When you join Inwood Canoe Club, you’re entering a new realm of adventure, exploration and friendship. We are a diverse bunch of “Turtles” (our nickname for ourselves) that come from a variety of professions and paddling experience. What unites us is our love for water, the environment, conservation, and developing our skills.

Members are expected to volunteer regularly to support the club’s public programs, fix up and clean up the grounds, boats, and equipment, and to develop their personal paddling skills. Members are able to participate in classes and journeys that are only open to the club, and to use club boats and equipment.

Due to space constraints and to ensure enough boats and equipment, membership is extremely limited each year. It is important to visit, help out during Open Houses, Shore Clean-Ups and other events and speak with club members to get to know us as well as learn more about membership.

Qualifications for membership

Anyone who is not already a member of the club, may apply for Athletic membership. Former or inactive Members of the Club who remain "in good standing" may also re-apply for Athletic Membership. Anyone applying for Athletic membership must meet the following qualifications:

1. Be an adult, eighteen years or older

2. Show up to at least six (6) events in the year of application, volunteering at three (3) or more of them.

3. Adhere to House Rules as we would expect of any member in good standing.

Rules around membership

• Membership, or a change in membership status, requires the approval (via simple majority) of the voting membership at a regular meeting of the club.

• Once membership or a change in membership status has been approved by the voting membership, the Secretary shall notify the applicant in writing of the result, and take necessary steps that result from the decision, including describing the history and traditions of the club, and the expectations of their new membership status.

• All members are expected to volunteer service at a minimum of three club events every year. At least one of these events must be a “work day”, or in-kind service, set forth by the Board.

• All members are eligible for a storage space for their personal effects, if the Vice Commodore determines space is available.

• Additionally, paddling apparel and equipment may also be stored at the boathouse in communal areas, if space is available.

• All members are eligible to have keys to the boathouse and grounds following a probationary period of six months, and provided they meet the criteria for key ownership as set forth in the House Rules.

• Athletic Members are encouraged to attend Club meetings but do not have a vote. Athletic Members may work on committees appointed by the Commodore.