Brisbane Canoeing Inc

looking after club equipment (1 of 7)

The following is a list of suggestions from our Equipment Officer who has been working overtime to keep our boats etc in good order. This list is for ALL paddlers regarding the care of craft and outlines the damage that has/will occur in each instance and what you can do to avoid it. Please check each item and take particular note of the solution which outlines what you can do to prevent these problems.

There have been some instances were damage has occurred and not reported. The club understands that accidental damage may occur from time to time. These instances need to be reported at the very first opportunity so that we can assure that all boats and other equipment are available for club members and C&Ters to use.

Sometime soon we will add photographs to this page to assist paddlers in learning how to avoid damage.

A special note on the Amarron TK1s

The club purchased two Amarron TK1s (blue and grey) specifically for racing. These boats are quite light in construction particularly on the deck and so not very robust. They are not to be used for Come and Try paddling or by beginner paddlers. The boats can be booked for races through the Equipment Officer. Only experienced paddlers may use them for race training. Special care must be taken with these boats when emptying of water and carrying, as they are quite vulnerable on the sides in the cockpit area.

Use of boats for Come and Try sessions

Problem: Some of the racing boats and paddles at times have been used in Come and Try sessions. This is inappropriate as this equipment is not very robust and in the hands of inexperienced paddlers can be easily damaged.

Solution: Members conducting C&T sessions should make themselves aware of which boats and paddles may be used for C&T. A list of this equipment is available. Of particular concern are the two Amarron racing TK1s which are definitely not to be used for C&T.

Checking footrest bolts and wing nuts

Problem: Footrest nuts and bolts loosen with use. If they are not tightened before use the footrest can move back and forth elongating the holes to the point where they break through to the next hole or collapse the footrest support rails. This is a particularly difficult repair due to the small area and lack of space to drill new hole in reglassed areas. You will note that in the red & white TK1 (Stone Boat) lock nuts are at present fitted due to such damage. This means that the only adjustment is in the seat at present until the correct items needed to complete the repair have been obtained.

Solution: Each time you use a boat you need to check that the bolts and nuts are in position and tight on both sides. Even if you are not moving the position you should check that these are tight.

Kayak footrest

Ensure the footrest bolts are tight as leaving them loose will cause the holes to wear and elongate. While you're at it, check that the flotation is in place.

Also check the wingnuts holding seats in place. If these are loose, the seat will move back and forth as you paddle wearing the hole into an oval shape.

Other pages on 'Looking After Club Equipment':

This page last updated Tuesday 16 December 2003