THE Isle of Portland Canoe Club (IOPCC) is inviting new members to grab a paddle and take to the water as 2014 approaches.

IOPCC currently has around 70 members, with an enthusiastic committee, which regularly organises trips and training, both locally and nationally, from the Isles of Scilly, off the coast of Cornwall to Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland.

Keen sea kayaker Jon Massey is an active member of the IOPCC and holds the responsibility of a Thursday evening club.

He said: “This year I managed to sustain 24 consecutive enjoyable Thursday paddling even-ings, based mainly in Portland Harbour.

“The club though, is far more than just a Thursday paddle, we have a strong membership who enjoy regular trips locally and nationally, plus a budding kayak surf scene within the club who regularly nip down to Bude for better waves.

“Following our recent annual general meeting, a group of us had a great paddle from Lul-worth to Ringstead and back through Durdle Door – a Jurassic Coast classic.”

Massey added: “New members are always welcome and membership is cheap. We paddle through the winter responsibly and practice good seamanship.”

Find Isle of Portland Canoe Club on Facebook or visit iopcc.org