.
What is the average age of active members?
45 – 70yrs.
Q.
What paddling skills are required?
None. We provide training for Beginners and Improvers to enable the progression of safe, independent paddling.
Q.
Does the Club work with other organisations?
We collaborate with local organisations for wider support of the paddling community including: the upkeep of our local waterways, other Charities such as AquaPaddle and many more.
Q.
What is the Club’s Unique Selling Point (USP)?
We deliver to an older cohort in the community as our average age is over 45 and up to 85 years.
Q.
What can I expect as a member?
Regular activities, trips and social events both on and off water.
Training and skill development for members of all skill levels.
Frequent communication: news and updates.
Support of a welfare officer to ensure appropriate safeguarding and member support.
Support of PaddleUK (formerly British Canoeing) and specific Hampton Canoe Club qualifications for members.
Access to qualified, experienced Club coaches – regular tips and advice.
Q.
What level of health and safety can I expect?
We operate within and uphold a strict code of conduct including (but not limited to): regular reviews and updates of safety plans, protocols, and risk assessments. We inspect, test and maintain the Club House, all boats and equipment. We provide first aid training to our trip leaders and coaches and ensure safeguarding for all.
Q.
Does the Club engage with community initiatives
We foster relationships with local communities and environmental organisations, plan and participate in community service projects such as river clean ups. We explore collaboration with other groups and clubs e.g: Visually Impaired Paddlers. We engage with Emergency Services – host emergency services days and training with the RNLI for our members and the wider public.
Q.
How does the Club attract new members?
We advertise, market and communicate via social and local media channels, create and distribute promotional materials: banners and flyers. As a registered Charity we gain support of local libraries and publications to promote awareness of our services and activities.
Q.
How is the Club funded?
We are a non-profit organisation so prepare and budget for projected expenditure and income. We explore funding opportunities such as: Council and PaddleUK grants, Water company sponsorship.
Our main source of income is generated via memberships and training courses. We closely monitor and manage expenses throughout the year with transparency.
Q.
What about Governance?
We ensure the Club complies with legal and regulatory requirements,
review and update club policies and procedures. Our appointed trustees and subgroups (all voluntary) ensure smooth, efficient running of the Club.
Q.
I am a heading
1970. Original name ‘Westel Canoe Club’.
Q.
Do the Club welcome feedback?
Absolutely! For the purpose of evaluation and reflection we regularly review progress against goals: collect and value feedback from members including after courses, training and trips. We conduct year-end reviews to identify successes and improvement areas.
Q.
What does being a member of Hampton Canoe Club mean?
That’s easy! You’ll be part of our BIG, FUN, FRIENDLY FAMILY we affectionately call ‘HAMPTONEERS’.