Do I have to buy a boat?
No, the club has a rental fleet of solo kayaks, solo canoes, a tandem (two person) kayak, a tandem river canoe and tandem rubber duck. The rental rates and policy are included in this package. There is rarely a shortage of boats for novice paddlers.
There are always potential risks, so safety is a top priority. On club trips, there is always an experienced leader in charge. We never allow paddlers to go on a section of river that they are not capable of, and safety equipment is always available. Novice paddlers are very closely watched, with a good experienced/novice paddler ratio on trips.
What if my kayak flips over and I can't roll up?
(The most common question). Simple. You get out of the boat. If on a river, a rescuer paddles over and you grab his/her boat and get towed to shore. This is very common, especially on early season trips. The first thing new kayakers are taught in the pool is the "Wet Exit", which is the hanging-upside-down-and-getting-out-of-the-boat-under-water part. Most people can wet exit and be breathing air again in four or five seconds. Students are also taught rescue methods that don't require wet exits. Also students are taught how to roll up with out getting out the the boat. Go here to see the steps involved.
Back to the topWhere do we paddle?
Several sections of the Athabasca, McLeod and Wild Hay Rivers are suitable for novices. As skills progress, more difficult (read "more fun") sections of the above, plus the Maligne, Whirlpool, Fraser, Brazeau and other rivers are used. Typically, novice trips go on Friday evenings, meeting at the Strokers' Clubhouse (Valley Scout Hall, across from The Brick) at 5:30 p.m.
Modern plastic kayaks cost $900 to $1600 new. Some used boats may be available, possibly as low as $100, depending on condition. Canoes range from about $400 to over $2000.
How many lessons are there? The formal kayak lessons consist of three one-hour pool sessions, two 1 1/2 hour sessions, a lake lesson and a static river lesson. This is only the structured, formal part of the lessons. The learning process continues throughout the season with river trips suited to novice paddlers. These are led by experienced paddlers who are always willing to help you learn and perfect new skills.
The club provides most equipment for the pool sessions, but there are a couple of things you may want to bring. When you are hanging upside down in the kayak (part of the learning process), you will find it more comfortable to wear a nose plug. Some people like to wear a wetsuit in the pool for a little extra warmth, and to make the boats fit better, but this is optional.
When the class goes out to the lake (sometime in April or May), the water will be cold. Here a wetsuit is recommended. Most paddlers wear a "farmer-john" style sleeveless wetsuit, with a paddling jacket or other sturdy windbreaker such as a K-way pullover. Under this, for insulation, you can't beat a pure wool sweater. It keeps you warm even when soaking wet. Some modern fleece fabrics also claim to insulate when wet. A cotton sweatshirt or T-shirt has no insulating value when wet and should be avoided. Wool sweaters can often be found at garage sales or the Share Shop for a few dollars. For the layer next to your skin, polypropylene (Lifa) or other modern wicking underwear adds another degree of warmth by keeping moisture away from the skin. A wet suit jacket is also suitable in place of the sweater/jacket combination, but some paddlers find them restrictive. On the hands, the cheapest is household rubber gloves. They keep the wind off and come in all those great colors. Wet suit gloves are available, as are paddling pogies (ask your instructor). To keep feet warm and protected, neoprene wetsuit boots are ideal, but good wool socks in some old runners work well, but runners can sometimes be too big in the boat. A personal floatation device (PFD) is required at all times on lakes and rivers, and a whistle must be attached to it.
When on the river, all the above must be worn, plus a suitable helmet. Special kayaking helmets or hockey helmets provide excellent protection. If you wear eyeglasses, be sure to have a good strap to hold them on. A water bottle is recommended on all trips and is essential on hot days. If you are having trouble finding something, ask one of the instructors. They usually know what is available to be borrowed, but be sure to make arrangements well ahead of the lake sessions. The club does have some of the above equipment for members' use. Blue Lake Adventure Lodge may be able to rent wetsuits, PFDs and helmets. Call them at 865-4741.