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The Club |
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| The Club, which was originally formed in 1978,
operates from Whitwell Creek on the north side of Rutland
Water. This superb area of
water, which is owned by Anglian Water, is the largest man-made lake in
Western Europe. A significant part of your annual subscription is paid
to Anglian Water in return for access rights.
We are primarily a family club although membership charges are calculated on an individual basis. Although we have no clubhouse, members are able to use the changing facilities at the adjacent Anglian Watersports Centre. We are also able to use a small lecture room at the Centre when necessary. We meet each Sunday from 09.30 to 12.00 hrs. during the summer and 10.00 to 12.00 hrs. during the winter. We also arrange a full programme of other events away from Rutland Water. The club has a wide selection of kayaks and canoes, along with paddles and buoyancy aids. This allows members to try out the sport, and find out what type of canoe, kayak, paddle, etc. suits their requirements before they purchase. All members have access to club equipment and with prior arrangement may use on trips away from Rutland Water. Over the years we have increased our range of canoes and kayaks giving members the opportunity to try different disciplines within the sport. So please make good use of Club boats. If as a Club Member you want to use Club equipment away from Rutland Water, please discuss your needs with a Committee Member. Members are provided with training opportunities and again you are urged to take full advantage of these. The Club is fortunate in having a number of BCU coaches who are all keen to share their knowledge and experience with you. A General Committee that includes people with significant canoeing and business experience manages the Club. How Do I Join? You will need to complete
a membership form and pay
the appropriate fee to the Membership
Secretary. Rutland Canoe Club meets in Whitwell Creek next to the Anglian Water Watersports. We meet every Sunday throughout the year from 10 am to 12 noon during the winter and 9.30 am to noon in the summer.
What Do I Need? The Club can provide buoyancy aids, paddles and boats so you should concentrate initially on the clothing that you need to wear. You should wear several layers of clothing topped with a windproof cagoule to keep you warm and dry. Avoid jeans which when wet are cold and heavy. A sleeveless wetsuit is a good investment. Wear light footwear such as old trainers or plimsolls. A woolly hat or peaked cap depending on the weather is a good idea. If it is cold then wear gloves, even rubber kitchen gloves can improve the 'comfort factor' ! Bring a change of clothing and a towel. If you are paddling in the winter it is essential that you wear either a wetsuit or a drysuit. The water temperature at Rutland Water during the winter is very cold and the group leader will not let you onto the water unless you are suitably equiped. As a member you will need a whistle and do not forget a drink - hot or cold depending on the season. If you want to use your own boat, you must make sure that it is in good order. It should have adequate flotation (25kg secured evenly front and rear). Footrests must be fitted so that they cannot trap feet. Toggles or handles are needed at each end. Safety Policy As the RCC has both children and parents in its membership, safety is a pre-dominant consideration for the Club and both its activities and organisation reflect this priority. The Club is affiliated to the British Canoe Union ( the BCU ) which is the governing body for canoeing in the United Kingdom. The BCU operates an internationally respected Coaching Scheme and the Rutland Canoe Club has BCU coaches at Levels 2 and 3. To become a coach at this level it is necessary to have achieved a certain level of canoeing competence, to have passed the Canoe Safety Test ( this covers aspects such as handling a basic canoeing emergency with practical simple incidents, effects of weather/temperature, lifesaving, specific rescue techniques such as deep water rescues and towing, use of throwline ), to hold a First Aid Certificate including CPR and EAR and to have logged teaching experience. The Club also has certain specific rules about equipment which must be carried by groups on the Main Body, the intention being that at all times groups out on the Main Body should be self-sufficient. On joining the Club members sign a declaration that they do not suffer from any disability or medical condition which may render them unfit for strenuous exercise and are encouraged in the case of any doubt to seek advice from their family doctor. All members going onto the water must log on and off the water, paddlers will be supervised in the Creek, while groups going onto the Main Body may only do so under the direct control of an authorised Main Body Leader. Any incident that may have an impact on safety must be reported to the Safety Officer. Safety has to be continually worked for, and both the RCC and individual members of the BCU Coaching Scheme are determined to ensure that it is! For further information about club procedures, rules and constitution click any of the links below. |
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