If you're interested in taking Paddle Canada Sea Kayak Level 1 course please register for this event to express your interest. This is the wait list for VCKC members interested in taking this course. Once we have a group interested we will then schedule course dates, arrange for payment of course fees. This is a 2 day course with an outing off of the Gorge. Course fee will be $185

For more details on what is covered in Sea Kayak Level 1 course, please go to Paddle Canada's website HERE 

Once a course has been scheduled you will have the opportunity to register for it. Potential registration is based on the length of time you have been on the waitlist. We are trying to ensure that the process is fair to all members. To guarantee your spot in the confirmed course date you must pay the invoice when registering for a course (NOT NOW but please join the waitlist).

Come join us for the annual Spring Clean-up at the clubhouse.  Tasks include smartening up the outdoor spaces of the clubhouse, deck washing, BBQ cleaning, gutter cleaning, window washing and more. In addition we will be doing a thorough cleaning of the interior including meeting rooms, kitchen and storage areas.

We will also be making an effort to gather up abandoned member items from around the clubhouse and put them in a central area for reclamation.  Items such as: hats, gloves, shoes, boots or whatever isn't owned by VCKC.  If these items go unclaimed after 30 days we will donate or dispose of them.

More information to follow about what to bring.  If you have any questions, contact Gord Evans by email to:  clubhouse@vckc.ca

GWI using Clubhouse for their meeting

VYPC Open House Youth Paddle

The VYPC will be using our facilities during this time period.

Phil McEvoy, President VCKC

presidentvckc@gmail.com

VCKC Members - Would you like to get out on the water in a social paddle with Sea Kayak, Canoe or other paddling crafts? Perhaps practice some of your skills? 

Join us on Wednesday evening for a social paddle. No need to register, just show up, making sure you've reserved your boat if necessary etc. 

Aiming to get on the water at 530pm. 

Note - this is not a formal instructional event. But typically senior experience or instructor level paddlers will be on hand, happy to support skills practice etc. 

 This is the Basic Kayak Course for individuals new to the sport, never been certified, or who wish to retake the course they have taken previously with the club.  Cost for this course is $85. For more details on what is covered go to Paddle Canada's website 

https://www.paddlecanada.com/levels/sea-kayak/basic-kayak-skills/ 

and scroll down 

Please note that there will be a pre-session for this course during the week before the course on Monday, May 5, 2025 at 6:30 pm in the clubhouse.

If you are sick at the time of the course and cannot attend we will reschedule you for future courses. If this happens, please let us know so we can ask people on the waitlist.

All aspects of the kayak session will be outside so be sure to dress appropriately. Participants will require appropriate immersion clothing, which will include, a wet or dry suit as you will be in the water for the recovery session. The Gorge will be cold at any time of the year. Sports Rent can rent you a wetsuit.

All other equipment will be supplied.

Payment must be received at the time of booking your spot or it will not be guaranteed.

There are limited places for purchasing food around the Club so it is best that you bring lunch, snacks, and beverages for the day as breaks are short.

This is the minimum level course required to be registered on the booking system, if you do not have proof of previous certification. 

Save this date to learn and review safety skills necessary for paddling on water!

More details will follow closer to this event date. 

VCKC Safety  Day will be June 1st at the Clubhouse and in the Gorge.

 Each program area is being asked to participate. Programs are encouraged to use this day to practise team and individual rescues.There will be safety clinics and  activities for members and the general public. 

The Safety Committee 

Ellie James

Cel: 250-885-8030

elliej6172@gmail.com

 This is the Basic Kayak Course for individuals new to the sport, never been certified, or who wish to retake the course they have taken previously with the club.  Cost for this course is $85. For more details on what is covered go to Paddle Canada's website 

https://www.paddlecanada.com/levels/sea-kayak/basic-kayak-skills/ 

and scroll down 

Please note that there will be a pre-session for this course during the week before the course on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at 6:30 pm in the clubhouse.

If you are sick at the time of the course and cannot attend we will reschedule you for future courses. If this happens, please let us know so we can ask people on the waitlist.

All aspects of the kayak session will be outside so be sure to dress appropriately. Participants will require appropriate immersion clothing, which will include, a wet or dry suit as you will be in the water for the recovery session. The Gorge will be cold at any time of the year. Sports Rent can rent you a wetsuit.

All other equipment will be supplied.

Payment must be received at the time of booking your spot or it will not be guaranteed.

There are limited places for purchasing food around the Club so it is best that you bring lunch, snacks, and beverages for the day as breaks are short.

This is the minimum level course required to be registered on the booking system, if you do not have proof of previous certification. 

Remembrance Day Paddle on the Cowichan

The VCKC Canoe program will be participating in the annual community event - Remembrance Day Cowichan River Paddle on Tuesday November 11 with participation from the South Island Whitewater and UVic Paddling Clubs. 

There may be some short speeches and a reading of “Flanders Field” before a minute of silence at the Burma Star Memorial at Stolz pool at 11AM sharp. The Memorial is at Stolz Pool in Cowichan River Provincial Park dedicated in memory of all who lost their lives in the WW11 Burma Campaign. It is known as the “Forgotten Army”. Many paddlers leave a poppy at the Memorial.

Interested VCKC paddlers are required to have RCABC Moving Water 1 or equivalent (must confirm with the event organizer),  James McBeath at canoe@vckc.ca or 250-208-1216

VCKC members may book a canoe@vckc.ca if a canoe is needed. Everyone who books a canoe must assist in outfitting the canoe with proper safety gear and floatation. A time will be scheduled before the event.

Although there will be individual volunteers who will lead groups down the river, each canoe is expected to be responsible for outfitting their canoe and be comfortable with their paddling skills on Grade 1-2 water.

Car shuttles will be setup first and arranged at Gibs N Dots 9:30AM on the morning of the 11th.

This event is very dependent on water levels so everyone who registers will be kept informed.

Any questions or concerns please contact  James McBeath at canoe@vckc.ca or 250-208-1216.

This is a great river event for both novice and experienced river paddlers alike. If you completed one of our Moving Water courses in the past 2 years, this is a great opportunity to hone your skills while having lots of fun on the river during salmon run. As always, helmets and immersion gear are mandatory for running rivers.