Paddlesport FAQs

What equipment is included in a coached session?

If you are booked onto a supervised session then a boat or board, paddle and buoyancy aid are included. If you have your own suitable equipment, please disinfect after each use.
We recommend in the summer you bring along suitable quick drying clothing and footwear. In the Autumn/Winter we recommend a full wetsuit or a drysuit for the time of year and expected conditions (some club wetsuits are available but are of limited size). We also recommend the use of suitable footwear so please bring along your own wetsuit shoes/boots/old trainers. No flipflops. Please bring a towel and change of clothing. You may also need a sun hat/cream and a water bottle depending on the weather.

What equipment is available during club sessions?

If there are enough volunteers to open the boathouse, then some club equipment that isn’t being used for coaching purposes may be made available to signed off members. This is split between SUP, kayak and canoe. For instance this may typically be up to 30 SUP boards, and 27 kayaks/canoes. This equipment is currently made available free of charge to signed off members.

Club equipment is generally easily available during the Saturday morning sessions from October to April, but in the warm summer months club equipment may book up very fast, particularly SUP boards. Kayaks and canoes typically book up a little slower but may still be very much in demand on warm summer sessions.

Once you have attended the introduction session(s) and have been ‘signed off’, if you only intend to paddle on the warmer summer sessions then you ideally need to be looking to purchase your own equipment, as club equipment is likely to be in high demand, particularly SUP boards. The club coaches can help with any advice regards what equipment may suit you best. Most club members do aim to purchase their own equipment so that they are not restricted to paddling at club sessions.

Can I paddle on the lake outside club sessions?

Once you are ‘signed off’ in the craft of your choice, access to the lake is available for you to launch and paddle with your own equipment on most days throughout the year. To be permitted access signed off paddlers need to book on the ‘signed off paddler’ event on the members WebCollect system, which shows dates and times when access is available.

Please Note: There may be a number of special events throughout the year when access is not available. Access to the lake may subject to government Covid restrictions, and government and governing bodies allowing ‘paddling for exercise purposes’, and any limitations within those rules.

What activities are available for children?

The club aims to run ‘Water Rats’ sessions for younger members (approx age 5-12) which are based around paddling skills and progression in a variety of craft such as kayak, SUP, slalom and marathon boat. The Water Rats sessions have been very successful and with limitations in group size and with ever more, and ever younger children wanting to take part, these sessions may be in high demand. So the best thing to do is to also get coached up yourself so you are able to get out on the water with your own children.

How do I get ‘signed off’ and can children be ‘signed off’?

You need to book on the introduction and induction sessions in the craft of your choice. Following successful completion adults may be ‘signed off’ to paddle that craft at Manvers lake (but this is not guaranteed). The WebCollect record of older children may be updated to show that they have completed an Introduction and Induction session for that craft (i.e. show ‘signed-off’ status), but they still need to be supervised by a suitably experienced adult. Link to Paddlesports bookings can be found here: Manvers Waterfront Boat Club: Paddlesport Event (webcollect.org.uk)

The club aims to run these sessions over the warmer summer months from May to September. These sessions are published on the members WebCollect system and may also be publicised via the ‘Manvers Paddlesport Section’ Facebook group. Before joining, please check for updates via the Facebook group regards what is currently available.

Why do I need to be ‘signed off’?

This is for safety reasons to ensure that all paddlers have knowledge of kit, safety, paddling technique and rescues, and are able to self-rescue. Once you have completed the Manvers Introduction and Induction session in the craft of your choice, you are then allowed you to paddle on the lake without any organised safety cover (you provide your own safety cover just as you would if paddling on water away from the lake), so these are essential elements we need to ensure are covered so people do not get themselves into difficulties on the lake. This also ensures all members get an induction session to ensure they are aware of any local hazards and how the club operates.

What does the ‘sign off’ cover?

