Download a copy of our Membership Booklet
The Basingstoke Canal Canoe Club (BCCC) is a family club offering a broad base of disciplines within canoeing and kayaking. The club encourages paddling for all ages and abilities.
1. Welcome to the BCCC
Welcome to the BCCC. This may be your first venture into canoeing and we wish you a long and happy association with this diverse sport. The purpose of this booklet is to introduce you to the BCCC. We are a family centred club, encouraging the whole family to have fun and participate. Members are encouraged to try all forms of the sport. We have experience in most disciplines and specialise in flat water racing and open canoeing. Kayaking and Canoeing are “assumed risk” “water contact,” sport therefore all members participating must be able to swim at least 50 metres as a prerequisite to any activity.
Club History
The BCCC was formed in 1979 by boating enthusiasts in Fleet. We offer a wide variety of canoeing to people of all ages. Our first newsletter had articles organising training, racing, slalom, an introduction to sea kayaking, pool sessions at RAF Odiham and canoeing holidays on French rivers. We still offer these and much more.
We support people at all levels of ability in the sport whether they enjoy recreational paddling; the thrill of white water rivers; surfing on the sea or the cut and thrust of competitive canoeing. Several of our members have represented Great Britain in competitive events including Helen Reeves, the Athens 2004 Ladies Olympic slalom bronze medalist, who started her career with the BCCC and was for many years a member with the rest of her family.
In 2003 we moved our base to the Canal Centre, Mytchett to gain better facilities and boat storage. This has enabled us to improve our training resources and the ability to offer canoeing to all the family. The BCCC is affiliatedto Paddle UK which recognises the quality management and coaching provision for young people that we provide.
Communication
We have an active website (www.b3c.org.uk) that has up to date information on all club activities including trips and events. We also produce a monthly newsletter (“B3C Matters”) which is sent by e-mail to members and published on the website on the home page. There is also the facebook page B3C Paddlers. We also have a B3C Strava Club where you can record and share your paddling experiences.
Boat Storage
Most club boats are stored at Mytchett. You borrow the boats for which you have been trained (see the “Club Equipment and Safety” section below). You are welcome to rent space, subject to availability, for your own private boat. Please contact the Boat Storage Manager for more detail.
Toilets
Toilets are in the main Canal Centre building along with a unisex shower. The door code to this area is made available to members.
Licences
You need a licence to paddle your own boat on the Basingstoke Canal – contact the Basingstoke Canal Authority on 01252 370073. You also need separate licences to canoe on the Thames, Wey and other canals. Membership of Canoe England (see below) will give you a licence to use the Basingstoke Canal and many other rivers and waterways throughout England. All club boats are licensed to be used on the Basingstoke Canal. If you use them elsewhere please check the licence requirements for that waterway and make your own arrangements as appropriate.
Paddle UK
Paddle UK (formally known as British Canoe) represents and promotes the interest of all canoeists on all matters including access to rivers, coaching and international competition. They support and help fund canoe clubs in England.
By joining Paddle UK you will be:
– supporting the wider interests of the sport
– supporting the Club (we will save on our affiliation fee to paddle UK)
– licensed to canoe the canals and rivers mentioned above and many others
– be entitled to a 10% discount on purchases from selected canoe/kayak retailers, and
– a 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoors.
So, join Paddle UK today for your benefit and that of the club and the sport.
2. Membership
The club is open to all persons of any age. There is a minimum age of 8 (School year 3) for juniors; younger paddlers must be supervised by a parent/ guardian at all times. Those aged 8 to 18 may attend club events if accompanied and supervised by an adult.
Any non member wishing to paddle must seek permission from the event leader. We require members to tell us of any personal medical conditions which could affect their participation in any club events. This information is collected through an event form issued by the event leader. Failure to self-disclose detail puts the individual and others at risk.
3. Club Equipment and Safety
The Club’s Equipment Usage Policy can found on the boathouse notice board and on the Club’s website. N.B any items damaged whilst on loan may be charged for at the Committee’s discretion.
Wearing a buoyancy aid is compulsory for under 18’s but we do waive this for juniors of proven ability when in racing boats. We strongly recommended adults wear a buoyancy aid when on the water. Cotton T-shirts remove body heat quickly when wet and we encourage you to wear a thermal or man made fibre T-shirt. Please also wear something to protect your feet in case you fall in!
We generally recommend that experience is gained before you buy more specialist clothing and equipment. Clothing embroidered with the club logo is available to buy – this includes woolly hats!
The club regularly undertakes risk assessments with all equipment and at all club events. See our safety policy.
Liability Insurance – the Club is affiliated to Paddle UK and as such all club paddling is covered by a third-party liability insurance.
Should you find anything broken please let us know by using this Form.
4. BCCC Code of Conduct
The BCCC’s code of conduct policy is here.
Competition Training
The club is actively involved in marathon and sprint competitions at distances from 200 meters to over 100 miles. There is an extensive list of races throughout the year. We organise coaching and training sessions throughout the year on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday evenings and on Saturday morning. See the Flat Water Racing page of the Club’s website for more information.
5. Coaching Scheme
All of our coaches are accredited and form part of the Paddle UK coaching scheme. They all support the positive development of paddlers and offer their time as unpaid volunteers. Coaches are First Aid trained and have undertaken enhanced CRB disclosure. The club follows Paddle UK guidelines and procedures set out in Child Protection and Harassment policies. If you are interested in coaching please talk to one of the coaches. All new coaches are encouraged and supported thorough a mentorship programme. BCCC and Canoe England support the promotion of canoeing for people with special needs or disabilities and will encourage positive adjustment and participation in all aspects of the sport.
6. Trips and Events
We run a number of trips and events. These can be enjoyable as well as enhance paddling skills in all disciplines at all levels. Please contact the relevant event organiser if you want to join a trip or an event. Trips are advertised on our Website on the Trips page but they range from Thames Tours, the infamous Sloe Paddle, trips to the sea, white-water trips and an annual weekend away to an artificial white-water course near Bedford. The annual fancy dress paddle on Boxing Day is warmed by mulled wine!
Whilst taking part in events, participants must be guided by the person in charge with regard to equipment and activity. The person in charge has the right to refuse attendance at any event if they feel that the participant’s abilities or equipment do not match the event concerned.
7. Swimming Pool
Members can gain access to the Aldershot Lido in partnership with Blackwater Valley Canoe Club. Contact us for more information on how this works and check our club calendar for dates of upcoming sessions. The pool allows a safe environment for the learning and development of skills. Numbers may be limited and you must observe the safety rules set out at the pool. All basic equipment is available for use. There is a charge for each session, which covers the rental costs for the swimming pool.
8. Photography
We recognise the need to celebrate and record achievement with children but in line with both the NSPCC and Canoe England policy, the club would be grateful if all parents or supporters contact the event organiser and register before undertaking any video or still photography during club events. Full details are in the Club’s guidelines
9. BCCC Equity Policy
The Club is committed to ensuring that equality is incorporated across all aspects of its development. Full details are in the Club’s Equality Policy Statement.
10. Child Protection and Harassment
BCCC is fully committed to safeguarding the well being of its members. All members are expected to show respect and understanding for the rights, safety and welfare of others, and conduct themselves in a way that reflects the principles of the Club. We believe that taking part in paddle-sport should be a positive and enjoyable part of children’s lives. Full details can be found in the Club’s welfare Policy