Classes

Mailing lists

All adult classes are advertised through our class mailing list, which you can subscribe to here.

We have a separate mailing list for our weekly club juniors program (age 9-16) which you can subscribe to here

We also have a separate weekly club newsletter mailing list. If you are interested in what’s happening around the club, you can subscribe to eNews here.  

Class feedback - If you have completed one of the clubs canoe or kayak classes we would appreciate your feedback.

General
Fairfield Canoe Club has a strong tradition in teaching people to paddle and runs a variety of courses throughout the year - although we slow down a bit during winter. All courses are run at the clubhouse in Fairfield on the Yarra River and are usually held on a Saturday or Sunday morning. All participants must confirm that they are able to swim 50 metres which is our minimum safety standard. These public courses are open to anyone over 12 years old. Each course is limited to 6 participants per coach for safety and coach-student ratio.

Courses can be booked and paid for on-line through JustGo. Courses book out very quickly when we advertise them, so please book fast to avoid disappointment.

Course 1 - Introduction to kayaking
This is a two session course designed 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 session course is $70 (2 x 1.5 hour sessions), with a discount for club members.

Course 2 - Beginners and beyond - kayaking
This is a two session course aimed at developing skills beyond the basics. The first session is 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, the second session is usually spent introducing double (tandem) kayaks. give paddlers confidence in different types of kayaks including less stable TK1s and TK2s.

The cost of this two week course is $70 (2 x 1.5 hour sessions), with a discount for club members.

Course 3 - Junior Flatwater Paddling.
We run junior paddling groups (9-18 years old) for paddlers who have done little or no kayaking or canoeing  before, to take them to the point of safe and controlled paddling, ready to join club training paddles, social paddles or races.

We have introductory sessions for new paddlers at the start of terms 1 and 4, then move into our ongoing junior program, which runs all year during school terms as well as occasional camps during term breaks.

Initial focus is on safety, basic technique and boat setup, bracing to preventing capsize, recovery.  Moving on from there the course will build the young person’s self reliance, skill levels and start competitive paddling techniques.

We also have a separate regular group of juniors training in canoe polo, and a higher level junior sprint squad as well.

The cost of these sessions is $25/session (reducing to $12.50/session for juniors who have joined the club).

Please email technical@fairfieldcanoeclub.org.au and/or subscribe to our mailing list  if you are interested in bringing your kids along.

Course 4 - Introduction to Canoeing

This is a two session course aimed at developing canoeing skills.  It is suitable both for beginners to paddling, and for kayak paddlers wishing to "step out" into single bladed paddling.

The first session begins with a clubhouse presentation on safety, equipment and paddling basics. The rest of this session is spent learning to get in and out of the canoe and introduces basic technique.

All of the second session is spent on the river developing boat control skills and venturing a little further from the club.

The cost of this two session course is $70 (2 x 1.5 hour sessions), with a discount for club members.

Course notes:

• all participants must be able to swim 50m unassisted and must be 12 years old or over.  Children under 14 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian

Booking conditions

• we may have to postpone the course due to adverse weather conditions and/or high river levels
• if the course is postponed you will be fully refunded and given the opportunity to attend on a future date
• if you cancel your place more than 48 hours before the course you will be refunded minus a $10 administration fee
• if you cancel fewer than 48 hours before the course you will not be refunded

I have paid online, what happens next?
About a week before your course you will receive an email from your coach with tips and instructions for the sessions.

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 - just off Alphington Street, Fairfield
Melways Ref: Map 30, K12
Please note we are NOT at the Fairfield Boathouse.  We are also NOT in the Esplanade Clifton Hill.

What next?
These 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 paddle socially and some get hooked on racing, 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.

Class feedback - If you have completed one of the clubs canoe or kayak classes we would appreciate your feedback.