Mon 4 Sep 2023 Pool Session (General Training)

**Scroll down for booking process**

We can now confirm that we have enough people interested (and enough coaches available) to make our pool sessions viable next term (especially since pool hire costs have risen significantly this year).

Sessions will run from 7.15 to 9pm, including a 15min ‘buffer’ at the start and finish to get equipment in and out of the pool (i.e. an hour-and-a-quarter actually in the pool).

General training sessions will start on Mon 4 Sep and will run on alternate weeks (excluding half-term): 4 Sep, 18 Sep, 2 Oct, 16 Oct, 6 Nov, 20 Nov, 4 Dec, 18 Dec. Polo training will take place in the intervening weeks – details to follow…

We’re currently expecting the following paddlers but may still have space for more, so please let us know ASAP if you’re interested:

• Ashley (tbc), Anne, Chris, Edith, Finn, Fleur, Gethyn, Huw, Isabel (tbc), Lauren, Lee, Mel, Paul, Pete J (not 4 Sep), Rhys

Training will include the following – we’ll allocate groups each week once we know what coaches are available:

• ‘Wet skills’ for developing kayakers – covering capsize confidence, recovery strokes and rescues (as well as general paddling skills and occasional games!);
• Rolling clinics to learn, improve or practise the art of kayak rolling; and
• Independent practice, for those who don’t need much coaching support (e.g. to practise rolling alone or in groups).

The cost of each session will be £13 but we are able to offer a discounted rate of £40 if you ‘block-book’ 4 sessions in advance (each half-term; no refunds for missed sessions) – and all paddlers will need to be paid-up members of the Club and of Canoe Wales (and signed-up to our NEW Club Code of Conduct). Priority spaces will be given to block-bookings. NB this discounted rate will make it difficult for us to cover our costs, so we will also offer the option of paying the ‘full’ price even for block-booked sessions, for those that feel able to contribute a little extra…

Arrival & Changing

• Please arrive in time to be changed and ready to enter poolside for 7.15pm.
• Please wear T-shirts as well as swimwear (for warmth as well as modesty!).
• Make your way straight to the changing rooms – there is no need to check-in at reception.
• Please wait at the changing room exits before going poolside – we’ll need to be given the ‘all-clear’ that the previous group has left before we enter.
• Feel free to bring your own boats & paddles – as long as they’re clean. Deposit them by the external doors in the car park before the start of the session.

On Poolside

• Parents are welcome on poolside to help children carry boats and get kitted-up, also to help them empty boats if required during the session (we’ll show you how!). You might even be able to help in the water, if this is something you’d be willing to do – in which case, come prepared with swimwear!
• No outdoor shoes on poolside please.

Booking Process

To confirm places, please use the ‘get tickets’ button at the bottom of the events listing:

• You will be asked to login to your membership account on our website. All our paid-up members should have recently had an e-mail explaining how to do this, but if you’re not sure of your login details (or aren’t yet a paid-up member), please drop us an email…
• If the system says there are no tickets available of the type you want, please drop us an e-mail as we might be able to release more
• You can at present pay only by PayPal. If this doesn’t work for you, please drop us an e-mail and we’ll find a workaround for other payment methods (with apologies for any inconvenience)
• Please drop us an e-mail if you have any questions or difficulties in using this new process – we do anticipate there may be teething problems!