About Us
Background
The Club commenced life on 17th November 1993 when a group of approximately 40 U3A Sunshine Coast Members participated in a trial paddle at Dunethin Rock.
This led to the formation of the U3A Canoe Group at a meeting chaired by Frank Ross-Sampson on 20th January 1994. Due to concerns by the U3A over insurance issues, the group was dissolved and a new group was formed at a meeting on 21st March 1996.
Insurance issues prompted another change and on 7th July 1997 the club known as Suncoast Seniors Recreational Canoeing Club was incorporated and affiliated with Queensland Canoeing. It has since affiliated with the Confederation of Kayak and Canoe Inc. In recent times members have moved from paddling canoes to paddling kayaks. In July 2001, the Club name was changed from “Canoeing” to “Kayaking” to reflect the changed directions of the Club.
In 2003, withdrawal of Public Liability insurance cover forced the club to re-affiliate with Queensland Canoeing for 2004. In 2005 the Club has for insurance purposes again affiliated with the Confederation of Kayak and Canoe Inc.
Club Activities
The Club has about 70 members ranging in age from mid 50′s to early 80′s. All members have their own kayak. The Club does not have any premises or craft of its own.
The Club usually paddles twice a week and ventures afield, every 4 months, for an extended camp.
These outings are listed in THE EVENTS CALENDAR’.
Membership
The aim is to promote social kayaking activities on the Sunshine Coast. The Club does not take part in competitive events.
All new members are required to attend a training course, induction program or assessment paddle, if available. The nature of this process will depend on the extent of prior experience.
New members are required to have their own craft and to make a formal application to the Club. They should be proficient in paddling skills, entry and exit from craft, recovery after capsize, rules of the waterway and group paddling. All new members will need to know the Club rules and policies. This requirement is to satisfy the strong safety focus of the Club. When this is completed new members can paddle with the Club on Thursday outings. Although the Club does not engage in training, assistance from experienced members is available for beginners.
Insurance and Risk Management
Full insurance cover is provided through membership of Kayak & Canoe Inc. It is a condition of membership that members make a personal decision on participation in each and every activity and on continuation in a particular activity, taking into account all prevailing conditions and circumstances. This “self assessment process” applies to both suitability of the craft and of the member to undertake the paddle. Additional risk management is provided by the Club policy and procedures booklet which governs all paddling activity. All members sign an agreement with the Club undertaking to abide by the risk management procedures.