Beginner classes at FCC

General
Fairfield Canoe Club has a strong tradition in teaching people to paddle and runs a variety of courses throughout the year. All courses are run at the clubhouse in Fairfield on the Yarra River and are usually held on a Sunday morning from 8am-945am. All participants must confirm that they are able to swim 50 metres which is our minimum safety standard. These public courses are open to males and females over the age of 10 years old. Each course is limited to 6 participants for safety and coach-student ratio. Courses can be booked and paid for on-line through the club website.

Course 1 - Introduction to kayaking

This is a two session course aimed specifically for people new to paddling who want to learn the basics. We use very stable kayaks and aim to get participants comfortable with safety and boat control.

The first session begins with a clubhouse presentation on safety, paddling technique and equipment essentials. The last half of the session is spent learning to get in and out of a kayak and introduces basic paddling on the river.

All of the second session is spent on the river developing good boat control and paddling technique.

The cost of this two week course is $60

Course 2 - Beginners and beyond - kayaking

This is a four session course aimed at developing paddler's skills beyond the basics. The first one or two sessions are similar to the Introduction to Kayaking course, starting with safety and then using very stable craft to learn good boat control and paddling basics. Depending on the skill and enthusiasm of participants, sessions 2, 3 and 4 aim to give paddlers confidence in different types of kayaks including less stable TK1s and TK2s.

In session 4 a brief tour on the Yarra away from the clubhouse is usually scheduled.

The cost of the four week course is $100 (A discount of $25 is available if you have completed the Introduction to Kayaking course in the last 6 months)

What do I need to bring?
Please wear comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting wet - shorts, leggings, tracksuit, no jeans. Hat, sunscreen and sunglasses for a sunny day. Please bring a towel and change of clothes, there are showers at the club.

Where do I go?
The club rooms are located at
9 The Esplanade, Fairfield Vic 3078
Phone 9486 6109
Melways Ref: Map 30, K12 
Please note we are NOT at the Fairfield Boathouse.

What next?
These two courses give paddlers a taste of what is involved in paddling and in the past many participants have decided to join the club to further their paddling skills. Some go on to racing, others touring but invariably they all enjoy the fabulous paddling facilities available. We recommend that all prospective members undertake one of the courses available prior to applying for membership so that they can sample the activity before committing to membership. Having joined the club there are a number of coaches that provide private lessons and the club organises other regular activities.

For more information on memberships, refer to the Join FCC page.

When is the Next Course?
 Course 1  Introduction to kayaking  to be held on the weekends of October 9th & 16th

Course 2 Beginners and beyond - kayaking November 13th, 20th, 27th Dec 4th

I have paid online, what happens next?
Once you have paid (Paypal or by direct credit into the club bank account) you will receive an order number. You can keep track of your order by going to your account (log into the club website and see "My account" front page - "orders") 

Pay online now and confirm you place