Ever gone out for a nice day of tandem paddling only to have it result in months of couples’ therapy? Gone up a creek without a paddle? Have a trip scheduled on the Bowron Lakes but you’re afraid that you’re skills have gotten a little rusty?
Whether you are new to canoeing, are interested in paddling more confidently in rivers or are an experienced whitewater paddler who wants to learn how to “style” your way through rapids, Paddle Trails Canoe Club has great learning opportunities.
We offer a great set of courses for paddlers of almost all interests and abilities. We have excellent member-instructors who will focus on safety, helping you learn, but most importantly making sure you have a great time on the water.
Need more info? Contact the club training coordinators at training@paddletrails.org
Beginner classes
Children 12 and older accompanied by an adult are welcome if they are taking the class as a paddler.
Introduction to Canoeing Rivers: Spring Session, May 9-10, 2020
In this 2 day course, come learn about how moving water affects your boat. This is pre-whitewater, so we are covering some of the basics: entering and exiting current, paddle strokes, and being an active group member. Based on the time of year and cold water temperatures, a drysuit or wetsuit with dry top is required for safety. Canoes must be suitable for easy rivers and have flotation. Contact the training coordinators if have questions or you need to borrow equipment.
Difficulty: Class I – II
Cost is $50.00 per boat (solo or tandem)
Introduction to Canoeing Rivers: Summer Session, July 11 - 12, 2020
Note: Registration deadline is July 1.
In this 2 day course, come learn about how moving water affects your boat. This is pre-whitewater, so we are covering some of the basics: entering and exiting current, paddle strokes, and being an active group member. Canoes must be suitable for easy rivers and will need to be equipped with some flotation.
Difficulty: Class I – II
Cost is $50.00 per boat (solo or tandem)
Intermediate classes:
Introduction to Canoeing Whitewater: June 13 - 14, 2020
In this 2 day course, continue to practice whitewater skills while learning how to safely navigate obstacles and maneuver efficiently and effectively through a dynamic environment. You will learn more advanced skills and dynamic paddling techniques as well as individual and group strategies for navigating rapids. Students need to have boats that are designed and equipped for whitewater.
Difficulty: Class II+
Cost is $50.00 per boat (solo or tandem)
Other Paddling Clinics: 2020 Dates are TBD
Perfect for any skill level, from complete beginner to working on your roll! Hang out on a lake where you can practice in a no-pressure environment and get tips from other members.
We encourage members to hold these whenever convenient – lakes can be TBD!
Safety & General classes
Trip Coordinator Training: 2020 dates are TBD
Getting out on the water in our boats is the heart and soul of why Paddle Trails Canoe Club exists. Do you want to get your favorite river on the club trip schedule? As a trip coordinator of Paddle Trails Canoe Club, you can be sure you have a chance to paddle those sections with friends in the club.
This 1-day training will fill you in on what a trip coordinator does to pull off a successful club trip. To make this a fun event, we're going to integrate the training with a typical mellow (class I+ or easy II) river section. There will be several experienced trip coordinators who can help answer all your questions about what it takes to be a successful trip coordinator.
Part indoors, part outdoors
Cost is no charge
Canoeing Safety Clinic: 2020 dates are TBD
This class is offered by experienced club members, covering basics & unique scenarios in canoeing safely and being prepared. The class is partly indoors with theory & discussion, then outdoors to practice new skills.
Cost is no charge