West End Canoe Club
Presidents Annual Report – June 2013
Major events and achievements of our Club for the past year are as follows.
The Brisbane floods again threatened our club “habitat” this year but unlike August 2011 (when we would all be up to our waist in water if today) the flood water level just lapped up to our shed door and no higher. Thanks to the rapid response club members who helped move all our craft upstairs and to a safer location then back again “just in case”.
I am pleased to advise our club numbers are exactly aligned with our strategic plan for membership at 44 members.
Our new members are most welcome, don’t be too concerned about our initiation process, and we encourage you to be active in club activities, and provide input to the direction of our West End Canoe Club community.
We hope you enjoy our club, participate, contribute and ‘max out’ on paddling fun and fitness.
Internet: Our electronic presence has been enhanced through an improved website presence to communicate not only with members but with prospective members. Our website is the first point of contact for most prospective members for our club. Thanks to Paul (Rebel) and Damien (Lizard) for this work.
Facebook: Our public face and internet traffic has also been massively stimulated through our Facebook and twitter profile. This has driven considerable enquiry traffic to our website and shared experiences amongst members. Massive thanks to Danielle (Amazon) for managing our Facebook.
Safety 1: We recently had 5 club TK1 craft upgraded to a higher safety standard with rear bulkhead and sealed compartments. Our club “fleet” has also been maintained for reliability by John (Pieman). We now have six propeller paddles for new member use identified with fluro tape or fluro. Craft are also graded 1 to 4 for degree of difficulty.
Safety 2: New life jackets and a first aid kit have been purchased and are secured at the rear of the lock-up compartment. These are recommended for less experienced paddlers should they go out alone or are less confident in swimming ability.
Coaching: We now have 5 coaches in the club Ken (Evergreen), John (Pieman) Damian (Lizard), Mike (Twinkletoes) and Kerry (Maestro) all members are encouraged to seek their guidance at any time.
Development: Our club offers three levels of development delivered by volunteers and offered from time to time namely:
- level 1 (starter, 3 sessions) – Newbies,
- level 2 (intermediate 3 sessions) – FreshTrak
- level 3 (Advanced 12-15 sessions) – FastTrak
Racing: Our racing group continues to perform ‘way above’ the standards of other clubs and invariably “scoops most of the loot” at competition races.
Club racks. The storage racks are a precious resource for members who are active and there is continual “pressure” on available space. Storage space is managed by the president and all club ‘slots’ must be labeled and approved. The club reserves the right to remove any boat that is not used.
Club Safety: Fluro Vests are supplied for all to use and are compulsory for personal safety, alternatively the club shirt can be worn. Our club is well known and recognized by CityCats, rowers and coaches and this enhances member safety. Any questions regarding safety or equipment refer to one of the coaches or the club president.
Club Security; It is important to keep safe your club key as all members rely on each other’s vigilance. The Vice President Ken Saunders (Evergreen) manages club key distribution and the treasurer Glenis (Gadget) payment and recording.
Absolute Beginners: WECC is not a basic training club or facility for raw beginners, children or non-swimmers. “Raw beginners” may be assessed by New Member Manager Glen (Tippy) and if necessary be directed to undertake the QC basic training course. Any guidance or support from our club or members is not meant to be a substitute for this.
Members Guests or Visitors: Should any member invite a guest to the club and use club equipment they must not be left unsupervised at any time until they are safely back at the club hose down area. Life jackets should be worn. A club trial form should be completed to provide insurance and indemnify the club on each occasion.
Facility Management: The Vice President Ken Saunders (Evergreen) manages this and member’s assistance with hosing down the showers after use and removing rubbish to the bins at the front of SBSC is everybody’s responsibility not just Ken’s. The rack area should also be uncluttered clean and safe.
Cleanup: We will have another cleanup in the next month. (July)
SBSC: Relations with the South Brisbane Sailing Club have continued to be fostered and are cordial.
New member management: Thanks to New Member Manager Glen (Tippy) for his work in this complex and at times challenging role. “No shows” at times are disappointing and we thank his contribution.
Social and party functions: Our Christmas blast at New Farm Bowls was a great success with members coming dressed in theme of their club name. There were some Rockers and Shockers but all had a great time. Thanks to Edwina (Phantom) for managing this event and of course Santa who just arrives each year!
WECC Club Name: Each new club member may request a club name or will be allocated one. Where possible, members should use the club name addressing each other as much as possible.
Your WECC Personalized Club Cap and name: Each members is given their personalized club tradition cap on initiation and taking the club oath. This is a special club memento be worn on special club occasions or visiting other clubs.
Club tops: These have been arranged to provide a consistent and “professional” impact publically and within the kayaking community. See our club website for details and how to order thanks to Danielle (Amazon) for managing this.
Breakfast after paddling: Saturday morning continues to be an anticipated and enjoyable experience for all currently at the “West End Cafe”. All are encouraged to attend.
Club membership and revenues: I have reviewed our financials provided by the treasurer and auditor and have signed off on the financial records for 2012-2013, our club treasurer will comment on this.
Our notice board: has been cleaned up and along with email is an important communication medium for members.
Estimator: An electronic timing board has been purchased to add to the efficiency of this monthly (second Saturday) event. All are welcome whether a racer or casual paddler. Set your own time and see how close you go! Thanks to Mike (Twinkletoes) for his ongoing effort with this monthly event.
Communications: In April we commenced a monthly newsletter approach to informing members. This relies on input so make sure you share info to keep it meaningful. Members should also regularly visit the West End canoe Club website and Facebook for information and updates. The Qld and Australian canoeing are also great paddling info resources.
Audit: To ensure our books reflect reality, an audit of club assets to confirm the Asset Register has been carried out and appropriate accounting standards have been applied in valuing and depreciating the club assets. The club “books” have been audited in accordance with our constitution. Many thanks Glen (Audit) for his comprehensive review.
Insurance: A reminder to all that the club carries no insurance for your craft whilst it is in storage at the club. This is your responsibility. This is also why our executive is vigilant with the allocation and recording of key holders, as a lost key or inappropriate lending or loss of control of a key could prove expensive for everybody!
Treasury: Many thanks to Glenis (Gadget) for her tireless work in managing our new membership records, club asset records, key security, QC affiliation plus much more.
In Summary: This year has been one of challenge but our club is in good ‘shape’ with membership, resources and funding.
I encourage our new members to add value to their enjoyment by participating and actively helping to set direction at WECC. It is your club so have your say, participate and send the club in the direction that will meet you preferences for paddling fun and fitness; this includes fitness, racing, recreation and general club mateship.
A Vision for 2013-14 : Our Club will always have a migration of members who stay for a few seasons and move on, however to maintain a good balance for all club members I recommend the new committee consider some of the following activities in the coming year
- A night city lights paddle
- A daytime Moreton Bay recreational activity
- One or more group social events (party or group booking at shows)
- Our SMB group (Secret Men’s Business) mid-week sea kayak group rejuvenated
- An overnight paddle event Moreton Bay
- Introduction of a fee for use of club boats to cover repairs
- A Noosa River overnight excursion
- Gold coast waterways excursion
Thank you to the outgoing committee for supporting WECC club members and myself and making our kayaking a more enjoyable experience.
Kerry Holmes (Maestro) – WECC Club President 2012-13
