Using club boats and paddles

INCC has the largest and best club boat fleet of any club in Victoria. Our club boats get plenty of use and are well maintained. Members can help keep the fleet in good condition by selecting the right boat, keeping the boats clean and dry, and by reporting any damage immediately.

Selecting the right club boat

The club provides two main types of boats for the use of members; touring kayaks (TK1 and TK2) and racing kayaks (K1 and K2). Touring kayaks are more stable and better suited to beginners and intermediate paddlers. TKs have a trailing rudder, while K boats usually have an underslung rudder.

Club boats within each category (TK and K) are graded in terms of skill required:

• green/blue symbols indicate the boat is suitable for beginners
• boats with a black symbol are for more advanced paddlers.

Please note that there is a significant step up in skill required from the black (advanced) TK boats to the green (beginner) K boats. There are also some TK1s which are more suitable for tall (185 cm +) paddlers, these are listed on the wall near the boats.

Boats which are out of service for repair should be shown on the selection chart and should also have a “do not use” tag affixed to the rudder in the rack.

Using club boats and paddles

Usage of club boats must be recorded in the club boat sign-out book. In addition to being a safety record, the data is used to help with fleet purchase decisions.

Club paddles are located in racks on east and west walls and identified with the club name and number. Select a paddle appropriate to your height. Paddles should be returned to the same location when you have finished.

The procedure for using club boats is as follows.

1. Decide what type of boat you require using the boat selection chart. Out of service boats are marked with “do not use” tag and should not be used.
2. Check in the club boat sign-out book that the boat you plan to use has not been booked out for a race for later that day (see below for instructions on booking a club boat for racing).
3. Remove it (carefully) from the storage rack and carry it outside and place it on the outside rack, choose a paddle and a life jacket and place these in the kayak.
4. Fill in the details in club boat booking register: boat type, boat number, paddle number, your name and the time checked out.
5. Lock the clubhouse if appropriate
6. Enjoy your paddle!

Returning Club Boats

1. Place on the rack outside the clubhouse, wash inside and outside using the cloths and bucket provided. Dry the boat.
2. Return all equipment to its correct spot.
3. Note the time the boat was returned in the club boat booking register.
4. If you notice any damage to the boat, please record in the sign-out book and on the whiteboard.

Club paddles

Club paddles are identified with the club name and number. Select a paddle appropriate to your height. Paddles should be returned to the same location when you have finished.

PFDs (life jackets)

Under Victorian law, all paddlers should wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) or life jacket whenever they are on the water. Exemption is made for group training sessions and some races. Some club PFDs are available for members to use. Please return the PFD when you have finished and hang it on the racks in the cupboard to dry.

Members are encouraged to purchase their own PFD to ensure they have the correct size and good comfort.