Thinking about joining a local NSW triathlon club? Our advice is simple. Do it!
But for those who need a few extra reasons to ‘do it’ we’ve put together some fun insights on what makes tri clubs the ideal sport community plus what qualities you should seek in a good one.
Triathlon clubs consist of individuals who often don similar attire and have chosen to unite with like-minded enthusiasts to take part in races, train together, and more often than not, enjoy coffee together. While clubs might appear imposing at events, the reality is quite the opposite! Clubs are welcoming, friendly, and not the type to mock your $100 second-hand bike or the swim goggles borrowed from your 11-year-old daughter. We know this is true, because both of these examples are quite personal.
With so many positive aspects to consider, what should you look for in a good tri club? Here are some key factors we think are vital for you to consider
- Exceptional Leadership: Committees with dedicated, committed, and generous individuals lead the way. While you may think you lack these qualities, it’s vital that you can at least appreciate the selfless commitment of committee members, whilst you try and avoid eye contact at AGMs when volunteers are sought.
- Social Outings: A good club should organise regular social gatherings for members to come together for food, drinks, and social fun; whether after a training session or a race. You’ll generally find coffee is a constant theme.
- Communication Channels: Accessible communication, such as WhatsApp groups or social media pages, is vital for newcomers seeking advice, guidance, or company for training sessions and events. It’s also an awesome place for you to brag about your new PB, course PB, next PB, etc etc etc…
- Club Marquee: An impressive club is often recognised by a branded marquee proudly displayed at major triathlon events. It serves as the perfect spot to secure your belongings during a race and catch a quick post-event nap while ensuring sun protection. We all know someone who has passed out for a post race siesta. It’s a bucket list item that must be ticked off.
- Club Apparel: When deciding to join a club, consider how you’ll look in the kit and whether there’s associated leisurewear to either impress strangers in supermarkets or find new club members you haven’t met at club events yet when you bump into each other in matching outfits. If the club kit meets these criteria, it’s time to don the merchandise. We know you’ll look good!
- Local Knowledge: A valuable asset of any club is the wealth of local knowledge among its members, guiding you to the best and safest routes for cycling, running, and swimming. Stick around long enough and you can become one of those people, guiding newbies, imparting your local knowledge, whether they want to hear or not.
- Volunteers at Club Races: A thriving club is evident in the number of volunteers at their local club triathlons. Volunteering showcases a selfless commitment that contributes to the club’s overall health. We encourage everyone to do this, which will give you this strange feeling. You may later realise that odd feeling was satisfaction and contentment.
- Awards Night: All good clubs host an awards night, preferably starting with the AGM to make the evening more enticing after the necessary business of the meeting.
- Club Training Sessions: The essence of a great local tri club lies in collective training sessions where members bond over their shared love for swimming, biking, and running. It serves as a powerful motivator to overcome the temptation of lounging on the couch – along with abovementioned coffee of course!
- Veterans: Seasoned members, the old salty dogs, are treasures within the club. They share stories, some you want to hear and others you don’t, offering insights into races of the past, the pre-carbon frame era, and the time when budgie smugglers were the norm (actually we think maybe this has come full circle). Perhaps your goal is to stick around and do triathlons enough so you too can share stories about the good old days, whilst wearing your budgies.
If we’ve sparked your interest in joining a tri club, head to our find-a-club directory. We hope our take on finding a club has showcased the fun and welcoming community we have in our NSW clubs.
