Come and Try Test Paddling

home | calendar | contact us | full graphics | results

Test paddling at HQ, Woronora River
Visitors and new members under the watchful eye of Coach, Joan Morison.
Photograph:Alan Voges

The Sutherland Shire Canoe Club offers you the opportunity to try canoeing or kayaking before joining the Club.

NB You must be able to swim at least 25 metres.

Test Paddling is designed to introduce newcomers to the sport of Canoeing and is run by club coaches and officials. Minimum age for participants is about 6 years (depending on the child's size).  We now have two sit on top kayaks which are very stable and suitable for small kids.

It's available every Sunday from 9.00 am to 12.30 pm at the Club House which is located at Burnum Burnum Reserve (formerly Jannali Reserve), Bonnet Bay (a Sydney suburb), on the Woronora River. You'll find us under the Woronora Bridge on the North Eastern side just past the boat ramp - Gregory's Map 460, B14.
 
In order to cover maintenance costs the Sutherland Shire Canoe Club now has a boat and equipment hire fee of $5 per session per paddler.  The fees paid by a paddler will be deducted from Club Membership Fees when the paddler joins.
 
 
You will need to bring:
  •  hat and sunscreen
  • clothes you are willing to get wet in (a waterproof jacket and a wetsuit in winter is a good idea)
  • a change of clothes and a towel (We have a hot shower available)
  • drink bottle 

We supply club boats, paddles, PFDs (life jackets), aqua shoes, free instruction and information. Our club  boats include two canoes, recreational kayaks, two slalom boats, a TK1, two TK2s and a K1.  You will be required to wash your borrowed craft and paddle after use.  (Yes we also supply a bucket, sponge, chamois and water free!).  You’ll even get a free cup of tea or coffee when you’ve finished.  Soft drinks are available for $1 a can.

Visitors are permitted three Test Paddle Days.  After that you are expected to join the club if you wish to continue to use the facilities.

Following a Test Paddle, you may wish to join the Sutherland Shire Canoe Club, and participate in coaching and training to further your paddling skills and fitness.

All members must own their own boats.  You'll find we are all happy to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the different craft.  Most members will also be prepared to let you paddle their boats to help you in your decision of boat purchase.  Don’t rush out and buy a boat before you have a clear idea of what canoeing or kayaking activities you want to do and how much you want to spend.
 
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to buy a new craft.  Many of our members started in the sport with second hand boats.  A second hand recreational kayak can cost as little as $200 and a K1 (single racing kayak) $300.  Don’t forget you’ll also need your a roof rack (with optional kayak carrier) your own paddle, PFD (Personal Flotation Device) and possibly aqua gloves and shoes.
 
We don't have enough space to store boats for our members, but The Boatshed at Woronora, one of our Club Sponsors, does at very reasonable rates and is only 2km upstream..

To find out more about canoe and kayak types and approximate costs, click here.

Why not come and have a go?

For more information call Peter Tuziak on (02) 9534 2560 or 0438 462 163 or you can reach him by e-mail.
 
Club Membership Benefits
 
Club Membership Fees