Interesting in joining?

That's great - we are a diverse and inclusive club and welcome new members from all backgrounds and abilities. Please email membership@chippenham-scc.com and we'll tell you about next steps. Our membership year runs from April to the following March, in line with the "warm weather" paddling season.

Please be aware that from time to time we may pause the intake of new CSCC members and maintain a waiting list ; this is to ensure we balance our desire to be inclusive and welcoming with our capacity to provide a safe and effective introduction to the club. Please bear with us if this applies

Our club nights (when there are generally people around) are Tuesdays and Thursdays. (See also "What happens on a club night?").

Members may also access at other times to suit them.

We run regular club sessions on a Tuesday and Thursday during the season. Tuesdays seem to be busier than Thursdays. Clubs nights are mainly an opportunity to paddle together but, to use an analogy, they are more like a casual football kickabout than a sports fixture night.

Keep an eye on the Facebook pages or website calendar for advertised social paddles/coaching sessions. Unless these are taking place there's no-one who "takes charge" of a club session. As a new member, aim to arrive promptly at 6.00pm. By 6.15/6.20 those who are paddling together will have geared up and departed up or down the river. It's safer and more sociable to paddle in groups, so please don't be afraid to introduce yourself and ask if you can tag along. Very occasionally members have a particular purpose in paddling as a pair - but mostly those who are around at the same time will paddle off in mixed craft, mixed ability groups. Sometimes, to be honest, you can turn up when there's no-one around. If that happens, don't be discouraged. During the winter - we run pool sessions, and because you can see everyone in the swimming pool, it's a bit easier!

Above all, we're a friendly club. Keep an eye out on our Calendar and Facebook page and don't be afraid to introduce yourself!

Once you have been inducted into the club, you can meet other members on a casual "turn up" basis on a Club Night. We also run social paddles for new or returning paddlers, and social events (such as SUP-ball, weekend camping trips, white water rafting etc). Some of these require booking (via LoveAdmin).

The club has a good stock of open canoes, kayaks (sit-in and sit-on-top) and paddle boards - and associated accessories and safety equipment. Club boats are available to suit most paddlers and they are available for members to use on site, at pool sessions and official club trips.

As you gain experience and confidence you should plan to purchase your own paddles and buoyancy aid which will help in the development of your skills.

When you want to paddle independently or away from the club, you need your own boat. Club members can provide advice about what and where to purchase. Club boats may not be removed from site unless as part of an organised, coach-led and insured trip.