Clubs are the Future

December 1997 - January 1998

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.

by David Blacoe

More and more people are searching out clubs to learn how to kayak, to get introduced to the local paddling fraternity or just to have fun.

Recreational clubs have contributed much to the growth of the sport of Sea Kayaking. Clubs offer people the chance to grow at their own pace, paddle with more experienced kayakers, and find individuals who enjoy the same things they do. A club can offer pools sessions, flat water instruction, navigation course, survival skills, swift water rescue training, deep sea rescues, leadership training, the opportunity to help with symposiums, training with the Coast Guard and more. It is all there for the people who want it and have the desire to learn.

A club provides a sense of community and usually depends on the volunteer efforts of a few dedicated individuals to lead the activities. Some clubs like to take a casual approach to kayaking. Others will do more training and skills oriented activities. And some will do a little of both. The number and type of activities depends on who is coordinating the sea kayaking events and the skill level of the coordinators.

The lifeline of the club is of course the club newsletter. It informs the membership about trips, courses, upcoming events and more. A good portion of club dues usually goes toward publication.

In the past, sea kayakers were counter-culture individuals who could live off the land and knew how to survive in the wilderness. Now people from all walks of life are attracted to the sport. I meet doctors, lawyers, computer professionals, boat builders, sailors, world travelers and other types of people who in one way or another always contribute something new to the sport of sea kayaking.

So check out your local club. It's worth it and it's all there if you want to learn where to go, how to do things, with whom to paddle or just have some fun.

Check out our clubs page or visit these clubs in the Pacific Northwest:

• Island Paddlers: 250/537-5700 on Saltspring Island, ask for Margaret

• Sea Kayak Association of BC: 604/734-5514 in Vancouver, ask for Harold

• Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club: 604/642-2010 in Victoria, ask for Dave

• Cowichan Kayak & Canoe Club in Duncan: 250/743-6997, ask for Brian

• Pacific International Kayak Association: 604/597-1122, ask for Mercia

• North Island Paddle Association, Port Hardy: 250/949-8599, ask for Debbie

• Whatcom Association of Kayak Enthusiasts (WAKE)

ATTENTION RECREATIONAL CLUBS ---> CA$H GRANT$!