Starting a Club

How to Establish an Outrigger Canoe Club

Prior to establishing your new Outrigger Canoe Club, please contact the AOCRA Secretary, who will provide you with a package document, and answer any queries you have.

You will need to complete the Application for Affiliation Form and return this with the required attachments and affiliation fee to the AOCRA Secretary.

Establishing a club requires considerable thought and planning - some issues that need consideration include:-

  1. Keep in mind your legal requirements, contact your state Associations body if you have any concerns. AOCRA requires clubs to be incorporated or in the process of becoming incorporated prior to acceptance of an affiliation application.
  2. You will need a good working committee to handle the administration of the club - President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and committee members.
  3. Ensure you take minutes during monthly committee meetings and following your duties as an incorporated sporting body.
  4. Select a venue for your club - this could be based on a bay, harbour, river or open ocean. Good relations between your local council, surf lifesaving clubs and yacht clubs can aid in securing venues.
  5. The success of any club is by recruiting and keeping members - try word of mouth, fliers at gyms and other sporting clubs, or through media such as newspapers or radio. Ensure you establish guidelines and protocols to ensure the smooth running of your club.
  6. Establish a bank account - and if you can gain access to internet banking, it will aid in the prompt payment of your accounts.
  7. Ensure that any AOCRA and Zone forms and payments are completed and processed promptly.
  8. Funds for purchase of equipment such as canoes and paddles. Probably the hardest part of the club process, but raffles and fundraising can help bond the club members, whilst providing funds for your purchases. Also investigate grants from gaming funds, state government departments and local councils. Clubs have been established in the past, by a number of individuals contributing to the purchase of equipment, and being paid back via club funds over time.
  9. Sourcing a canoe - based on how much money you are able to raise will determine if you will be looking for a new or second hand canoe. Used canoes are available on a very limited basis. Things to look for are general condition, structural integrity and appearance (An AOCRA approved manufacturers list is available under "Links" on this site). There are several types of canoes in Australia including: the Mirage, Force 5, Classic, Bladerunner, The Southern Spirit, and Pacific Islander. Each of these canoes offer different performance capabilities for differing ocean conditions. New canoes are in the order of $13000 to $20000, whilst used canoes are in the order of $5000 and under depending on condition.
  10.    Club paddles and paddles for individuals - you will need a basic set of paddles to get started, these can be less expensive aluminium paddles or a bottom of the range timber paddle. Individuals who choose to make this their sport can then purchase a custom paddle for themselves. New timber paddles are in the order of $250 upwards, whilst aluminium paddles can be purchased for around $40. Timber paddles, whilst not as robust as aluminium and plastic paddles, are kinder to the canoe and are easily repaired and have a far superior feel which helps to give a better impression of the mechanics and fun of paddling (paddle manufacturer contacts list is available from the AOCRA secretary).
  11.    A canoe trailer. Depending on how financial your club is will determine if you will be looking a second hand trailer or a new one. Keep in mind with a trailer that you will need to check with your local road laws for the legalities with length, weight etc. (transport regulations apply). Trailers can be made to carry from one to five canoes. Your trailer needs to be well constructed and these can be in the order of $4000 upwards.
  12.    Other items which are handy include a box for storage of rigging gear, a cupboard or box for storage of club paddles, a trolley for transporting the canoes to and from the water, navigation lighting for early morning or late evening training, repair kits and tools.