About us

An Introduction to the club
Thameswey Canoe Club is a friendly club, with over 100 members ranging in age from 8 or so through teenagers and young adults to some of advanced years!  We particularly welcome parents if they care to join with their children.  All our activities are mixed-age, participation in activities being solely on the basis of interest and ability.  Activities include flat water trips, white water river trips, kayak surfing sessions, open (Canadian) canoeing and sea kayak touring.

The Club was formed in 1987 with the object of promoting canoeing in all its disciplines within the Swindon area. Costs are covered by yearly membership fees and session fees paid by all members.  Thameswey Canoe Club is affiliated to the British Canoe Union (B.C.U.), and takes a responsible attitude to safety.

New Members
The club welcomes new members of any canoeing ability. We feel we have something to offer to paddlers from complete novice to experienced coach. The club is primarily a casual touring club, although we have club members who participate in a very wide range of kayaking and canoeing activities, including slalom, open canoeing, freestyle, marathon, sea paddling and white water racing. They would be happy to introduce you to those disciplines. You will be offered two taster sessions (£2 at the lake-free equipment hire, £3/4 pool), after which you will be required to apply for membership.

Club sessions
Times and dates may change, check the Events page for up to date information    

• Milton Road Swimming Pool: 11:45 - 13:15 1st Sun of month (except August)

• Lake 12 at South Cerney: 10.00 – 12.00 3rd Sun of month

• Lake 12 at South Cerney: Tues evenings, April to Sept

These sessions incorporate training from experienced B.C.U. qualified coaches, but they are also intended to be fun.   

River Trips
The Club aims to run two trips per month, normally on Sundays, on flat or white water rivers of all levels of difficulty around the country. The highest grade of river currently run by the club is Grade 4, “advanced white water”. Natural white water rivers are only possible in the winter due to increased flow, and flat water rivers are more pleasant in the summer due to warmer temperatures, the club tries to offer a range. It is recommended that you come along to a Pool or Lake session or contact the Trips Officer (see overleaf) before signing up for a trip.  All paddlers should contact the trip leader prior to going on a trip.

Equipment
The club has a large fleet of boats, stored at the lake, available for hire to members on the lake or to take on river trips. The fleet includes various flat water and white water boats, several open canoes and some more specialist craft. Additional equipment, including paddles, buoyancy aids, spray-decks and helmets are available for use. If you wish to hire a boat for a club trip, contact the trip leader or the Equipment Officer (see overleaf). In addition, a smaller fleet of boats are kept exclusively for use at pool sessions (paddlers may bring their own clean equipment to the pool).