Intro to Kayaking at LaTrobe Pool

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

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

NEW FOR SEMESTER 2 The trip leader will send you an email on the weekend prior to the session with a link for the tickets. Ticket sales will close prior to the start of the session. If you have not pre-purchased your ticket then you will not be allowed to attend the session.

PROCEDURES FOR ALL SESSIONS:

• Arrive at MUMC Clubrooms at 6:00pm to get fitted to your boat and gear, attach boats to car and leave MUMC by 7:00pm. 

• When arriving at LUMC, park in the main carpark and carry the boats around via the gate beside the boat shed at the back of the sports centre. The trip leader can direct the way.

• All kayakers must wear appropriate PPE at all times when in the pool (helmet and PFD)

• Prior to entering the pool any sharps must be removed from gear (eg river knives), and gear checked for any damage/sharp edges (if so must not be used)

• We must have fully vacated the sports center before 10pm. Please note that our time to exit the pool is based on just packing up and getting changed - if you want time for a shower then you will need to manage that yourself.