KAIHOE HOU | NEW MEMBERS
Nau mai, haere mai, tauti mai e ngā kaihoe hou
Kei waenganui i te whanau nei o Te Waka Pounamu
Kei raro i te wāhi whakahirahira o Tapoa
I te taha o te moana o Whakaraupō
I roto i te rohe o Ngāti Wheke
Nō reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou
Welcome to Te Waka Pounamu and thank you for choosing to paddle with us at our beautiful club on the shores of Whakaraupō / Lyttleton Harbour. We look forward to getting to know you and helping you on your journey into waka ama. This page provides you with what you need to know to get you in the waka with us.
Getting Started
The best way to get involved is to come along to any of our organised club training sessions throughout the week. We encourage new paddlers to come along on the first Saturday of the Month so we can better cater for your needs - but you are welcome to come down at any time. Please see the Club Training and Coaching page for more information on session times and details: www.tewakapounamu.com/coaching
A great way to find out what is happening in the club is via our Facebook page. This is where information about all club trainings and events are communicated, including cancellations and changes. Join up at:
www.facebook.com/groups/323524830140
Membership Registration and Fees
We allow for new or potential members to come along for the first month for free, and then after that you must register and pay your club fees if you want to continue to be involved in training and using club gear. Everything you need to know about membership is provided on our membership page: www.tewakapounamu.com/whakauru-membership
Using Club Waka and Equipment
All Club Members are welcome to book and use club waka and gear (outside of organised training times) by using the 'book waka' function of our website: www.tewakapounamu.com/book-waka
New members must however be signed off by the Club Committee to be able to competently steer and manage our club waka, as well as demonstrating that they understand and adhere to our club safety guidelines. Information on our guidelines are available here: www.tewakapounamu.com/safety-guidelines
The sign off process is managed by senior club members and can be arranged by contacting the Committee at tewakapounamu01@gmail.com
WE PROVIDE: WAKA AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT
HOE (PADDLES) & LIFE JACKETS (PFD’s) – These are available for new paddlers to use and are stored in the Club lock up in the Naval Point Clubrooms. All kaihoe must wear a PFD when on the water.
LIFE JACKETS (PFD’s) – Your safety is our priority, with TWP it is mandatory to wear PFD’s while on the water. Whilst you are most welcome to use the club’s PFD’s, down the track it is recommended that you purchase your own, as it will most likely be a better fit and more suitable.
Purchasing your own also supports our club in having PFD’s available to all paddlers. We recommend that before purchasing a PFD, you check with a senior club member for advice.
HOE (PADDLES) – Ditto as per PFD’s; Whilst you are most welcome to use the club’s hoe, once you become reasonably proficient it is recommended that you contemplate purchasing your own as it will be the correct length and balance for you and suit your needs better than the club hoe.
We recommend that before purchasing a paddle, you check with a senior club member for advice.
YOU PROVIDE: CLOTHING & FOOD ETC
Clothing – suitable clothing for the paddling conditions – layered clothing is best as paddlers go from high intensity to not paddling, cooling quickly through wind chill factor is the biggest concern for all paddlers, fleece, polyprop, neoprene or other warm top and bottoms, wetsuit bootees are also advisable A good waterproof jacket (no hood!) which isn’t tight fitting and a warm hat. Always be prepared to get cold and wet! A change of clothing for after paddling is advisable.
NB – remember it is better to bring to many clothes across to paddling as the weather on one side of the hill maybe different to the other side. You can always leave extra clothes in your car.
If you have soft hands you may need a pair of light woolen or paddling gloves to stop blisters forming, until your hands toughen up a bit. Bring a towel and soap etc. for a hot shower afterwards.
FOOD AND WATER
Depending on the distance paddled it might also be prudent to have a water bottle and some nibbles with you.
AFTER PADDLING
There are hot shower facilities at Naval Point, most club members head to the coffee shop in Lyttelton after the paddle for a social time – you are most welcome to join this group – just ask or follow the lead car!