Pool SessionsWhat are Pool Sessions all about?
Well, they can be used for lots of reasons. First and foremost, the pool is a safe, comfortable place to try paddling for the first time. You can see several different types of boats and you can have a go in whichever one you would like to find out about. You can find out how to paddle properly and there are trained Coaches on hand all the time to help out.
There are no formal teaching classes, but you can easily use the system that has been worked out to give you quality attention, when you need it. See the Booking Board. You can simply practise your skills and try new ones, at your own speed.
You may have done some padddling before and would like to sharpen up or maybe try some advanced moves. You will see paddlers of all abilities doing exactly this all the time.
You can watch and learn the easy way! The sessions are part of a structured and progressive way of canoe training. By attending all the sessions, you can easily build up a whole range of paddle skills over the winter. When the sessions close in the spring, you will be ready to follow this up with some outside experience!
Where and When?
Pool Sessions are held over the winter at the Aquadrome in Inverness - normally between 9pm -10:00pm. The cost is £4 per person, per session.
The sessions are normally provided for club members only; however, we're happy for non-members to attend one pool session as a 'taster' without joining the club on the proviso that if you enojy it and want to come back again, you join the club formally.
When you arrive at the Aquadome, there's no need to pay at the front desk when you arrive; just come down to the main changing rooms, get changed and then come through to the main competition pool. It's also wise to remember to bring a 20p coin for the clothes lockers!
We have a very wide selection of boats that you can paddle, from play boats to creeker; but unfortunately due to pool rules we can't allow people to bring in their own boats. If it is your first time, please don't hesitate to ask one of the committee members or club coaches for advice.
Pool sessions follow a set format where the pool is be split up into four 'virtual' sections. Dave Young (Membership Secretary) will collect pool session monies when you arrive and add your name to the most appropriate section on the white board. You will be placed into a section depending on your paddling skill and experience.
It is anticipated that the sections will be beginner 1, beginner 2. intermediate and advanced. Each section will be assigned four boats and (based on a maximum of 30 people attending on any night) approximately 8 people.
Coaches will also be assigned to a section as they arrive. The sections will remain for the whole hour, with a ratio of roughly 2 people to a boat. This will mean that people will spend around 30 minutes in a boat, rather than the 15 minute sessions we had previously. The skills worked on will be determined in agreement with the group and coach and will not be predetermined.
Finally, your help with putting the boats away afterwards is definitely really appreciated!
