The ‘last Tuesday’ of each month has been designated ‘Come and Try’ sessions.

Any enquiries from potential members wishing to give it a go will be told to turn up on one of these Tuesdays when we hope that there will be boat/ paddle/ deck and PFD for all comers.

Anyone wishing to come along and 'try-it-out' - please email us first to register your interest

All members with spare boats are, consequently, encouraged to turn up on these Tuesdays with kit. (Dates are given on the ‘Events List’ and above)

Please try to turn up with some spare kit on these evenings

Thanks

Safety at Mudeford

A few notes on safety at our regular meetings at Mudeford.

Because these meetings have a variable attendance, the level of experience also varies. Some club members have been paddling here regularly since the club was founded and should be familiar with all potential dangers. Those members might not be present however, and you might find yourself the most experienced paddler within the group.

When deciding where to paddle you should always take account of the following factors:-

We are normally close to civilisation here so the equipment required is minimal, but nevertheless important.

This might seem to be a long and tedious list of things to check through mentally before you go out for a casual evening paddle, but when you are fully aware of these factors it takes only a minute or two to assess the conditions. Some members will doubtless be unaware that these things are given consideration, but I can assure you that they are - at least by some of the more experienced members - and that the safety of the group is constantly on their minds.

In addition to these general considerations, you should always be wary of the following hazards at what is otherwise a very safe canoeing playground

These are potentially lethal in a strong tide. A canoe swept against one will capsize and the paddler will probably become pinned or entangled in the propeller, out of reach of rescuers. Keep away from them unless you are fully confident in your boat handling.

Don't get run down - it will hurt!

It might look calm outside the harbour but it won't be calm further out in the bay. Stay close inshore with novices and make sure you have your towline.

A line of rocks placed by Lord Clarendon who was planning a new harbour entrance. They extend more than 200 metres out from Mudeford Spit towards the Isle of Wight. They are unmarked but exposed at low tide, and usually shallow enough to bang your head on if you surf and capsize over them. Turbulence in the water usually indicates their location.

A shallow ledge just beyond the end of Hengistbury Head Groyne. Steep breaking waves occur here when the wind is against the tide.

Difficult to see, particularly at dusk. Using tall rods and heavy bottom tackle, the anglers often keep their lines taut and therefore above water for an amazing distance off the beach. A line across the throat may panic and upset an unwary paddler.

This is by no means an exhaustive list but includes the most common dangers. Remember that Canoeing is a very safe pastime compared with the combination of the pub and the drive home...