The Otago University Canoe Club was among many groups signing up first years at the annual Clubs and Societies Day yesterday.
Fourth-year marine science student Rani Cousens joined the canoeing club two years ago and within a year she was kayaking down the Leith.
‘‘You can be an absolute beginner with no experience and we can get you to kayaking rapids from scratch.’’
She said club members made sure newbies gained experience on harder rivers before they started paddling the Leith.
‘‘Everyone’s really open and welcoming and wants to keep you safe.’’
One of her favourite spots to kayak was the Taieri River and she did not shy away from the rapids.
‘‘You get into it and you start chasing harder and harder stuff.
‘‘You start with rapids and then you start going down waterfalls ...’’
The club ran eight trips in semester one and keen members organised more trips themselves during the year.
The club mostly organised recreational events but there was the occasional competitive race day against the University of Canterbury.
