Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the club located?

The club location is kept vague (see the Contact Us page) because we don't have a club house as such, and we don't particularly want to make our boat store too widely known. When you sign up to a course we will provide full details of where to park and where to meet, suffice to say it'll be around the Totnes Weir area, below KEVICS school
As a member can I borrow kit? Membership plans says "use of club equipment"

Use of club boats and equipment is free to full members while on Club Training Courses, Club Paddling Trips or Peer Group trips. The club provides buoyancy aids, helmets, spraydecks, paddles and boats - see the FAQ: What should I wear/bring to my paddlesport course? for further details. This kit can be borrowed by members once the member has been signed off by a coach, for use in conditions the coach has signed them off for. Put another way, if as a member you've completed a sheltered water course, and are comfortable rescuing yourself or someone else who has fallen in, then then borrowing kit to do some paddling in sheltered water would be fine. Kit is signed out with the equipment officer, in part to ensure we have gone through the checks mentioned above, in part to keep track of it all, and in part to ensure it is returned and ready for use when courses are running. All Club kit being used by members at any time is their responsibility and it should be treated with care and consideration and returned in a clean, ready to use, condition at the end of the activity. Any damage or defects must be reported as soon as possible to the Club Equipment Officer, equipment@totnescanoeclub.org.uk in order that prompt repairs can be made to ensure all equipment is safe for all to use.
How do I access sea kayaking trips and opportunities?

David Jones, our sea kayak rep, maintains a sea kayak contact list. If you are interested in sea kayak trips and weekend (or longer) expeditions you need to be on this list. As a rough guide your sea kayak paddling ability should be at the British Canoeing "Sea Kayak Award" level or beyond - this is the first specialised level beyond the basic and intermediate courses we teach in the summer (British canoeing "Discover" and "Explore") - Or for old timers that would be "3-star sea". If you don't have that award you can still go on the list, just be aware that some trips may require more experience. So if you want to be added to the list, please email seakayaking@totnescanoeclub.org.uk. David has organised some fantastic trips in the past few years: The Scilly Isles, Cornwall, Dorset, Wales, Scotland as well as local day trips.
What should I wear/bring to my paddlesport course?

Club kit & equipment The club provides buoyancy aids, helmets, spraydecks, paddles and boats – so you don’t need to go out and buy lots of expensive gear to get started. But you will still need some basic kit to keep you warm and dry where possible. It might be nice and sunny when you get to the boat shed at 6.15 p.m., but it will be different by the time we get off the water! What to wear Wetsuit (if you already have one or can borrow one). Wetsuit boots (if you already have them) If you don’t have these, we recommend: Polyester or thermal top (not a cotton T-shirt, as this stays wet and gets cold) Fleeces for extra layers Windproof top, old cagoule or similar (doesn’t need to be 100% waterproof) Joggers or shorts (no jeans) Beach shoes or old trainers (not chunky ones. Laces must be properly tied and tucked in. Please don’t wear crocs or flip flops – you will lose them if you end up in the water) OPEN CANOEISTS – you may wish to bring some knee pads, too, for extra protection/comfort. You will also need: A complete change of dry and warm clothes for afterwards (including underwear and shoes) A towel or dry robe for getting changed A bag for your wet clothes Hot drink/snack for afterwards You are also welcome to bring kit you already own – our coaches will be able to provide guidance as to any considerations you need to be aware of in its use. Thinking of buying your own gear? Ask our coaches for their advice on what to get – and remember that TCC members are eligible for 10% discount at AS Watersports in Exeter.
From what age do you coach Juniors?

We run courses that cater for children from 8 years upwards.
Who can I speak to about a medical condition?

As appropriate please either discuss with your coach if they should be aware (it is helpful if you record details on the My Details page), or with the club's membership and booking coordinator, contact details here.
Can I hire or borrow any kit?