The club craft introduction and induction sessions are intended to give you knowledge in kit, safety, basic paddling technique and self-rescue to be ‘signed off’ to look after YOURSELF (not others) on the water. The ‘sign off’ covers Manvers Lake which is defined as a sheltered water location, no part being more than 200m from shore, and winds up to force 3. You should always paddle within your own ability, wear suitable clothing for the time of year and prevailing conditions, and we recommend you should always try to paddle with someone else.

Who needs to be ‘signed off’?

All adult members that want to paddle should be personally signed off. In addition, all older children should also aim to attend the craft introduction and induction sessions with their parents. The club also tries to run ‘Water Rats’ sessions for younger members (approximate age 5-12), so that they can be coached in paddling technique and safety.
Sign offs are intended to ensure you can look after yourself (not others) on the water and self-rescue. If you are wanting to supervise younger family members on the water, you should aim to be of a British Canoeing Paddle Explore Award / Old 2* standard and may also find the British Canoeing Foundation Safety and Rescue Training useful. The club tries to run these awards from time to time.

Do I need to be ‘signed off’ for each different craft?

Yes. Each different craft, kayak, stand up paddleboard and canoe is different in terms of how you paddle it, self rescue, carry it, and launch and land it. You therefore need to complete intro session(s) and be ‘signed off’ for each craft.

How long does it take to get ‘signed off’?

It takes as long as it takes! Manvers is a paddlesport club that aims for everyone to get the best out of their paddling, and everyone is different as to how quickly they learn, and what they want to achieve. Typically for kayak and canoe it may take several sessions to get to the required level. For SUP most paddlers may be signed off after one introduction session (but this is not guaranteed).

If you have just started out on the journey of getting back to fitness the club is here to support you, and also runs other fitness sessions (many of which are online) and other activities such as swimming and running, that may help to complement your progression.

Do I need to be a member to do the kayak or sup intro and induction session?

Yes, we are a members club.

For the 2022 season:

You do have to be a member to do the SUP Intro and Induction session, as there is a huge demand from existing and new members, so we have no capacity to offer the session to none members.
You can book the kayak intro session on a ‘try it’ basis as a none member for which there is a charge of £10 per adult and £5 per child, plus as a none member you will also need to pay for parking.
Please Note: The ‘try-it’ session is intended to be a one off to give you the opportunity to try the club, and then make your mind up if you want to join or not. You are not permitted to book more than 3 ‘try-it’ sessions with the club in a single year, due to club licencing and insurance restrictions.

It’s worth bearing in mind that a commercial SUP or kayak intro session would typically cost between £35 and £50 per person, so Manvers membership with free parking and everything else it includes is incredibly good value, so there should be little to lose by becoming a member.

Also see ‘Why is it Members Only?’ below.

What is the cost to members for the kayak or sup intro and induction session?

There is a small charge per member for the SUP Intro and Induction Session. We have had to introduce this charge for 2021 due to huge issues we had with no-shows in 2020, and with issues with people booking very young unaccompanied children onto the session and trying to use it as a free baby sitting service, which impacted on the coaches ability to deliver a successful session. This charge has been very successful in now allowing us to run the session at full capacity and so reduce the potential wait time for new members to get onto a session.

The Kayaking Introduction session is currently free to members.

When are the intro and induction sessions added to the webcollect booking system?

For the 2022 season the sessions that are available for the upcoming week are typically added on a Sunday evening. Some additional session may also be added through the week if volunteers are able to run them, so it’s worth keeping an eye on the Paddlesport Facebook page for them being added.

Why do I need to book all attendance on the members webcollect system?

All attendance must be booked online on the WebCollect system (Manvers Waterfront Boat Club: Paddlesport Event (webcollect.org.uk)). This is so Manvers Lake Trust that manage the lake and site can ensure that those accessing the lake are signed off Manvers Waterfront Boat Club members that are licenced to use the lake. In addition, this allows the club to record usage statistics which is important for the club to show any funding that they have previously received has been well spent, plus helps the club to bid for any future funding. It also allows the club to demonstrate that they are following best practice regards Covid track and trace.

