2023 Programs

 

Our outdoor programs run June, July and August at Nadsilnich Lake (West Lake Provincial Park).

 

Our indoor programs run Sept - May at the local PG Pool.

 

Our club membership includes basic paddler insurance, member only events, and use of our equipment during drop-in programs.

 

Our program fees include the use of our boats, paddles, safety equipment, lifejackets, facility rental fees, and instruction in small groups.

 

2023 club membership

 

All paddlers must register as a member except those registering for a Try-It Day, Open House, or Community Group Program.

 

Club Membership Cost:

• persons 6 - 17 years old $20
• persons 18+ years old $50

 

Club membership includes:

• paddling insurance
• invitation to three Members Only Special Events
  • Season-Opener Learn to Paddle session at West Lake Saturday June 3rd 2023
  • Fathers Day Learn to Paddle session at West Lake Sunday June 18th 2023
  • July Travel Paddle session (the club will travel with a select # of boats and equipment to an alternate local lake)
  • End-of-Season celebration at West Lake Sunday August 27th 2023
• Members-Only Drop-In at West Lake
  • Sunday afternoons (June, July, August)
  • Thursday evenings (July & August)
  • Drop-in Fee
    • $10 per hour per canoe (includes paddle, lifejacket, safety equipment)
    • $5 per hour per kayak (includes paddle, lifejacket, safety equipment)

 

Members Only Special Events

• Adult members and Minor members can use the boats and equipment during the event at no charge
• Minors cannot use the boats by themselves unless under the supervision of an adult member or on a staff guided paddle session.
• Staff will provide basic paddle and water / boat safety instruction.
• Staff will provide short guided paddle sessions for Minor and Adult members.
• All minors must be accompanied and supervised by an adult during the event.
• Pre-Registration is encouraged due to the limited number of boats, without pre-registration the event is first-come-first-served.
• Full details are included with the registration and waiver.

 

Members Only Drop-In Sunday and Thursday

• Members may use the boats and equipment at West Lake Provincial Park during the drop-in hours for a small hourly fee.
• All minors must be accompanied and supervised by an Adult member. 
• The Adult member(s) are responsible for the actions and safety of their party.
• All members must wear lifejackets, use all required safety equipment, follow all safety protocals, load and unload the boats and gear from the equipment shed, and follow the instructions and directions of staff members.
• Staff members will be on-site during drop-in hours to provide assistance with selecting the correct size lifejacket, paddle etc but will provide no paddle instruction or supervision of participants.
• There are no lifeguards at West Lake.
• Pre-Registration is encouraged due to the limited number of boats, without pre-registration the event is first-come-first-served.
• Full details are included with the registration and waiver.

 

Try-It Days, Open Houses, Community Groups

Registration and participation in a Try-It Day, Open House or through a Community Group program does not include membership in the Club. Insurance coverage is provided as part of the fee for the program or included as part of the event. Participants are welcome to become members to enjoy the benefits.

 

 

selecting the right program

 

Below is a rough guideline to helping your choose the most suitable program for yourself or your child.

 

Paddling, especially outdoors, requires skill sets that aren't always necessary in a sport restricted to a field or an indoor arena or court. When the weather changes suddenly, we teach the kids how to reasses the risks and make decisions. When waves and circumstance have their boats going the wrong way, we teach them to adapt to the conditions and change their techniques. And we emphasize skill development through fun activities and scenarios.

 

Friendships that develop from team work, confidence that comes from successfully facing a challenge, and a lifelong enjoyment of being outdoors and out on the water are the rewards of this amazing sport.

 

Age ranges are guidelines because not all children develop at the same rate or share the same interests. Our paddling programs look very different from standard sports where the focus is on drills and competition - so if you are not sure which program to select, do feel free to contact us - we would love to help you!

 

One final note - most of our kayaks are sized for children but not all children are the same size. Our kayaks have a cockpit - which is a roundish opening that the child sits inside. The size of the cockpit, the width of the seat and the length of the kayak all are important in knowing if your child will be comfortable paddling for more than 10 minutes. The measurements of the boats are included in the details of the program. If you are unsure, you are welcome to contact us for more details. We want all children to have a positive experience - but since some of the kayaks are more than $3000 each, we are unable to keep an inventory of all boat sizes in all boat styles.

 

 

2023 Try-It Days

 

We offer all kids the opportunity to explore the world of paddling thru a free 20min paddling experience. This is a great way to understand what a canoe or kayak can feel like and spark the pleasure of paddling. These programs are held at the Lake and at the Pool.

 

Dates:

• Dates are being planned

 

• Cost Free. All Equipment Provided.

• No Prerequistes required, but basic swimming skills are encouraged

 

 

2023 Youth  & Community Groups

 

Custom paddling sessions designed for youth-based community groups looking to include an outdoor sport activity in their program. Groups up to 10 children, ages 7-16 years old, plus their leader(s) can come for one-time paddles or a multi-week sessions. 

 

• Cost Based on Program type

• No Prerequistes required, but basic swimming skills are encouraged

• Our canoes can accomodate most youths and adults

• Our kayaks may not accomodate all youths nor most adults due to the size of the cockpit, width of the seat and length of the boat. Details are generally noted in a program description or contact us for specifics.

