Thank you for looking at the Burley Griffin Canoe Club. Before you take out membership, perhaps we can help you out with some information? If you have any other questions please ask.
Can I hire a kayak? Your club membership includes the use of club boats, we offer a range of club boats from very stable to very tippy and fast. They can only be used when the shed is open – ie, during training sessions, Club Night Paddle or once you are eligible for a shed key. We don’t hire kayaks out to the general public.
Am I able to take a kayak by myself? Once you have attended our Induction and several sessions with a coach you may be able to take a kayak during these sessions and paddle, however, generally we don’t encourage members to paddle alone and you will need to be back at the shed at the end of the session. Once you are eligible for a shed key you may decide to go out alone..
Can I take a kayak for the day or a weekend? Until you are eligible for a shed key, members can only access kayaks while sessions are running and kayaks need to be returned to the shed within the session time. Club kayaks must also stay within the confines of the Molonglo River and Lake Burley Griffin. With permission from the Boat Captain, kayaks maybe transported to races or to approved recreational club paddles.
I don’t want to race, I just want to go for a leisurely paddle. The club offers several timeslots with a coach. These sessions can be modified to suit. Mostly you will be on the water for about an hour, with the opportunity in some sessions to take a bit longer. While we will encourage you to do some technique and add some efforts you can also just potter
I want to learn to race. The beginner sessions will teach you how to paddle efficiently and injury free, if you would like to learn to paddle faster, we can assist with good technique, fitness training and a range of boats. There are several training squads if you are keen on regular fitness based training.
Can I get a shed key? You will need to be an active club member for 3 months before you may eligible for a shed key. Keys are $80 per year with a $50 refundable deposit.
Can I store my kayak in the shed? The club offers private storage however, there is a width restriction which is currently less than 60cm and there may be a waiting list. Members need to apply to the Boat Captain who will have the ability to approve or deny depending on availability of space. Current rates are $200 per year. Members are required to be active members for 3 months before being eligible for a key.
I’m an experienced paddler, what can you offer me? The club runs various training sessions to build up race fitness and technique. Or if you don’t have access to a kayak of your own, we have a range of kayaks for use. The club has a very active Canoe Polo membership. Our Club Night Paddles on Wednesday evenings offer the opportunity to paddle a time trial or have a social paddle. BGCC is very competitive within PaddleNSW having won the Marathon trophy last in 2019, and 4 years in a row from 2013. Paddling with like minded people who enjoy being on the water.