FAQ’s - Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully this should cover questions that new and experienced paddlers may have regarding MPSC. If there is anything else which you want to know which isn’t covered by the website please contact us: morpethpsc@hotmail.co.uk
Q: Where is MSPC?
For weekly sessions we meet on the riverside in Morpeth behind Harper’s Riverside Leisure Centre, New Market Street, Morpeth NE61 1PR. We have a large green metal storage container on the grassy area immediately behind the swimming pool – which is where we meet.
Q: How much does a session cost?
Sessions are only for club members. A coached session for river paddling or polo costs £4 / person if you are borrowing club kit. If you have all your own kit, it is £1 / person.
Q: How much does membership cost and when do I have to become a member?
Membership Subscriptions are due each January and are as follows:
Adult £17 (inc. British Canoe Union enrolment)
(or £15 if you are already a BCU member)
Junior £8 (inc. Paddlepower Passport)
Family £30 (includes 2 adults and up to 3 under 18yr olds)
Applications for membership should be made using an MPSC membership form accompanied by Medical Form, with all fees payable to Morpeth Paddlesport Club and sent to Hayley Johnson, 25 Duncan Gardens, Morpeth, Northumberland, NE61 2PT.
For prospective new joiners, we permit 2 sessions to be attended prior to joining MPSC as a member, at a cost of £6 per session. You would be expected to join before commencing your 3rd session.
For enquiries, contact Hayley at morpethpsc@hotmail.co.uk
Q: What equipment is provided and what do I have to bring?
MPSC has all the kit you need for a paddling session. We have a range of kayaks, open canoes and polo boats available plus paddles, helmets, buoyancy aids and spray decks. Please bring suitable clothing for paddling , a towel for changing and spare warm clothes and footwear for afterwards. Please note that the water can be cold even in the summer so please ensure your clothing is appropriate. Club members would be happy to provide advice on clothing, please approach any of the members on the river bank or at the pool.
Q: Can I bring my own equipment?
You are welcome to use your own kit at MPSC sessions providing it is fit for purpose. For advise please contact us or bring you kit along to a session. Session costs are reduced for those with their own kit.
Q: Does MPSC run sessions all year round?
Yes. From April – September our club sessions are outdoors on a Monday night.
From September through to April we have bi-weekly pool sessions on a Saturday at Morpeth Riverside Leisure Centre 3pm - 4pm (aim to be there by 2:45pm to help out with the equipment.)
Check the Events page for specific dates.
Canoe polo training is at Outer West Pool in Newcastle on Sunday afternoons - see Events page for dates.
Throughout the year we also run river trips, coaching courses, slalom and junior and inter club events/competitions, trips away to other clubs events and play canoe polo in national and local leagues and summer tournaments in the UK and abroad.
Please see Events page for more details of what’s on, when and where!
Q: Who do I contact when attending a MSPC session?
The initial points of contact are Carole Taylor and Sandra Bell. They take the register, have membership forms and can advise you where the kit is and who the coaches are. They usually hover (not literally!) around the green storage container or by the rowing boats on the riverside. If neither are around, look out for Hayley or Lius - just ask anyone near the container, we don’t bite..!
Q: Do MPSC cater for complete beginners?
Yes. We have qualified instructors who regularly run beginners courses. Also if you fancy trying canoe polo then we are more than happy to cater for beginners to the sport.
Q: What age range do MPSC cater for?
The minimum age of children which we cater for is 8 to 13yrs. However if parents are also paddling then this could be lowered. If you wish to discuss further please contact us.
Q: Can I leave my child with MSPC?
No. Unfortunately you cannot leave children under 13yrs of age with us when we are paddling on the river, but you are welcome to watch from the bank or get on the water as well.
The same rules apply for the indoor pool sessions.
Morpeth Pool has a very good viewing gallery, or you can sit poolside and support or encourage your child - shoes need to be removed on pool side.
Q: Is there car parking at MPSC?
We park on the road between the Leisure Centre and the river. There are 2 large pay and display car parks next to the Leisure Centre and a smaller one beside the river past the MSPC location.
Q: Are changing facilities available?
You are welcomed to use the leisure centre changing rooms, this is done in verbal agreement with the leisure centre, please ensure when using it that you are polite and represent MPSC in a positive light, i.e. do not enter the reception wearing wet spray deck and or buoyancy aid.
Q: Do I have to be able to swim?
Ideally yes. As a minimum, you need to be able to swim with a buoyancy aid on and be working towards being a confident swimmer.
Q: What coaching / supervision is provided?
All organized sessions have a coach/es and or a suitable leader/s for the activity, designated as “MPC Leader”. The MPC Leader is in charge of the session safety, supervision and coaching.
Depending on the nature of the activity MPC leader might be required to hold a minimum of NGB qualification and or /demonstrable experience. For further info Please read MPC operation procedures and MPC leader guidelines. Or contact us with your question
Q: What courses do MPSC run?
At MPSC we run a good number of paddle sport courses, mainly provided our own club members but sometimes with the support/assistance of paddlers from outside of MPSC who are like-minded in our aim of running courses and developing paddlers at all levels.
All the courses below can be done at MPSC:
Paddle Power Star
Paddle Power Passport
Paddle Power Discovery
Paddle Power Advance
Paddle Power Excell
1-2 star Generic Award
3 star White Water Kayak/Canoe
Foundation and Safety Rescue Training FSRT
3 star Touring
Also from time to time we might organize other professional courses, such as:
White Water Safety and Rescue WWSR
4 star Leadership
UKCC coaching qualifications
Q: Is MPSC Clubmark accredited and what does this mean?
Tbd
Q: What are the arrangements regarding First Aid cover?
The club has a First Aid provision in the main store, which is checked and updated each quarter. All MPC Leaders are familiar with MPC Operating Procedures and Emergency Procedures and the MPSC Risk assessment.
All participants must have completed a Medical Consent form.
Q: Are the staff at MPSC CRB checked?
All MPC Leaders and regular volunteers are CRB checked before they are deployed in an unsupervised role in charge of children or young adults.
Q: What are the arrangements regarding insurance?
MPSC is a Canoe England/ BCU affiliated club, which means there is a third party insurance for the club and any of its current members when doing an activity organized by the club. Have you paid your membership?? Please visit canoe England to find further details about what is the cover of the insurance.
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