What safety cover is there on the lake?

If you are booked on a coached session the coach will provide the safety cover for that group. If you are paddling as a signed off member then you are responsible for your own safety, and jointly responsible for providing safety within any group of signed off paddlers that you are paddling with i.e. by using boat to boat rescues, just as you would if paddling on water away from the club. We would always advise members to avoid paddling alone, so for those less confident or for newly signed off paddlers you may prefer to paddle during the club sessions where there are likely to be others around to offer advice, although you are still responsible for your own safety and need to be able to self-rescue. All children should be supervised by a suitably experienced adult.

Do I need to wear a buoyancy aid?

Yes. All paddlers on Manvers Lake are required to wear a properly fitted personal flotation device (PFD or “buoyancy aid”) whenever they are on the water. The current standard for these is EN393 or ISO12402. It is vital that this fits properly and securely e.g. the PFD does not ride up over your head in the event of a swim. PFD’s made specifically for canoeing and kayaking are best and these need not cost a lot of money. Good brands to look out for are Palm Equipment, Peak UK, Yak, Nookie, Astral. If in doubt, ask for advice.

Can I use a gas operated floatation device instead of a buoyancy aid?

No. Gas operated floatation devices such as the Palm Glide or Red Paddle Co Airbelt are not allowed.

Do I have to do duties?

There are some membership clubs that operate by all members being assigned compulsory duties on a number of days each year. Manvers Waterfront Boat Club is entirely run my volunteers that give up their time for free, but there are no compulsory duties that members have to undertake at Manvers. This does mean that the club is unable to guarantee that any coached sessions, club sessions or access to club equipment will be available, as these require YOU the members to step up and help out in order for them to be provided.

The club welcomes new volunteers, so if you are able to help out in any way then please speak to your section head.
Please Note: Depending on the role that you are able to help out with their may be some requirements such as DBS check, first aid or safeguarding that may need to be in place, but the club can help and advise regards any such requirements.

I’m a signed off member can I bring a non-member along?

No. Manvers Waterfront Boat Club is a club, and our licencing and insurance does not allow you to bring along and paddle with none members.
If they are looking to become a member then they need to purchase membership and then book on a club introduction / induction session in the craft of their choice. If they are looking to try the club before committing to membership some of the club introduction sessions may occasionally be made available to non-members, but this may be limited where there is a high demand for sessions from existing members.

Can I just turn up?

No. Everything must be pre-booked online. The club has very limited volunteer resources, and unfortunately anyone just turning up on the day and wanting to go on the water will be turned away. Manvers Waterfront Boat Club does not have a manned office on site, so if you have any questions please email the paddlesport section - see About, Contact Us on the website.

Do you rent boats?

No. Manvers Waterfront Boat Club is a club, and our licencing and insurance does not allow us to rent boats to the public. If you are looking for one-off on water events such as for birthday parties, school or youth groups, team building or corporate events then please contact Manvers Lake Activites who are able to provide those activities at the lake: Manvers Lake Activities (manverslaketrust.co.uk)

Can I pay to launch my boat / board?

No. Manvers Waterfront Boat Club is a club, and our licencing and insurance does not allow us to offer private launch to none members.

Why is it members only?

Manvers Waterfront Boat Club is designated as a club, so like all similar clubs it operates outside of (the very strict) Adventure Activity Licencing on the basis below:
Voluntary Associations
A voluntary association (a non-profit making membership organisation, commonly a club) does not require a licence to provide activities to its own members or, by arrangement, to the members of another voluntary association. They can also hold open days or taster events to interest members of the public in their activities or to attract new members so long as no individual non-member participates this way on more than 3 days a year. If the voluntary association sells activities to the general public or to a school, a licence will be needed.
So clubs are quite a different operation legally to a commercial centre such as Rother Valley where you may be able to pitch up and pay. Sometimes the perception of clubs stating ‘members only’ may be seen as them not wanting outsiders and wanting to keep things to themselves, but that’s really not the case. They are just strictly limited by government legislation which only allows them to offer activities to members.

