Introduction

Poole Harbour Canoe Club was founded in 1956/7 by a few friends who shared a love of paddling. The first premises, an old chicken shed, was erected in 1962. During the 1980s the Club hut was located opposite Fisherman’s Dock on Poole Quay but with the development of the Quay, PHCC moved to Lake Pier in 1990 and the Clubhouse as you see it today was completed in 2016.

Today the Club has over 400 members enjoying the wide range of disciplines that are on offer, be that strenuous racing sessions, bouncy coastal trips, relaxing canal journeys or learning new skills. We also have an active twinning relationship with CKMNC (Club de Kayak de Mer du Nord Cotentin) in Cherbourg who attend our annual Harbour Races and host interested members for a return visit.

One constitution

One club for all kinds of paddlers

As one of the most active Clubs in the country, we are very fortunate to have two bases to operate from, with the co-operation of Dreamboats in Wimborne.

Paddlesports Wimborne offers a fantastic one-mile (1,600m) section of flat water which is perfect for marathon and sprint training, plus an additional two-mile (3,200m) section of moderate upstream river to Eyebridge weir for endurance training and general purpose kayaking. Beyond Eyebridge the river can be paddled to the Coventry Arms weir, or a full day trip can be made from Blandford back to Wimborne

Lake Pier is our Harbour base, giving access to the 14 square miles of the harbour itself, plus the Jurassic coast beyond. Whether you are after a day exploring the creeks and back waters of the harbour, or heading to Wareham or Swanage for fish and chips, Lake Pier has a huge amount to offer being at the mid-point of the harbour. This means that whatever the tide, a paddle can be planned East or West!

Charity

Poole Harbour Canoe Club CIO

PHCC became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in 2013 and is registered with the Charity Commission. The Club is run by the members, for the members by a team of up to twelve Trustees. These Trustees carefully consider income and outgoings to ensure that members are offered the very best value for money, both in terms of membership and training course costs and reinvestment into Club equipment and facilities. Regular membership surveys are undertaken to ensure open lines of communication are maintained and all the Trustees can be easily contacted by emailing trustees@phcc.org.uk.