CR Paddlers - Wednesday Night Paddle FAQ

2) What does it cost to join?
Currently it costs $15 per year for an individual or family.

3) Do I need any special abilities to join?
Yes, you must have enough knowledge that you are not endangering yourself or your fellow paddlers.

4) Do I need to be a member before I join a club paddle?
No, Please come out and be our guest. We would be happy to see your smiling face. You can see what we do and make your decision.

5) What skills do I require before I come out?
The very minimum requirement is that you are able to do a wet exit and an assisted entry prior to going out.
No one wants to get wet but it can happen. These skills are very easy to learn and can be acquired by simply taking a professionally taught Paddle Canada Course.

6) Will the club train me?
The club does not have a mandate to train new kayakers due to insurance and liability issues. The club can facilitate the training of new members by arranging for a basic skills course to be taught by certified instructors in the spring of each year. It is the member's responsibility to pay for the course and take the training. If you are unable to make this training, the CR Paddlers website will direct you to Certified Instructors who you can hire at a more convenient time for your schedule.

7) Does the club supply boats and gear?
No. If you are coming out you need to supply your own. You may be able to borrow one from a friend or ideally you can rent one from a kayak retailer who will also supply you with all the required gear for safe paddling.

8) What gear do I need to participate?
In order to go on a group paddle you should have the following: a boat, two paddles, a PFD, a spray skirt, a pump, drinking water, a paddle float, a throw or tow rope and after dunk clothes in a water tight bag.
Although it is unlikely you will need most of this on a Wednesday night paddle it is just good practice to have this stuff with you for the just in case situations whenever you go out as mother nature can be fickle and life is full of  "Murphy's Law" situations.

9) How often do you go out?
We try to go out as a group every Wednesday from April to September depending on the weather. These are fair weather social paddles.

10) How long are the paddles?
Most paddles are from 2 to 4 hours depending on the launch site and hours of sunlight.

11) What time do the paddles start?
Most paddles start at 6:30 PM but that may depend on the destination or launch point. If you are going to participate you must be ready and in your boat at the scheduled time. Be early and help others with their boats, and get to know your fellow paddlers; after all these are designed as social paddles.
If you are late you will not be part of the group; tides and currents don't wait and your tardiness can put the whole experience at risk.
BE ON TIME OR WE WON'T HAVE THE PLEASURE OF YOUR COMPANY UNTIL NEXT TIME

12) What level of fitness do I need to participate?
We have all levels of fitness from athletes to those with age related issues and constraints. The key is that no matter what your age, you must be able to paddle at a leisurely pace for an hour without getting out of your boat.
Some paddles require that you will be in your boat for longer periods of time but these will be indicated in the trip description.

13) What happens if I can't keep up?
We work on a buddy system so you will have someone with you. The trip leader will be informed and the pace will slow if required and members of the group will lend assistance. These paddles are about getting out on the water, and taking time to "smell the roses" not about reaching a certain destination at a certain speed.

14) What happens after the paddle?
Weather permitting, we usually have a bit of a social which may be a tail-gate type gathering after the boats are all stowed, a fire and wiener roast on the beach or a get together at a pub or restaurant. It is recommended but not required that you have a snack and beverage of your choice for the after paddle get together.

15) Are there any extended day trips?
The club often has more extensive day trips. These trips are usually on the weekend and would require that your skills are up to the level of the trip. If you are not sure if your skills are sufficient to the trip then one of the more experienced paddlers would be happy to have you demonstrate your skills and see if the trip would be appropriate for you.
The key here is that we all want to have a good time out on the water and not have our lack of skills in any given situation put others at risk or have others always worried about us and take away from their enjoyment.

16) Are there over night and multi day trips?
Some members of the club do extended trips, however these are usually by invitation to those of a particular skill set and limited to small groups which often includes members who are not in the club.