Why Join Gloucester Canoe Club
Become part of an active paddling community where you can
- Connect with fellow paddlers
- Develop your kayaking skills
- Contribute to a growing and welcoming club
- Public Liability Insurance on Club Trips
- Have a great time out on the water
What’s Included In Your Membership
- Up to 12-Month Access to Club Boats & Equipment New members can use club gear for their first year. After that, we expect members to purchase their own paddling kit. We can advise with regard to kit purchases. You will need your own personal kit for winter paddling.
- Instruction and Coaching Support across Racing/Marathon, Touring, and Whitewater disciplines.
- A variety of paddling activities, group paddling sessions and trips with experienced members.
- Public Liability Insurance Coverage during official club trips.
- Annual Club Trips Organised excursions for all skill levels.
- Social Events Including weekends away and our popular summer BBQ.
- Clubhouse & Gym Access.
- Shared use of our modern facilities.
Thinking Of Joining, But Unsure?
If you’re new to kayaking, we offer two introductory courses (4 sessions each) to get you started:
- Course 1: Begins in April
- Course 2: Begins in June or July depending on numbers
- If you miss these courses you can attend pool sessions and start to develop some skills ready for April.
After completing a course, you can join other club activities to continue practising and improving. Kayaking requires regular training, commitment, and time to build fitness, skills, and knowledge. All beginners must attend a pool session to complete a safe capsize, before joining activities off site. Pool sessions are useful for ongoing skills practice through winter.
To learn more, please submit an enquiry form with a brief note about your goals. We’ll send you detailed information on:
- What to expect
- Recommended gear to purchase
- What is needed to become a competent paddler
Experienced Paddlers Welcome
If you already have kayaking experience, send us an enquiry email with:
- A summary of your paddling background
- Your areas of interest (e.g., whitewater, touring, racing)
We’ll provide more details on how to get involved.
Training & Coaching
We offer coaching and support to getting into paddling across all three disciplines. Our sessions aren’t Paddle UK-certified, but combined with lots of practice they’re designed to help you grow. For formal development courses and qualifications, we recommend exploring commercial providers alongside club support. All members are encouraged to attend appropriate water safety courses and first aid training. These are sourced and supported by the club.
Boat Storage
Storage is available for active members, but space is limited. Please note:
- We do not offer membership solely for boat storage.
- Priority is given to members who paddle regularly and contribute to club activities.
- There is currently a waiting list for boat storage.
Membership Fees
Our annual membership starts at just £45 for students, £60 and £90 families. In addition there is a £5 affiliation fee for those who are not Paddle UK members.