Baldock & District Canoe Club

Baldock and District Canoe Club, also known as BDCC, is an adult canoe club located in Letchworth Garden City, New Zealand. The club offers a range of paddling activities, from gentle afternoon paddles to slalom and white water adventures. The club primarily focuses on paddling in kayaks, but members also enjoy using open Canadian canoes.

One of the benefits of joining BDCC is access to pool sessions, held every Sunday at 8:15pm at the heated North Herts Leisure Centre on Baldock Road. At these sessions, members can use a selection of kayaks and paddles provided by the club. Additionally, every 4th Sunday, the club holds a polo session where the polo team practises and provides informal guidance to other paddlers.

Members of BDCC have the opportunity to participate in various trips throughout the year. These trips include coaching trips to North Wales, as well as visits to Dartmoor, Yorkshire, South Wales, Lake District, and local quieter rivers. Members can also borrow club boats and other equipment from the boat shed on short-term loans at no cost.

In addition to paddling activities, BDCC organises a range of social events throughout the year. These events include barbecues, quiz nights, ten pin bowling, and meet-ups at local establishments such as the Orange Tree and Garden City Brewery.

BDCC welcomes experienced adult members who demonstrate competence with a British Canoeing award issued within the last 5 years. Alternatively, individuals can contact the club to undergo a safety assessment. All members are expected to contribute to the success of the club.

For beginners interested in canoeing, BDCC offers beginner courses, although there is currently a long waiting list. The club does not have a junior section, but club members are welcome to bring and supervise their own children.

Membership costs for BDCC are as follows: 75 for adults, 40 for students/unwaged, 115 for single parent families, and 150 for two parent families. Pool sessions cost 8 for adult members and 5 for student/unwaged members.

For those who want to try out canoeing before deciding to join, BDCC offers the opportunity to attend a Sunday pool session as a non-member. The charge for non-members is 16 for adults and 10 for juniors, with a maximum of 4 visits at this price. It is advised to contact the club beforehand to ensure a warm welcome.

BDCC is surrounded by quiet and gentle rivers, some of which have weirs for paddlers to play on. The club provides information on various routes for paddling trips, such as the Ivel Navigation, Hertford Loop, and River Ivel.

To stay updated with the club's activities, BDCC has a Facebook page where members and interested individuals can find more information. The club also has an elected committee responsible for overseeing its operations and ensuring the welfare and safety of its members.

In summary, the Baldock and District Canoe Club offers a range of paddling activities for adults, including pool sessions, trips to different rivers, and social events. Whether you are an experienced paddler or a beginner, BDCC provides a welcoming and supportive environment for all.