 

2023 GUIDED canoe Paddle

 

Looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon or evening at the lake? Come out for a 2 hour canoe paddling session which includes basic paddle stroke instruction and a guided tour around the shoreline and into open water to explore this beautiful lake. 

 

• Cost $40 for 2 Adults; $35 for 1 Adult and 1 child

  • Add up to 4 adults for $10 each
  • Add up to 4 children for $5 each
• Club Membership required for all participants

• Guided tour with a coach.

• Basic water and boat safety and paddling strokes will be covered.

• Not recommended for children/adults with no swimming or lifejacket experience.

• Our canoes can accomodate most youths and adults.

 

2023 Learn to Paddle basics

 

This 1 hour program introduces kids to paddling in a variety of boats as well as covering basic water and boat safety topics. Suitable for new paddlers or those who have used a kayak a couple times but with no formal paddle stroke training. 

 

• Cost per paddler: $10

• Club Membership Required.

• No previous paddling experience required.

• Paddlers should be comfortable swimming whilst wearing a lifejacket.

• Fridays in June, July and August.

• Or book by request (min 6 paddlers, max 10)

• Our canoes can accomodate most youths and adults

• Our kayaks may not accomodate all youths nor most adults due to the size of the cockpit, width of the seat and length of the boat. Details are generally noted in a program description or contact us for specifics.

 

 

Adults looking to Learn to Paddle (canoe & kayak) can inquire w Rick from Backwater Paddling

 

2023 Fun Paddle

 

Kids can sign up for a 1, 2 or 3 hour Paddle Sessions. This program incorporates games and activities to build on existing paddling skills and have fun exploring the shoreline (1hr) and across open water (2hr, 3hr). Kids will develop their confidence, and endurance in paddling canoes and kayaks.

 

• Cost per paddler: $15 for 1 hour, $28 for 2 hours, and $38 for 3 hours.

• Club Membership Required.

• Paddlers should have a basic knowledge of paddling and be comfortable swimming whilst wearing a lifejacket.

• Book this session by request - min. participants 2, max participants 10.

• Looking for a Birthday Party Event?  We can run a 2 or 3 hour paddle session at West Lake and you can bring the cake!

• Our canoes can accomodate most youths and adults

• Our kayaks may not accomodate all youths nor most adults due to the size of the cockpit, width of the seat and length of the boat. Details are generally noted in a program description or contact us for specifics..

 

2023  DISCOVER PADDLING CAMPS (learn to Paddle)

 

Paddlers 6-11 years old looking to develop basic paddling skills, learn some fun water games, explore the park, have some swim/beach time, play games and make crafts will enjoy this outdoor day camp at the lake.

 

Dates:

• Monday - Friday 10am-4pm
• July 31st - Aug 4th
• Aug 14th - Aug 18th
• Aug 21st - Aug 25

 

Requirements: Paddlers do not need to have experience paddling but need to be comfortable in the water and have some basic experience being in a boat/canoe/kayak/sup. Kids can always take a 1 hour Learn to Paddle program first.

 

• Cost per paddler: $375 per week.

• Club Membership Required.

• No previous paddling experience required.

• Paddlers should be comfortable swimming whilst wearing a lifejacket.

• Before / After care available by request.

• Our canoes can accomodate most youths and adults

• Our kayaks may not accomodate all youths nor most adults due to the size of the cockpit, width of the seat and length of the boat. Details are generally noted in a program description or contact us for specifics.

 

 

2023 ADVENTURE PADDLE (LEARN TO TRAIN)

 

Paddlers 9-14 years old looking to expand their paddling skills in a variety of boats, play land and water based games, increase their fitness, speed and endurance and learn co-operative play, will enjoy this Learn to Train program. All paddlers will learn to paddle canoes and kayaks. Paddlers will navigate their boats in open water, thru wake and enjoy games and paddling challenges. 

 

Commitment: 3 hours per day for 4 consecutive weeks (one month).

 

Dates: Saturdays in July and August

 

Requirements: Paddlers do not need to have experience paddling our "banana" boats but should have entry level Paddle Skills that allow them to paddle for at least 15mins continuously and swim 50m unassisted.

 

• Cost per paddler: $185 per month.

• Club Membership Required.

• This program is for the recreational paddler, those interested in advancing to the Technical Paddling (Train-to-Train) program, and those interested in racing in Regattas including the BC Summer Games 2024 in Maple Ridge

• Our canoes can accomodate most youths and adults

• Our kayaks may not accomodate all youths nor most adults due to the size of the cockpit, width of the seat and length of the boat. Details are generally noted in a program description or contact us for specifics.

 

2024 BC Summer Games Camps (K1/C1/k2/C2/C4)

 

Paddlers born 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 interested in joining the Prince George 2024 Team to complete in the Maple Ridge BC Summer Games will focus on the technical skills required to paddle K1/K2 kayaks and C1/C2/C4 canoes and Canoe / Kayak Polo.

 

Dates:

• Kayak Polo Camps will be held during Spring 2024
• Sprint Kayak and Canoe Camps will be held during June 2024