Welcome to the club
Who are we?
Nevis Canoe club welcome all paddle sport enthusiasts of all standards. We have a membership of between 50 and 70 scattered throughout Lochaber.
The Club has existed for well over 30 years. As with many clubs interests have varied. Over time it has been a small group of white water enthusiasts, then with a strong junior group led by a group of enthusiastic teachers. There was even a dip into water polo. For a time we also developed an interesting sideline in supporting charity open water swims, acting as safety cover for swimmers crossing various lochs. The Club’s current incarnation is a more or less organised group of mainly sea kayakers. We are affiliated to the Paddle Scotland. Over the last few years our main activities have been short evening trips and occasional day or weekend trips. The current emphasis is on sea kayaking but there are enthusiastic white water members who do their own thing. The club would like to have a junior section but we need some committed parents and qualified kayakers to take this on.
What are The benefits?
Subscriptions (£15 Adult, £5 Junior, £25 Family, a £5 reduction for Paddle Scotland members) run from Jan 1st but for anyone joining in October membership will run through the following year. Most of our money goes on training. Your support means the club can bid for grants and other benefits. We hope to run subsidised pool sessions (Feb / March), and beginner/improver outdoor sessions in May. Discounts at local stores (Oban Kayaks 10% except boats, Ellis Brigham – 10%, -Nevis Sport – 15%, Field and Trek – 10%, Costwold – 10 – 15%.), and Gaelforce. Scottish Canoe Association affiliation and not forgetting a great bunch of people. And all for just £15 annual
Committee
- Colin McCormick (chairman)
- Ken Stevenson (treasurer)
- Colin Ungoed-Thomas (membership)
- Paul Biggin (secretary, and Tues eve sea kayak organiser)
- Chris Stitt (safeguarding officer)
- Ian MacLeod (web site)
- Alan Petrie (club shed)
- Lyndsay Barr (white water)
- Pete Clare (WhatsApp).
- Peter Hatto
Any of the committee can be contacted on the club e-mail at neviscc@hotmail.co.uk
Training
Our season normally starts with a series of sessions in the local swimming pool where you can learn the basic strokes in the safety and comfort of the swimming pool with experienced club members on hand to guide you through the basic manoeuvres. More experienced paddlers may want to use these sessions to improve advanced skills but the priority is on the basics.
Once you have learnt the basic skills in the pool it’s time to move onto the real thing. We usually have three or four evenings launching from easy locations.
Club equipment
The club has a few old, substandard river kayaks plus paddles and buoyancy aids for use by club members. These are offered on a take them as you find them basis (and they are all for sale!). For those who don’t want to commit to buying their own equipment there are local kayak hire firms. At the outset we would recommend purchasing your own equipment including a roof rack. Used kayaks often become available for purchase at much below the cost of new ones and we can help direct you to sources for these.
