New Skills With Kayak Club

Learn new skills and get fit with the Queensland Sea Kayak Club's basic skills sea kayaking course!

For many of us, sea kayaking sounds adventurous and challenging, but trip leader and event organiser Martin Purvins of the Queensland Sea Kayak Club says it's fun!

Welcoming all sea kayakers from 18 years old who are interested in participating in organised trips and events, the Queensland Sea Kayak Club provides training, education and organised recreational events for its members. There are 90 members in the Club, with a basic skills session run each month from different locations.

I wish I'd discovered sea kayaking years ago,� says Purvins, It's a fun and supportive environment with the Queensland Sea Kayak Club. We all help one another and enjoy one another's company.�

During the course participants will learn about kayaking and safety. Participants learn how to present their craft and equipment for inspection, swim 50 metres in canoeing clothes, show a full understanding of the basic safety requirements for paddlers and how to launch the craft and paddle away from the launching point.

We pride ourselves on the safety side of things,� says Purvins.

Participants will also learn paddling and emergency stops, turning the craft, and using the paddle as support on the water among other important kayaking skills.

To join the course, you must have your own sea kayak including spray skirt and life jacket. However, if you don't have your own equipment, please contact the trip leader who may be able to lend a kayak for a small fee.

To join the club costs $90 per year and includes the free basic skills training. Otherwise, nonmembers can participate in the course for $10.

We'd love to see new faces at the Club for the basic skills training,� says Purvins, If you love the outdoors, come along!�

n Registration closes 16 June for the 17 June basic skills course. The course runs from 8am to 10am on Queens Beach in Redcliffe. To register, email events@qskc.asn.au.