Wind - what is the orientation of the lake?

A Westerly wind will be blowing directly onshore - from the lake towards the boathouse.
An Easterly wind will be blowing directly offshore - from the boathouse towards the lake.
You should always beware of any stronger winds that contain any Easterly in the direction, as they will blow you towards the bottom of the lake and you may struggle to paddle back. Although if you remain calm the worst that should ever happen is that you may have to walk back around the lake.

MEMBERSHIP FAQ

What is the cost of the membership?

Membership prices are shown on the Members Area on the WebCollect system accessible from the website Home page.
For the 2023 season single adult membership is £80 and Family Membership is £120.

What does membership include?

The one membership fee aims to offer access to all areas of the club. When joining you will be asked to state your primary interest, but you can still access other areas of the club.
Please Note: Some sections of the club such as paddlesport may be very busy during summer. The volunteers that give up their time for free do their best to meet demand from existing and new members. But at times there may be limited availability in some sections due to high demand. In addition, some sections such as windsurfing may be very small and have limited coaching resources, so may be limited in what can be offered to new members. There may also be restrictions within some areas of the club as to what can be practically offered due to government and governing body Covid rules. Before joining, please check for updates via each sections Facebook group to see what club introduction / induction sessions are currently available.

Once I am a member, how do I access paddlesport at the club?

You need to book on an introduction / induction session in the craft of your choice. The club aims to run these sessions over the warmer summer months from May until September. These sessions are published on the members WebCollect system and may also be publicised via the ‘Manvers Paddlesport Section’ Facebook page. Before joining, please check for updates via the Facebook group regards what is currently available.

If you are already an experienced paddler and hold coaching qualifications or a British Canoeing Paddle Explore / 2* award and have proof of it, then please email the paddlesport section to discuss. You will still need to complete an induction session and be signed off before you can paddle on the lake, but we may be able to offer a more customised induction session rather than having to book onto a beginners introduction / induction session.

For anyone that has full winter paddling kit, such as drysuit or winter wetsuit, cag, winter boots etc, particularly if you are already an experienced paddler, then we may be able to run something outside the summer months, so if that sounds like you please drop an email to paddlesport@mwbc.org.uk or sup@mwbc.org.uk.

Please Note: Everything at the club is run by volunteers. Coached sessions are run by volunteer instructors who give up their time for free, so are subject to their availability. The paddlesport section may be very busy during summer, and at periods where there is high demand the club may not have the capacity to immediately meet demand from new members or new paddlers. You may want to support the club and immediately join as a member, but there is no guarantee as to when new members and new paddlers can be fitted in. Before joining you may therefore prefer to wait until an introduction / induction session becomes available. There may be a charge for some coached / club induction sessions. Charges will be shown on the WebCollect booking information.

What other membership benefits are there?

Free parking is included in the membership cost.

The Lake Trust car park has ANPR cameras in operation, so please ensure you add your vehicle registration number(s) to the WebCollect members system, to ensure you do not receive a penalty ticket.

A discount is available at the cafe on a cup of tea / coffee.

Some sections have organised discounts for members with retailers. For paddlesport the following discounts are available:

Juice Boardsports - Will give Manvers members a discount on full priced items.
Hatha Paddle Boards - 10% discount on SUP boards or 15% discount if members get together and order 4 boards at once.
Robin Hood Watersports - Should give Manvers members a discount of around 10%.
To access the above discounts please call or email the company directly, and tell them you are a Manvers member. Your emailed membership confirmation should be satisfactory to prove that you are a member.
Please Note: By using any of the above discounts you authorise Manvers Waterfront Boat Club to confirm your current membership status with the retailer, if requested to do so.

Any other questions?

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about paddlesport at Manvers Waterfront Boat Club please don’t hesitate to contact us by email at paddlesport@mwbc.org.uk or for paddleboarding at sup@mwbc.org.uk