Frequently Asked Questions

What do you do?

We go kayaking in all its forms, anything from canoe polo to white-water river running, slalom and freestyle. 

What is the difference between a kayak and a canoe?

Well, Kayaks originated from the Eskimos they generally have a covered in a deck and are paddled from a seated position with double-ended paddles. Canoes originated from the North American Indians, these are generally open boats, which are paddled from a kneeling or sitting position with single-ended paddles. There is often some confusion about this. In fact, just to confuse you further, Canoe Polo is played in kayaks not canoes. As a club we tend to kayak more than we canoe, but we do own both kayaks and canoes and we are called the Canoe Club.

Do I need my own kit?

No, the club has a selection of boats of all different shapes, sizes and colours to suit everyone. We can also provide buoyancy-aids, paddles, helmets, cags (splash tops) and a limited number of wetsuits. You will need to bring some old clothes and trainers and something to change into afterwards. See our kit page for more information.

How much does it cost?

Club membership is just £25 for the year, pool sessions cost £1 and Wednesday river sessions are free!! Weekend trips tend to cost around £50 including transport and accommodation although this can vary depending on the distance and the accommodation options available! Training and qualifications are subsidised by the University to keep costs as low as possible. We occasionally charge for a social to cover costs but any profit goes directly into the social! We aim to break even but any small profit made by the club goes straight back into the club to repair or replace kit 🙂

What is Wild-Water Racing?

An exciting downstream time trial through white water rapids, embrace the speed and read the river to take the fastest route! Our white water river trips throughout the year will prepare you for the excitement of this exhilarating sport. Compete at the annual BUCS competition in sprint or classic distance races in a boat of your choice! Not sure yet? Come along to a white water trip and we will show you what it is all about!

What is Canoe Polo?

Very few people have heard of, let alone played, canoe polo before they come to the University – so its a great opportunity to try a new sport from the beginning. Canoe polo is increasing in popularity as more people discover this awesome sport. A cross between kayaking, basketball and water polo – what’s not to love! We compete throughout the year with three teams in Canoe Polo Regional Competitions and against other Universities at the annual BUCS Polo Tournament. Still not sure? Come along to one of our Sunday pool sessions and give it a go. Maybe even join our fresher’s polo team?

What is Canoe Slalom?

An Olympic sport, canoe slalom involves racing downstream through a series of slalom gates. A time trial event, with points deducted for missing gates, canoe slalom requires both speed and agility. Compete with us against other Universities at the annual BUCS Canoe Slalom Competition. Want to give it a go? Come along to any of our sessions and learn more! 

What do I need to bring with me to a session or trip?

Please check the kit page on this website for a detailed description as to what you should bring with you.

Where is the club-house?

Our Wednesday river sessions and club meals take place at the Guildford Waterside Centre, GU1 1LW. Please see the link below for directions.https://goo.gl/maps/eGwRGAiA7DD2

How difficult are the trips?

We start the year with easier rivers to introduce and build the skills of newcomers to the sport. More experienced kayakers are encouraged to lead and to reinforce their paddling skills. Once you have mastered the essentials of white water kayaking you will notice your ability increasing and your confidence building as you move on to bigger rivers. We encourage our members to go at their own pace however if adrenalin is your thing, it is possible to join the club having never been in a kayak then be paddling off waterfalls by the end of your first year!  

Do you have socials?

Of course! We have regular socials including; pub crawls, house crawls, beer pong, bowling, ice skating, PlayZone, house parties etc. We are always looking for new ideas and have had some great, themed socials throughout the years. In addition to these socials, we meet as a club on Wednesdays, after the river session, at our club house for ‘home cooked meals’ at £3pp and the cheapest bar in Guildford!

Will I get wet?

Yes, even if you don’t fall in. If you do fall in (capsize) you will get very wet!

If I fall in will people point and laugh at me?

Yes but then we point and laugh at most things. The more experienced you are at paddling the more we will laugh when you fall in.

Last time I tried kayaking I went round in circles, is that normal?

Yes, paddling in a straight line is one of the first things we will teach you.

Do you paddle in winter?

We do, in fact winter is the best season for white water paddling in the UK. We just have to prepare for the weather and wrap up warm!

Do you compete in competitions?

Certainly. We have compete in three BUCS disciplines; Slalom, Canoe Polo and Wildwater Racing in addition to a variety of freestyle competitions throughout the year. Competing is not a compulsory part of the club, but is taken seriously by those who choose to.

Is it dangerous?

It can be. All sessions have experienced paddlers and coaches present and first year club members will be taught the necessary skills to keep themselves – and others – safe on the water. Additionally, we attend safety and rescue courses every year, including Foundation Safety and Rescue Training (FSRT), White Water Safety and Rescue Training (WWSR), Advanced White Water Safety and Rescue Training (AWWSR).

Can I work for awards?

Yes, we run a variety of awards through the club, from personal ability qualifications to coaching awards. We also run Safety and Rescue courses and of course, first aid training!

I’m a bit unfit, will I be left behind?

No, in fact lack of fitness is common in the club.

I have my own boat, is the somewhere that I can keep it?

If you are a member of the club we have some limited space in our shed for personal boats. Speak to the Equipment and Training Officer to organise this.