PaddleNSW has been endeavouring to simplify the legal requirements for Clubs when introducing new paddlers to our sport. While doing this, we must remain mindful of the limits of activities permitted by the various levels of membership.
Trialist (Come & Try) Membership
Trialist membership is for introducing new paddlers to a club.
This applies to a new paddler attending a club to ‘come and try’ paddling. It is purely for the new paddler to experience the local waterway, get some introductory assistance from a club member, and remain in the company of that club member for the period of the trial. A qualified guide or instructor is not necessary, but an advantage to assist the newcomer.
The club may impose a fee for this participation, but there is no fee payable to PaddleNSW.
Triallists are restricted from participating in State and National events but can participate in whatever club activities they choose that are made available at a Club. To compete in a State Event as a non-member a competitor will need to pay the additional Single Event Membership, where this is allowed.
As a guide, the 2023 Come & Try and Recreational rates per event are: $10 per person (Adults), $5 per person (U18’s). Please contact PaddleNSW for confirmation of current rates.
Single Event (Competitions and Training) Membership
Single Event Membership enables non-members to paddle and participate in any Club or community event. Only full members may compete in state/national level events and activities.
This applies to a paddler attending any organised club event, and includes time trials, races, organised trips, etc. It gives the paddler limited insurance cover while they are participating in the event, but not at any other time. There is no limit to participation in any timed or competitive event, however every event requires the payment of a further Single Event Non-Member Fee.
When a valid membership number is not entered, the Single Event Membership fee should be automatically added to your event registration when registering for events where non-members are approved to participate
The fee for single event membership for Competitions and Training may vary over time and will be charged at the then current rates. As a guide, the January 2024 Competition and Training rates per event are: $22 per person (Adults), $11 per person (U18’s). Please contact PaddleNSW for confirmation of current rates.