Intro to kayaking (8-12 years)

COVID-19 update: safety is our number one concern. All equipment is disinfected between participants and physical distancing will be practiced on the water except where it would be unsafe to do so for emergency management. To ensure social distancing protocols can be maintained we will be enforcing a maximum group size of 5 participants to 1 instructor (two instructors available).

This 12 week (12 lessons) course is suitable for complete beginners aged 8-12 who want to learn to kayak. We start on flatwater at Cultus Lake and progress to paddling flatwater slalom gates at our Cedarwahl Farms slalom facility, with a fun community slalom race at the end of the program. Slalom gates are a great way to improve paddling skills in a safe environment and it’s lots of fun! Depending on the group, the weather and water levels, this course may include at one afternoon paddle on the lower Chilliwack river (all participants must demonstrate a calm wet exit and competent basic basic paddling skills as well as the ability to understand and avoid river hazards before being allowed on the river). All river paddles are weather, skills and water-level dependent.

Schedule: Wednesday 6.15-7.30pm (this is a 1 hour lesson plus ~15 minutes to gear up and get to the water)

Cost: Course fee $200 (includes club membership [$25] & 12 lessons, plus an end of program Cookie Race June 26th!!).

NOTE: If you do not wish to pay using Paypal, please email us for details about paying by e-transfer.

All equipment provided (kayak, helmet, paddle, PFD, spray skirt)

Please arrive 5-10 minutes early and ready to paddle.

PARKING at Cultus: We are able to park cars for free in front of the boathouse on the gravel. The parking lot around the boat house is for-fee and regularly patrolled. There is free parking around the strip mall on the opposite side of the street ("Plaza Parking" see https://www.cultuslake.bc.ca/parking/)

WHAT TO WEAR: YOU WILL GET WET!! Please check the forecast & dress for the weather. NO COTTON!! There are change rooms & washrooms at Cultus Lake but not at Cedarwal Farms Bathing suit or swim shorts

Towel, Shoes that can get wet and stay on your feet (no flipflops or crocs)

If you wear glasses (or sunglasses) they should have a tether or strap so you don't lose them in the water.

Extra dry clothes ** If you have a wetsuit, or neoprene clothing, this will be perfect for the river or for cold weather days!*

For a sunny & warm day: A synthetic long sleeve or light windproof layer in case you get cold when wet

For a wet/ cold day: Thin thermal base layer +/- fleece if very cold Rain jacket/ windproof layer (we do have some splash tops at the Boathouse at Cultus)

Wool socks will stay warm when wet