When do you meet?
Every Tuesday evening at 9pm and Wednesday afternoons at 1.30pm during term time. We also will meet at random times of the week and messages are usually posted on the message board as to when things are happening.

Where do you meet?
For most sessions we meet at the union foyer.

Where do you go?
Tuesday sessions are in the sports park swimming pool and Wednesday sessions are on a river. Usually the River Wey in town or on one of the Thames weirs. Weekend trips to other rivers, artificial white water courses, surfing and competitions are also arranged throughout the year.

What do you do?
We go kayaking in all it's forms, anything from canoe polo to white water river running, slalom to freestyle. Have a look at our stuff we do page.

You just said you do kayaking but you are called a canoe club. Are they the same thing?
No they are different. We do kayaking not canoeing. In fact our club does not even own a canoe. However just to confuse you, canoe polo is done in a kayak not a canoe.

So what is the difference between kayaking and canoeing?
Well, Kayaks originated from the Eskimos they generally have a covered in 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.

Do you compete in competitions?
We have competed in slalom, polo and freestyle competitions in the last year.

Do you have socials?
We often end up in the pub after most sessions but bowling, laserquest, pub crawls, meals and parties all happen throughout the year.

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 and a few cags (outer clothing). You will need to bring some old clothes and trainers and some thing to change into afterwards. See our clothing page.

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 and equipment. Speak to our captain to organise this.

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.

I'm a bit unfit, will I be left behind?
No, in fact lack of fitness is common in the club.

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.

How much does it cost?
A Tuesday pool session cost £2 and Wednesdays are free. For any trips away, the cost is worked out based on the distance travelled and the number of people going.

Can I work for awards?
Yes we have some coaches that can assess some of the BCU (British Canoe Union) star awards. Higher awards can be taken externally.

Is it dangerous?
It can be. All sessions have experienced paddles and coaches present and most first year club members will take part in one of more safety and first aid courses throughout the year. These have included CST (Canoe Safety Test) and PRSI (Swimming in white water).

Do you paddle in winter?
We do, in fact winter is the best season for white water paddling in the UK.

Do you think kayak is an odd word?
KAYAK - is a palindrome, one of those words that is spelled the same backwards or forwards!