Improving your paddling technique helps increase the efficiency of your stroke, allows you to paddle longer and increases your ability to respond to changes in water or weather conditions. The correct paddle length is also important to effectively and efficiently move the kayak in the water.
Dorthea Hoffman has agreed to conduct paddle stroke clinics for members on Saturday mornings. The clinic will give the opportunity for new and experienced paddlers to develop and improve their techniques. If you have your own kayak and paddle it is best to bring them to the clinic. If you require a club kayak contact kayakbookings@vckc.ca
Each clinic will be limited to six (6) paddlers to allow for individual attention. Dorthea will include paddling with the Greenland paddle for interested parties as well.
Clinic are open to any member who has completed the Basic Kayak Course.
Pre registration is required and the cost is $15.
This course is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of kayaking first on flat water and then applying these skills to in moving water It is suitable for people with little or no previous kayaking experience, who are confident in water and willing to get wet. The course has theory components that will cover understanding and reading the river in addition to kayak maneuvering skills. All skills are initially taught on flatwater (non-moving), including rescue techniques. Many of these skills are the building blocks for rolling your kayak, which takes considerable practice to master. We will spend a little time introducing this skill prior to moving onto class 1 moving water on Day 2 of the moving water course but recommend that you take one of our rolling courses or clinics to further develop this skill.
Day 1 Flat Water Skills
This day covers all the components of the Paddle Canada Flat water Skills for river kayaking (8 hrs)
We will take time to complete all paperwork, understand boat design and kayak outfitting, preparing for cold water and appropriate protection clothing and communication signals. Our on - water session will begin with wet exits and Bow – rescues, along with other rescue skills, to provide you with confidence in the water and kayak. This sets you up to develop confidence and enhance your learning of skills and on moving water (day 2). You will learn about balance and posture for paddling, the basic strokes required including: Sweep, forward, backward paddling, edging, low and high braces, draws, rudder strokes – stern draw and stern pry and forward ferry. We will also learn the rudiments of rolling, river trip planning and river hydrology and hazards to avoid.
Day 2 Moving water skills
This day when taken in addition to Day 1 (Flat Water Skills) covers the Paddle Canada Beginner River Kayak Skills
Today, we will begin by setting up transportation at out take out location, review river safety, and spend some time transferring the flat water skills learnt on day one for river running, before beginning our journey down an easy flowing section of the river, where we will continue to practice and use all these skills. These include: Ferrying, eddying in and out and an introduction to surfing small waves and leaning to swim and perform rescues in slow moving water.
Members who have competed the Paddle Canada level 1 Kayak course are invited to join this list of potential members interested in accessing a clinic to practice rolling techniques. An instructor or experienced kayaker will be on had to assist.
Hi VCKC Kayakers and Canoeists,
We're going to be headed to Cole Island in Esquimalt Harbour for a day trip on Saturday November 7 2020. Our trip starts at the VCKC Clubhouse. We'll paddle up the Gorge to the Shoreline launch. Then, we'll strap wheels to our boats and pull them across an easy 1km portage to Portage Park. We'll do a little exploring around Esquimalt Harbour and then to Cole Island for lunch. Cole Island has a low dock landing which is friendly for kayakers. We'll have people to hold your boat if you are unsure about a dock landing. Cole Island has numerous historic buildings to check out. After lunch we'll head back to Portage Park following the opposite shoreline, revisit the portage, and paddle down the Gorge back to the clubhouse.
Cole Island does not have washroom facilities
Optional wet exit and rescue training to finish off the trip.
Click here to see our route
Paddle Distance: approx 10 km (5.4nm )
Portage Distance: approx 2 km
Capacity: Max of 8 boats
Trip Leaders:
Mike Teachman (leading 10am group) David Dorosz (leading 11am group)
Mike Teachman (leading 10am group)
David Dorosz (leading 11am group)
Skill Level and Experience: Beginner
Participants will have certification (or equiv skills) of:
Paddle Canada Kayak Basic or RCABC Canoe Lakewater 1
Paddle Canada Kayak Basic
or
RCABC Canoe Lakewater 1
If you are unsure about the suitability of your skills, equipment or clothing, please contact a trip leader for advice prior to the paddle date.
The Plan (please read carefully):
Group 1 (10am start): Led by Mike Teachman
Our aim is to have everyone on the water by 10:00 AM Please arrive at the VCKC clubhouse by 9:30 am. We anticipate being back to the clubhouse around 2:00 pm Group 2 (11am start): Led by David Dorosz Our aim is to have everyone on the water by 11:00 AM Please arrive at the VCKC clubhouse by 10:30 am. We anticipate being back to the clubhouse around 3:00 pm Canoe Registration:
Our aim is to have everyone on the water by 10:00 AM
Please arrive at the VCKC clubhouse by 9:30 am.
We anticipate being back to the clubhouse around 2:00 pm
Group 2 (11am start): Led by David Dorosz
Our aim is to have everyone on the water by 11:00 AM
Please arrive at the VCKC clubhouse by 10:30 am.
We anticipate being back to the clubhouse around 3:00 pm
Canoe Registration:
All canoeists need to register. Please indicate your paddle partner's name, if you know.
What to Bring
Canoe/Kayak Cart: Every boat will need a kayak/canoe cart. The club has 3 carts that can be borrowed. They will be allocated based on the order that people register for the event. Many club members have carts that can likely be borrowed.
Canoe/Kayak Cart: Every boat will need a kayak/canoe cart.
The club has 3 carts that can be borrowed. They will be allocated based on the order that people register for the event. Many club members have carts that can likely be borrowed.
Safety Gear: Boats must carry the following safety equipment. PDF for each person (worn) whistle bailing device e.g. pump or bailer throw rope painter on both ends (canoeists only) spare paddle (canoeists only) Lunch: We'll be stopping for lunch at Cole Island. There are no toilets (but many bushes)
Safety Gear: Boats must carry the following safety equipment.
Lunch: We'll be stopping for lunch at Cole Island. There are no toilets (but many bushes)
What to Wear
This is a nearshore ocean paddle. As a minimum you will need to wear synthetic based clothing such as polypropylene, nylon, or wool. .
When was the last time you flipped your kayak or canoe and practiced getting out and then back in? There will be no better time and conditions to practice this skill than right at the end of our trip, in the area in front of the clubhouse. This is 100% optional for everyone There is no pressure at all to participate. Usually this is fun with a lot of laughs. Mike will offer to get wet if someone volunteers to rescue him.
Participants are asked to bring a face mask and hand sanitizer in case either is required. We will maintain recommended Covid distances at all times during the event In order to be eligible to participate you will have attended an orientation session on the Covid protocols and signed a waiver.
If you need to borrow a club boat
send an email request to:
kayakbooking@vckc.ca
canoebooking@vckc.ca
Trip Contacts
Mike Teachman mike.teachman@gmail.com home: 250 598 6866 text: 250 507 5673 David Dorosz david.dorosz@shaw.ca home: 250 508 2030
Mike Teachman
mike.teachman@gmail.com
home: 250 598 6866
text: 250 507 5673
David Dorosz
david.dorosz@shaw.ca
home: 250 508 2030
355 Gorge Road West Victoria, BC, V9A 1M9
Tide / Current
Inner Harbour / Local Marine
