Portsmouth & District Canoe Club

17. Nov, 2008 4 Comments

An active canoe club with a strong Sea Kayaking section.

Website: http://www.portsmouth-canoe-club.org

The Portsmouth and District Canoe Club (PDCC) was formally set up in the winter of 1979/80 because of an increasing interest in canoeing in the area, largely due to the efforts of John Drew.

The late John Drew had been running night-school classes from 1975 at Springfield School, Drayton, and a small group of regular paddlers formed from those who attended these classes. As word of the group’s activities spread, it became apparent that many people in and around the area wanted to learn more about the sport and to practice with experienced canoeists. It was to meet this need that the club was formed.

The current membership, approximately 100, of the club may be split into three groups; local active paddlers, occasional paddlers and non-paddlers. The club enjoys a high reputation among experienced canoeists. The main strengths of the club is in encouraging paddlers to progress at sea canoeing when they have mastered the basic skills.

The club, which is affiliated to the British Canoe Union (BCU), is run by an annually elected committee. A programme of trips and other activities is organised to run throughout the year. This programme is biased towards sea touring but includes some river trips and surfing. The programme caters for both novice and competent canoeists. The majority of the events take place on Sundays. This programme varies each year depending on membership demand and requests.

In addition to these Sunday trips there are practice nights during the summer months, which are held on Mondays, when possible, and usually Thursdays. The aim of these practises is to increase fitness and to learn and improve strokes and techniques from basic forward paddling to all-in rescues. All members are encouraged to train for BCU awards and to obtain instructor qualifications. The current membership now includes over 20 BCU qualified instructors of varying grades. Monday practices, when held, are at Hilsea Lido, Thursday practises are held on the sea, mainly off Southsea front, Eastney and Hayling Island.

A newsletter is sent to all members (preferably by e-mail) every two months, which contains articles of general interest, trip and expedition reports and details of forthcoming events.

All members are expected to provide their own equipment, as it is not feasible for the club to own and store equipment.

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4 Responses to “Portsmouth & District Canoe Club”

  1. peter turner-powell 16. Jan, 2009 at 10:55 am

    My 17 year old son is interested in kayaking please send more contact details.
    Many thanks

  2. Dunks 20. Jan, 2009 at 4:23 am

    Hi Peter – I’m not sure where you are based, however you have a few options in the Solent area.

    1. Clubs:
    Portsmouth & District Canoe Club.
    New Forest District Canoe Club
    Winchester District Canoe Club
    IOW Canoe Club

    or you may wish to sign up for a course with one of the following providers who can then point you in the direction of your local club. The local course providers are all listed on this page.

    Hope this helps.

  3. Peter Hazell 22. Aug, 2009 at 12:49 pm

    18ft fibre glass Sea Kayak for sale £450 ono
    A lovely fibreglass sea kayak which was made by North East Fibreglass Fabrication and Design
    Beautifully made with adjustable aluminium foot pedals and fitted compass to the front of the cockpit with hatches on the front and rear deck.The kayak has a few scratches but is in good condition.

    I have only just bought it and am having to sell due to unexpected work commitments and no time to use.

    Any Q’s please contact by email or call any of the numbers given below
    Kayak is in Bournemouth
    I am away at the moment my wife will deal with any viewings
    Happy Paddling and thank you for your time

    Pete Hazell

    Home:01202512576
    Mobile: 07974147590
    Email: peterhazell0001@aol.com

  4. Joe Chamberlain 29. Dec, 2009 at 4:56 pm

    Hi,
    I’m a member of the committee of the PDCC and there are a couple of small factual updates in the description above which I’d like to point out.

    1) At this time there are no plans to split the club into three groups as indicated – although there are different types of membership which are reviewed from time to time.

    2)There are evening paddles organised every Wednesday throughout the year, weather permitting.

    3) There are no training sessions or other paddles organised on Thursday evenings.

    4)The club does have a small amount of equipment available for loan to members – although most members do indeed use their own boats and equipment.

    Joe

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