Intro to Kayaking - Pool Session

Wanting to take the first step into paddling or hone a particular soft spot? This could be the trip for you! 

Note: There will likely be a beginner river trip running this Sunday 19th July, completing a pool session is a prerequisite to coming along. If any participants have a car capable of transporting kayaks, we may also be able to increase the number of spots for Tuesday night. 

The wonderful people at LaTrobe University Mountaineering Club have given MUMC a few spots in their pool sessions to practice kayaking skills. This will be running every Tuesday night at 8pm at the Latrobe Uni pool. To get there in time, we will be leaving the MUMC clubrooms just after 7pm. Depending on the week, it may be a beginner focused intro to kayaking session, or a more advanced skills session.

Spots for these pool sessions are limited so just signing up does not guarantee attendance. If you are able to come then you will be emailed, and need to purchase the pool entry ticket from LUMC in advance (preferably by sunday night otherwise that place may be offered to someone else). Please sign up to the trip asap if you're interested so that we can organise logistics for the trip.

For these intro to kayaking sessions there are no prior experience requirements, but you MUST be able to swim.

To help run the trip and get paddling going again we will be prioritising people based on a range of factors such as:

Ability to help transport kayaks (ie drivers with roof racks or using softracks)

Not having attended/completed an intro to kayaking session previously

Previous paddling experience

Having missed out on previous sessions

We will be going over basic kayaking skills so that you know how to safely participate in future paddling trips - however it will mean that if you haven't done it before then you will have to practise capsizing. These skills include:

How to use basic kayaking gear

Capsize drills (what to do when you find yourself upside down and need to get out of the boat)

Basic paddle strokes

Keeping the kayak stable and upright

How to right the kayak with someone else’s assistance

What do I need?

Bathers/clothes to wear in the pool (no cotton) and towel

Closed toed shoes

Kayaking gear (kayak, paddle, spraydeck, pfd, helmet) - If you do not have your own then this can be hired from the clubrooms on the night, but please get there by 6:30 at the latest to start sorting this out

How much does it cost?

Pool session entry: $15

Car pool fuel - $5ish

What next?

If you don’t manage to complete all the parts of the intro to kayaking session then just come back for another one as needed until . Once you have completed it then you are able to start joining other kayaking trips. Keep your eyes out for upcoming trips - or help organise one! - We often have leaders willing to go out paddling so long as someone else organises it, so ask around and see if someone will run the technical part of a trip if you do some of the organising!