Welcome to the 2010 season of flatwater kayaking with the Shuswap Rowing and Paddling club. This will be our 5th season of operation. Our kayak program is based out of the SARP rowing and paddling centre situated beside the Canoe Beach boat launch ramp near the new water treatment plant. We welcome all ages to join our program and learn how to kayak via both peer sharing and certified instructors.
The cost per adult is $40 for a SARP membership plus $15 to register in the kayak program. There is an additional cost for courses (see Kayak Instruction). Some seminars and instructional events are included as part of the membership.
What does the kayaking program include?
Kayaking Instruction at all levels.
Our instructors are both certified with many years of experience in both flatwater and white water kayaking (we only offer flatwater). We start in April with Introduction to Kayaking in the SASCU recreation pool and offer courses throughout most of the summer in area lakes and rivers. We offer both Paddle Canada and SARP level courses.
Kayaks and Equipment:
SARP owns a limited number of kayaks and equipment that are available to our members with some restrictions. These are mainly available for teaching and some group day tripping. They are there for new kayakers to use in order get a better idea of their enthusiasm level and personal needs, before purchasing boats and equipment of their own. It is a first come first serve basis for the boats. We do not rent kayaks.
Weekly Drop Ins
SARP will provide an opportunity for kayakers to participate in the weekly drop ins that are set up at the Canoe Beach facility. Our drop ins are for group tripping and provide a gentle introduction to the kayaking experience lead by an experienced member of the club. These will take place as soon as the season/weather allows us up until the end of June. We may provide a couple of drop ins at Canoe in July or August depending on the availability of a kayak leader volunteer to provide this service. Up to two guests are allowed to paddle at Canoe only. However, members take priority on the use of our kayaks. Guests will also be charged $20 for the use of the kayaks and equipment.
Group Day Trips
SARP members explored 10 different regional lakes last season and several rivers. Various areas of the Shuswap and Mara were paddled numerous times over the summer. We paddle, picnic, explore, enjoy the incredible scenery and wildlife, and make new friends on these trips.
Members must have taken a basic Introduction to Kayaking before they can participate in these outings. Learning self and assisted rescue techniques beforehand is a requirement that is important to all concerned on these trips. However, ultimately, all members are responsible for their own safety and well being when participating in these group outings.
No guests are allowed on these day trips for the above reason.
Members without boats:
SARP has a kayak trailer that is used for some group outings on a limited basis. We will transport 6 kayaks to White Lake, Gardom Lake and Shuswap Lake at the Salmon Arm wharf ramp entrance only on occasion. Otherwise, members will need to buy or borrow a kayak for any other group day trip. We strongly encourage members to invest in a boat and equipment if they would like to participate in as many of the day trips as possible.
Overnight Group Trips
Members will need their own kayak, appropriate equipment and must have achieved the necessary skill level.
In the past, we have completed overnight trips to Sugar Lake, Murtle Lake and Humamilt Lake. This year we are considering trips such as the Bowron Lake chain, Clearwater lakes, and some Kooteney area lakes.
Join us and get to see and enjoy some of the many regional lakes and rivers up close and personal. You won’t know what you are missing until you try it.
Coordinators:
Gwen Martinuk
Phone: (250) 832-8643
Email: gwen1@sunwave.net
Carol Green
Phone: (250) 832-0207
Email: carolgreen@sunwave.net
