Description

The Nelson Canoe Club was formed in 1973 by local kayakers and canoeists to foster the sport of canoeing by providing instruction training and the encouragement of safe practices on the water.
The Club was incorporated in 1989 as a non-profit Incorporated Society and over the years has served the Nelson area as a focus for beginners interested in learning safe low-cost canoeing in a friendly supportive environment a mission where it has been quietly successful for the last 30 years.
The Club is active in training some 10-30 new members each year through beginners courses run by experienced club members which cover paddling techniques equipment sea & river-craft and emphasises water safety.
Most beginners then go on to learn more advanced techniques through regular sea or river Club trips and through professionally instructed River & Sea Rescue training courses that are organised and often subsidised by the Club.
Almost all of the local professional kayaking instructors have started their careers with the Club or with similar associated Clubs in New Zealand.
Club members are also active in flat-water and downriver canoe racing and organise several open competitions each year while supporting members who are training for national events such as Coast-to-Coast as well as local bi- & tri-athlons.
In the swimming stages of events such as triathlons childrenÆs Weet-Bix Challenge Club whitewater paddlers provide close support and rescue services amongst the swimmers.
In spring and late summer the Club hires the Riverside Pool on Tuesday nights from 8 - 9.30 pm to provide an indoor training facility for members to practice their techniques and teach/learn Eskimo rolling in a safe warm environment.