Membership and Paddling With Us
We're a friendly, sociable club and welcome people of all levels of experience, or none.
You must, however, be a competent swimmer to paddle with us.
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Beginners
Book as a beginner to be introduced to the club and helped in your initial sessions by one of our Paddlesport Instructors or Leaders.
All paddlers who are new to the club need to book an induction with one of our coaches on their first Friday night session. They will assess skill level and give guidance on use of the club's equipment, facilities and code of conduct.
To paddle outside of the harbour, individuals must pass the 'Discover' course or be able to paddle at this standard or above.
Membership Period
Our membership year runs from 1 April and includes Friday night social paddles, with access to the club facilities (toilets, communal single sex changing rooms and showers, accessible changing room, shower and toilet, function room) from April to the end of September.
Sea kayak excursions for appropriately experienced sea kayakers, and a variety of other trips and ad-hoc events take place throughout the year.
We offer a 50% reduction in the membership rate for anyone joining after 30 September.
Equipment - What do you need?
Many of our paddlers have their own equipment, however the club has a range of craft (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards), paddles, buoyancy aids, wind/shower proof cagoules and helmets available for hire by members for a fee per person, per club session.
Paddlers must wear a buoyancy aid, clothing and footwear appropriate for water sports and the prevailing conditions, for example, wetsuits and/or synthetic clothes (no cotton or jeans).
Before wearing a spray deck, you will need to do capsize training; please discuss this with a coach.
For sea trips and any session involving rock hopping or surf, paddlers must wear a helmet.
Annual PZCC Membership Fees
| Membership Type | Paddle UK Member | *Non-Paddle UK Member |
|---|---|---|
| Individual member - Senior | £60 | £63 |
| Individual member – Junior Aged 12 to 18 years Junior paddlers must provide a signed parental consent form before paddling with or joining the club. | £35 | £38 |
| Individual member - Minor Aged 11 or under Minors must be accompanied on and off the water by a parent or guardian, who must be a competent adult paddler. | £35 | £38 |
| Family Membership For at least one adult (maximum two) and one or more child (under 18 years) living at the same address. | £120 | *Plus £3 per Non-Paddle UK member |
*Paddlers who are not members of Paddle UK pay an additional £3 per person on their PzCC membership fee to cover fees the club must pay to Paddle UK.
Equipment Hire Costs
| Activity | PzCC Members | Taster Sessions and Visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Friday club night paddle | £3 individual or £5 for a family | £5 |
|
Club arranged day trips If starting in a location remote from Penzance Harbour, equipment hire is subject to own transport, or a club member being able to assist in transporting boats. | £5 | £10 |
Taster Sessions for Potential New Members
Non-members can join up to three Friday night or pool taster sessions for £5 per session (plus relevant kit and boat hire fees), following which they must join the club to continue paddling with us. To join a taster session, juniors need a signed parental consent form and minors need to be accompanied on and off the water by a parent or guardian, who is a competent adult paddler. All taster sessions must be booked in advance.
Visitors
We welcome visitors with appropriate paddling experience to join our activities, a maximum of 3-times. Costs are £5 to join our Friday night paddles and £10 to join a sea trip, plus boat hire if applicable.
For a taster session or to join us a guest paddler, please refer to and complete the 🔗Taster and Visitor Form and liaise with secretary@pzcc.org to book onto a session.
For children aged from 11 to 18 years-old to take part in Club activities, you must complete the 🔗Parental Consent Form. Medical information and contact details must be left with a coach or club officer before leaving your child.
To join the club or for any membership enquiries, please contact membership@pzcc.org
Membership forms and those required for taster sessions or visitors can also be found on the 🔗Documents & Forms page.