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  • Tour de Beaver & Elk Lakes

Tour de Beaver & Elk Lakes

  • 30 May 2021
  • 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
  • Beaver Beach, Beaver Lake Park
  • 0

Registration


Registration is closed

Hi VCKC Kayakers and Canoeists,

Let's get together (Covid safely, of course) on Sunday, May 30th for a day trip paddle around Beaver and Elk Lakes.  A lake (flat-water) paddle is a great opportunity to practice new skills or brush up on old ones.  The total distance around the perimeter of both lakes is approximately 10 kilometres (5.3 nautical miles) which makes for about 2.5 hours of paddling time.  If anyone wants to practice exit & reentry skills or rescue skills there'll be opportunity to do so back at Beaver Beach at the conclusion of the circle tour.

There's lots of shoreline to paddle, and some great photo opportunities.  Resident bald eagles often perch in the trees or soar around the lake looking for a quick meal.  Frogs and tadpoles can be found in among the lily-pads and the occasional trout has been known to be seen jumping.

Here's a CRD map of Beaver & Elk Lake Park >>clicky link<<.  We'll meet on Beaver Beach at 9:45am to be on the water for 10:30am.  There are washroom & change room facilities near the parking lot, which is in turn only a short distance to the beach.  As a short distance paddle there won't be any rest / meal breaks, so bring a good supply of drinking water and a snack to eat along the way.

With a lake paddle there are no currents or tides to contend with, so the trip will proceed rain or shine.  Only unfavourable winds (or an algae bloom or an outright park closure) would cause cancellation of the trip.  This trip is open to solo kayakers and tandem canoeists.  Canoe partners must be members living in the same household.

Registration Note:  All registrants will be first put on a waitlist and then notified when they are added to the trip.  Click on "Join Waitlist" to register

Paddle Distance 9.5 KM  (5.3 NM) Paddle Route Counter-clockwise circuit.

Capacity:  20 Paddlers

Trip LeaderCraig Thomson (Pod 1)  Vince Geisler (Pod 2)

Skill Level and Experience Relaxed

Participants will have certification (or equiv skills) of:

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):

Our aim is to have both Pod #1 and Pod #2 on the water by 10:30am.

Pods #1 & #2: Please arrive at Beaver Beach, Beaver Lake Park by 9:45am. 

We anticipate being back to the launch by 1:30pm

What to Bring

Safety Gear:  Boats must carry the following safety equipment. 

  • PFD for each person (worn)
  • whistle
  • bailing device e.g. pump or bailer
  • throw rope
  • painter on both ends (canoeists only)
  • spare paddle (canoeists only)
  • optional but recommended: paddle float ... especially if you want to practice self-entry skills after the circle tour (kayaks only)

Lunch:  There is no lunch or rest stop planned.

What to Wear

This is a fresh water lake paddle in a fairly shallow lake. As a minimum you will need to wear synthetic clothing. 

Parking

Lots of free parking at Beaver Beach in Beaver Lake Park.  (See the map)

Covid-19 safety

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.

Club Boats

All club kayaks and canoes have been reserved for this trip.  You don't need to contact the booking volunteers at this time.

You are responsible for picking up, securing, transporting and returning the boat to/from the launch site. The trip leader will NOT be attending the clubhouse.

Trip Contacts

Craig Thomson

Email:  seakayak.craig@gmail.com
Phone & Text:   250.213.2507 

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