Join Us!

Steps to join us on the lake:

Note: If you are new to paddling or outrigger, we recommend you sign up for a Sunday morning paddle. Info on where to meet and what to bring is below the payment section.

Payment Options

The first two practices for new paddlers are free! If you would like to continue to paddle, practices are $15/day. Annual membership is $150 for 2024. Payment methods are the following:

1. Give cash or check to Anne Shakespeare at practice. Checks should be made out to Cayuga Outrigger Canoe Club, Inc.
2. Mail a check to COCC at P.O. Box 4474, Ithaca, NY 14852-4474.
3. Pay via PayPal using the QR codes posted at East Shore Park on the shed.
4. Make an electronic payment now:

Where do we meet?

We launch from the Merrill Family Sailing Center on East Shore Drive in Ithaca. Our regular paddles are on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6-8 pm and Sunday mornings from 10 am-noon. We also have a more intense training practice on Thursday evenings for experienced paddlers and members training for races. Posted departure times (on the practice sign up sheet) are when the boats are on the water; we ask paddlers to show up fifteen minutes earlier to get ready and help put the boats in the water. If you are new to the club, we also ask that you show up earlier to fill out necessary paperwork and become familiar with the practice.

What should I bring to practice?

Bring a change of clothes and towel in case you are cold after practice, or in case we huli (flip the canoe). There are showers and restrooms at the Merrill Sailing Center, but the building is not always open.  Please remember that paddling is a water sport and that you can expect to get wet, so plan accordingly.

Paddle	We have club paddles for new paddlers.
PFDs	Personal flotation devices (PFDs) are available to all club paddlers. When water temperature is below 60F, we require everyone in the canoe to wear a properly adjusted and secured PFD (not belt packs). Weak open water swimmers are required to always wear a PFD and we recommend all paddlers always wear a PFD regardless of your open water swimming skills.
Hydration	Water bottles can be disruptive when rolling on the floor in the boat. We recommend using a water bottle clip or a hydration method that doesn’t disrupt the flow of the canoe; some paddlers use a Camelbak or similar hydration pack.
Food	Nutrition and healthy glycemic levels are important. Whether on long distance paddles or sprint work, make sure you have a couple Gus or Power Gels with you. You may even want to carry an extra Power Bar in your hydration pack.
Hat and sunscreen	Be sun safe.
Clothing	No cotton clothing ever – this includes layers worn under clothing (e.g. a cotton t-shirt under a fleece jacket will stay wet and cold once it accumulates moisture). When water temperature is below 60F, a drysuit or 2mm neoprene wetsuit or pieces and windbreaker are recommended. Footwear with wool or fleece socks or neoprene booties, headwear, and or gloves might be needed.  In July, August and early September any shirt and board or swim shorts that are synthetic (no cotton) might be sufficient depending on weather. Become familiar with your gear at the water temperatures you will encounter.
Shoes	Water shoes are highly recommended as we walk the canoes into the water over slippery rocks. We want to move without hesitation to minimize the time standing in the cold water. You can take your shoes off once in the boat if you want to paddle barefoot.  Enter and exit the canoe from the shallowest point to minimize getting wet.
Paddling Gloves	This is a personal preference.  Some of us use them and some do not.