Use of club boats and equipment is free to full members while on Club Training Courses, Club Paddling Trips or Peer Group trips. All Club kit being used by members at any time is their responsibility and it should be treated with care and consideration and returned in a clean, ready to use, condition at the end of the activity. Any damage or defects must be reported as soon as possible to the Club Equipment Officer, equipment@totnescanoeclub.org.uk in order that prompt repairs can be made to ensure all equipment is safe for all to use. Totnes Canoe Club does not hire or lend any equipment to non club members for any purpose - Sorry !
Does the club offer storage of private boats?

We unfortunately don't have room to offer this.

Where is the club located?

The club location is kept vague (see the Contact Us page) because we don't have a club house as such, and we don't particularly want to make our boat store too widely known. When you sign up to a course we will provide full details of where to park and where to meet, suffice to say it'll be around the Totnes Weir area, below KEVICS school

As a member can I borrow kit? Membership plans says "use of club equipment"

Use of club boats and equipment is free to full members while on Club Training Courses, Club Paddling Trips or Peer Group trips.

The club provides buoyancy aids, helmets, spraydecks, paddles and boats - see the FAQ: What should I wear/bring to my paddlesport course? for further details.
This kit can be borrowed by members once the member has been signed off by a coach, for use in conditions the coach has signed them off for. Put another way, if as a member you've completed a sheltered water course, and are comfortable rescuing yourself or someone else who has fallen in, then then borrowing kit to do some paddling in sheltered water would be fine.

Kit is signed out with the equipment officer, in part to ensure we have gone through the checks mentioned above, in part to keep track of it all, and in part to ensure it is returned and ready for use when courses are running.

All Club kit being used by members at any time is their responsibility and it should be treated with care and consideration and returned in a clean, ready to use, condition at the end of the activity.

Any damage or defects must be reported as soon as possible to the Club Equipment Officer, equipment@totnescanoeclub.org.uk in order that prompt repairs can be made to ensure all equipment is safe for all to use.

What should I wear/bring to my paddlesport course?
Club kit & equipment

The club provides buoyancy aids, helmets, spraydecks, paddles and boats – so you don’t need to go out and buy lots of expensive gear to get started. But you will still need some basic kit to keep you warm and dry where possible. It might be nice and sunny when you get to the boat shed at 6.15 p.m., but it will be different by the time we get off the water!

What to wear

Wetsuit (if you already have one or can borrow one).

Wetsuit boots (if you already have them)

If you don’t have these, we recommend:

Polyester or thermal top (not a cotton T-shirt, as this stays wet and gets cold)

Fleeces for extra layers

Windproof top, old cagoule or similar (doesn’t need to be 100% waterproof)

Joggers or shorts (no jeans)

Beach shoes or old trainers (not chunky ones. Laces must be properly tied and tucked in. Please don’t wear crocs or flip flops – you will lose them if you end up in the water)

OPEN CANOEISTS – you may wish to bring some knee pads, too, for extra protection/comfort.

You will also need:

A complete change of dry and warm clothes for afterwards (including underwear and shoes)

A towel or dry robe for getting changed

A bag for your wet clothes

Hot drink/snack for afterwards

You are also welcome to bring kit you already own – our coaches will be able to provide guidance as to any considerations you need to be aware of in its use.

Thinking of buying your own gear? Ask our coaches for their advice on what to get – and remember that TCC members are eligible for 10% discount at AS Watersports in Exeter.

From what age do you coach Juniors?
We run courses that cater for children from 8 years upwards.

Who can I speak to about a medical condition?
As appropriate please either discuss with your coach if they should be aware (it is helpful if you record details on the My Details page), or with the club's membership and booking coordinator, contact details here.

Can I hire or borrow any kit?
Use of club boats and equipment is free to full members while on Club Training Courses, Club Paddling Trips or Peer Group trips.
All Club kit being used by members at any time is their responsibility and it should be treated with care and consideration and returned in a clean, ready to use, condition at the end of the activity.
Any damage or defects must be reported as soon as possible to the Club Equipment Officer, equipment@totnescanoeclub.org.uk in order that prompt repairs can be made to ensure all equipment is safe for all to use.
Totnes Canoe Club does not hire or lend any equipment to non club members for any purpose - Sorry !

Does the club offer storage of private boats?
We unfortunately don't have room to offer boat storage.