FAQs
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’.
Q.
What is the Club’s purpose?
Community participation in healthy recreation through paddle sports. Our main activity is Kayaking; however, we offer opportunities to participate in Open Canoeing and Stand Up Paddle-boarding (SUP)
Q.
Who can join the Club?
We welcome adults from 18 – 85 years young.
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 broader support of the paddling community, including the upkeep of our local waterways and other charities such as AquaPaddle.
Q.
What is the Club’s Unique Selling Point (USP)?
We are an ALL-seasons, adult-focused, multi-paddling Recreational Club that offers MORE for LESS.
Q.
What can I expect as a member?
Regular activities, trips and social events both on and off the 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.
Opportunities to participate in our fun interactive, social activities and events.
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 clubhouse, 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 and plan and participate in community service projects such as river clean-ups.
We explore collaboration with other groups and clubs e.g. AquaPaddle.
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 from local libraries and publications to promote awareness of our services and activities.
Q.
How is the Club funded?
We are a non-profit charity organisation, so prepare and budget for projected expenditure and income. We explore funding opportunities such as Council and PaddleUK grants and other funding opportunities.
Our primary 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, and review and update club policies and procedures. Our appointed trustees and subgroups (all voluntary) ensure the smooth, efficient running of the Club.
Q.
Do the Club welcome feedback?
Absolutely! For the purpose of evaluation and reflection, we regularly review progress against goals and collect and evaluate feedback from members, including after courses, training and trips.
We conduct year-end reviews to identify successes and improvement areas.
Q.
When was Hampton Canoe Club established?
1970. Original name ‘Westel Canoe Club’.