What we do and how to join

Hi to everyone interested in joining the Canoe Club, whether you've been in College for a while or you've only just started.

Clubs Day

If you're interested in getting involved in the club, then your first stop should be our stand in the Student Centre on Clubs Day (this year its on Thursday 24th September). There'll be lots of members around to let you know what the club's really like, what we get up to during the year and when we meet. You can also see some of the boats and gear we use and some videos of our past adventures!

Pool Sessions

If you can't make it to Clubs Day, then don't worry because you can just show up at any session during the year and you'll be made welcome. Our first pool session, which is held in the swimming pool in the Mardyke Arena, is on Wednesday 30th September at 10:30pm. These sessions are great because the water's clear and warm and there's plenty of time to get to know other people there. All you need to go to a pool session is a swimming hat, togs, towel and your student card.

River Sessions

The other thing we do every week is meet on Friday afternoons for a paddle on the River Lee. We meet at our club sheds at 2:30pm (there'll be a map up later but they're right beside the Mardyke Arena). We've plenty of gear that you can borrow so there's no need to worry about getting cold. All you need to bring is €2 for wetsuit rental, togs, a towel, wetsuit booties or an old set of runners you don't mind getting wet, and your student card. A fleece top is also nice if you have one, especially as things start getting colder. Usually after a Friday session, we'll go for a few drinks to warm ourselves up!

River Trips

As people start getting the hang of kayaking, we go away on day trips to paddle down more challenging rivers and practice our skills. These are usually at weekends and are a great way of improving your abilities.

Parties

All through the year we meet up off the river for some of the most epic parties UCC has to offer. It helps to have a high tolerence for messyness though! The first party will be the Fresher party in October which is always a great night out and an excellent way to get to know other members.

Weekends Away

Our club goes away regularly to compete in competitions and also just to paddle rivers. Our first weekend away, Jacks, is the best of the lot and is especially for freshers. Held in November, it's a weekend of paddling, kayak surfing, and some of the craziest partying you'll see in college. Other weekends away include Varsities in February, a competition against kayak clubs from other Colleges and Easkey, a laid back camping weekend just after the summer exams. All in all, the Canoe Club is an extremely active club and great craic to be in. Come see us on clubs day or turn up to one of our sessions and see for yourself!