Welcome to the Over 55 Canoe Club (Inc.)
Perth, Western Australia
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Based in Perth, the Over 55 Canoe Club caters for people over 55 years of age who wish to enjoy kayaking in the company of other very friendly and sociable members. The "Have a Go" spirit and spirit of "Adventure" is strong amonst club members, and this drives the paddle program to include varied and interesting paddle locations/venues.
We meet every Thursday morning at 8.30 am from April until November, with a paddle brief given by the paddle manager at 8.45 am, and on the water by 9.00 am. During the summer months, from December to March, we paddle every 2 weeks with an 8.00 am earlier start time. Two groups cater for different levels of fitness and experience:
1. The “Mainstreamers” paddle at
about 6.0 kph for 12-15 km’s
2. The “Leisurelies” paddle at about 5.0 kph for 8-10 km’s
During the paddle, short stops are taken to rest and/or enjoy the ambience and environment, followed by a morning tea break before a return for a picnic lunch gathering for all at the start point, usually by noon.The venue is decided during the week and confirmed by email to members, with instructions on how to find the location.
We paddle in the Canning river from Wilkinson Homestead, Gosnells to Fremantle waters, and the Swan river from lower Bells Rapids to Perth and Fremantle waters. These venues range from flat water to moving water in the upper reaches of the Canning (Wilkinson Homestead) and Swan (Lower Bells Rapids). When there is sufficient water, we also paddle the rapids on the Murray River at Dwellingup. Mainly in the warmer months, an ocean paddle is arranged, weather dependent.
We also have a week long camp in March (Augusta) and shorter camps throughout the winter/spring months while the water is flowing (Avon, Blackwood and Moore rivers).
Members are encouraged to NOT paddle if they feel the venue is beyond their skill level.
When a white water/moving water paddle or an away Camp is scheduled, a regular Thursday flat water paddle is also scheduled for those who prefer to stay close to home. This accomodates all paddlers.
The club's Constitution and By-Laws guide its operation and a strong emphasis is placed on safety. There are also social events and celebrations held during the year.