SARP is a non profit society, registered in 2004. Originally, it only had one enthusiastic dragon boat team without a boat or assets. In 2006, the club moved forward dramatically with the purchase of two dragon boats, two Calmar 40 foot outrigger canoes and several kayaks. In 2006 we applied for and obtained a waterfront property lease with the City of Salmon Arm. On this location we built a fenced boating compound with a boat storage shelter and a 40 foot equipment and storage container. This was all made possible through generous individual, business, and corporate sponsorships including the City of Salmon Arm and Okanagan College. Many dedicated individuals generously contributed their skills, energy, time and materials to accomplish this goal. We now have a much needed home base for a Rowing and Paddling Centre at Canoe Beach Park to develop extended water recreational programs. SARP also continues to act as the manager of the Marine Park Dragon Boat Dock located at the Salmon Arm wharf (again provided by the City of Salmon Arm). Twin Anchors Houseboats also supports our society by generously providing additional needed docking spaces for the dragon boats in the summer.
Benefits to membership in SARP:
The most important benefit of membership in SARP is that you are part of a community oriented recreational society whose main goal is to promote not just individual team goals but recreational and lifestyle goals that benefit all members of the community as well as future generations.
We encourage and promote everyone to participate: men, women, and youth regardless of age, or prior experience or abilities. We have all women’s teams, mixed gender teams, seniors 55+ teams, youth teams and recreational kayak groups. Our goal is to provide you with all the instruction and equipment needed to participate in fun, enjoyable and above all safe activities in the water.
New friends are made health and fitness are improved, and new skills are learned though qualified experienced instructors and coaches. Learning to appreciate the quiet beauty of this unique environment in the Shuswap is a side benefit of getting out on the lake. If you are young and competitive we have lots of action for you both in the dragon boats and in the outrigger canoes. If you are 55+ and a little hesitant about keeping up then you’re likely perfect for our senior’s team. We will make you feel welcome and teach you all you need to know at a pace that is safe and comfortable for you. There is a paddling team for every need whether your goal is just to enjoy making new friends, getting out on the water, and improving your fitness or to be challenged in dragon boat festivals or marathons. There are now lots of different choices for you. Talk to us!!
Future Goals of SARP:
- Develop more Rowing and Paddling programs for youth
- Improve and maintain paddling home sites
- Deliver more instructional and coaches clinics
- Encourage volunteerism
- Liaise with community businesses and organizations
- Promote special events that will help encourage tourism in the Shuswap
- Continue to link with other Regional and Provincial Recreational societies
