Membership is changing - find out more

From 1 May 2018, we'll be offering three categories of membership:

On the Bank - for volunteers and officials who don't paddle

On the Water - for paddlers and coaches

Club Associate - for paddlers who only paddle as part of organised club sessions

Each of these membership categories comes with the following great benefits - which are designed to save you money, keep you up-to-date on what's happening in Welsh paddlesport and give you peace of mind when paddling on our beautiful lakes, rivers and coastline:

FEES AS OF 1 MAY 2018

These fees will be reviewed by the Board of Directors annually.

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Which membership is right for me?

Most paddlers will need an On the Water membership – if you need liability insurance, trespass cover, a waterways licence, or you coach or compete, you’ll need this type of membership.

If you don’t paddle or coach, but you’re a volunteer or official and you’d like voting rights and insurance, you’ll want an On the Bank membership.

If you’re a member of a club and you ONLY paddle as part of organised club sessions, then you’ll want a Club Associate membership.

What happens to my current membership?

As of 1 May, all current full members (basically anyone who has a Canoe Wales membership card) will automatically receive On the Water membership until their membership expires, at which point they can renew with whichever category is most appropriate for them. You will not receive a new membership card until you renew but your current membership card will still be valid for the rest of your membership period.

What if I renew before 1 May?

Our existing rates and categories will apply until 1 May, but as explained above, your membership will be converted to an On the Water membership on 1 May.

How do I join or renew?

We’ll be launching a new online membership system called GoMembership in time for the new categories to take effect. Until then, you can continue to join or renew online via Tahdah or by calling the office.

If you’re an existing member, we’ll send you information about how to access your GoMembership account which will allow you to renew your membership and view your coaching qualifications, credentials and club membership information. If you’re a new member, you’ll be able to set up a new account and join through our website.

You can also call the office to pay for your membership by card or direct debit over the phone. However, the £2 direct debit discount per member will only be available if you join or renew online.

Are life memberships still honoured?

Yes, life members will receive On the Water membership for life.

What if I’m a recreational paddler and I don’t coach or compete?

You’ll need an On the Water membership – this category is for all paddlers except those who only paddle in club sessions.

What if I only want a navigation licence?

You need an On the Water membership – this offers incredible savings over purchasing your licences direct from the Canals and Rivers Trust and the Environment Agency. Plus you get all the other benefits of Canoe Wales On the Water membership.

Why would club members need to join Canoe Wales?

Over the next year, we’ll be implementing a new requirement that all club members hold Canoe Wales membership in order to be insured for club sessions. Clubs will need to meet this requirement before they renew their club affiliation.

What happens if I don’t purchase a membership but I only paddle at club sessions?

You will not be insured for club activities. Your club receives its insurance through Canoe Wales, but that insurance only covers Canoe Wales members (including Club Associate members).

What if I don’t want you to contact me by email?

You will need to provide us with an email address to renew or join online, but you can opt out of communication at any time. You can also opt-in later if you change your mind and decide you do want updates by email. If you opt out, we will only contact you to process your membership (including sending you a reminder when it’s time for your annual renewal).