COLUMBIA CANOE & KAYAK CLUB Newsletter: May 2014

Transcription

1 1 COLUMBIA CANOE & KAYAK CLUB Newsletter: May 2014 CCKC CCKC CCKC CCKC CCKC CCKC CCKC CCKC CCKC CCKC CCKC CCKC CCKC CCKC CCKC CCKC CCKC NATIONAL PADDLING WEEK JUNE 6 to 15, 2014 This special week was created in 2013 to boost awareness of our national recreational paddling sports, safety measures, skill development and heritage. Go canoeing, kayaking or standup paddleboarding during National Paddling Week to show your commitment to the fun, benefits and challenges of paddling. Canada Rivers Day: Sunday, June 8, 2014 BC and World Rivers Day: Sunday, September 28, 2014 photos by Tricia Rasku Troup sandspit Troup sandspit McDonald s Sternwheeler Landing to Troup Railway Junction May 10, 2014 Kristyn McIntosh Brave souls.. Four brave souls ventured out on this trip in our inclement spring weather- Gloria, Tricia, Reino and myself. We met at McDonald s Landing at Six Mile on the west arm of Kootenay Lake. McDonald s Landing, originally a sternwheeler landing, has now been historically recognized and designated a RDCK park. It has a new jetty and a small beach for convenient access. One canoe and

2 two kayaks headed south, out into a headwind toward our destination, Troup Junction. Troup is part of a railway line than ran from Waneta to Nelson called the Nelson and Fort Sheppard Railway. Paddling to Troup was an hour each way via Six Mile sand spit and north shore residences. Homes range from summer cabins to palatial. We arrived at our destination after two brief spring showers. At Troup, the water was surprisingly high and not as much of the vast sand spit was exposed as in past visits. Our presence interrupted the nesting geese, ducks and sandpipers solitude. After lunch on the warm sand, we enjoyed walking around the cottonwood delta exploring evidence of bygone railway days. We paddled back three boats abreast on glassy green waters imaging the glory days of the sternwheelers on the West Arm. Thank you so much to the brave souls who ventured out during our cold, wet spring this year. 2 Troup Junction all ready for paddling skills practice Tune-Up Paddle - Lakeside Park to Taghum Beach May 11, 2014 Laurie Knox On a sunny Sunday, May 11th, Mother's Day, nine CCKC members met at Lakeside Park boat ramp for a paddle tune-up. The three canoes and three kayaks dodged racing sailboats from Lakeside Park to the Nelson airport, performing numerous paddling drills that would prepare them for the river currents up ahead. For the eddy turn, we reviewed sweep and draw strokes. The wind picked up right on cue for practicing the forward and reverse ferry, reviewing the forward and reverse strokes and J strokes. The best place to prepare for river paddling is on the lake, sharpening up basic strokes, and using the stroke combinations to practice right and left eddy turns. Reverse paddling on a lake, giving the canoe bow paddlers time to practice steering using the reverse J stroke is so helpful. For the kayaks, they practiced paddling in a straight line in reverse, in preparation for a needed reverse ferry to avoid a rock, or get to the other side of a river. Kevin helped everyone with the kayak drills, while I lead the canoe drills. We were all ready, and tuned up for the river paddle to Taghum Beach. A brief visit to the local cave and pictographs at the bluffs after the airport provided a fun sightseeing moment. The current slowly picked up, so we practiced a few eddy turns, and a forward ferry that took us to the tail end of the island for lunch - it was more of a pot luck lunch with everyone sharing their food, as some paddlers thought we would probably be finished earlier. After lunch, we ferried across the fast moving water into an eddy, then paddled in and out of a few more eddies. With the spring run-off causing higher water levels we started to encounter whirlpools along the eddy lines, standing whitewater waves, and fast moving water that bumped the river rating from a 1 to a 2. It would have been fun to play in this section of whitewater, but many of the paddlers were not dressed to swim, lacking wetsuits or dry suits. The water was freezing cold, so we took no chances for a swim and lead everyone around the fast water section, under the bridge on river left, and safely to Taghum Beach. Thanks Kevin for your help with the kayakers! What a great day on the water with great people! Note: Next time I will advise everyone to dress in a wetsuit or dry suit so we can play more in the whitewater, and bring a lunch - this paddle can last anywhere from 2 hours to 5 hours depending on how much we want and need to practice on the lake. This year

3 with the shuttle of vehicles to Taghum Beach, we met at 10 am, were paddling after 11:30 am, and arrived at 3 pm to Taghum Beach. After loading the canoes, waiting for Dave to come pick us up, driving back to Lakeside to get the remaining vehicle, then meeting at the DQ for ice cream, it was 5 pm when I got home. What a fantastic day! 3 pictographs west arm Kootenay Lake cave and pictographs west arm Kootenay Lake photos by Valerie Evans Did you know that CCKC now has a webpage on RCABC s website? Check it out at Also note: Update on Royalex PolyOne, the manufacturer of Royalex, stopped production of Royalex sheets in March. Canoeists and outfitters who have long favoured this tough hull material have been wondering what, if anything, will replace it. To the rescue has come one Jacques Chasse, owner of Esquif Canoes. In 2014, Esquif will begin producing T-Formex which Chasse claims will be 10 percent lighter (yea!) and 20 times more abrasion resistant than Royalex. (info thanks to Canoeroots Magazine) For more info check out this site: solved.html?utm_source=newsletter_292&utm_medium= &utm_campaign=rmi-may- 06&utm_campaign=website&utm_source=sendgrid.com&utm_medium= The recent tragic drownings of four youth in Slocan Lake emphasize the necessity for safety awareness and training for all boaters. Make sure that you, your family members and acquaintances know and follow the current Transport Canada guidelines: 1. One Canadian-approved PFD or lifejacket of appropriate size for each person on board. 2. One buoyant heaving line of not less than 15 metres in length. 3. One manual propelling device OR an anchor with not less than 15 metres of cable, rope or chain in any combination.

4 4. One bailer or one manual water pump fitted with or accompanied by sufficient hose to enable a person using the pump to pump water from the bilge of the vessel over the side of the vessel. 5. A sound signalling device or a sound signalling appliance. 6. Navigation lights that meet the applicable standards set out in the Collision Regulations if the pleasure craft is operated after sunset and before sunrise or in periods of reduced visibility. GUIDELINES FOR LAKE, OCEAN AND RIVER PADDLING Never paddle alone: the recommended minimum is 3 craft. Watch out for your fellow paddlers, keep an eye on the boat behind you. All on board should wear a Canadian Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (lifejacket) at all times. A PFD is designed to provide flotation and to keep a conscious paddler s head out of the water in calm conditions. When purchasing a PFD, select one that fits you comfortably so that you will WEAR IT. Learn paddling skills and know your own abilities and limitations; the safest paddler is the skillful one. Never paddle further from shore then you are prepared to swim. Be certain your craft and equipment are in good condition; carry a bailer, bow and stern painters (ropes), an extra paddle and a rescue throw line. Ensure that your canoe or kayak will float even when fully swamped. Install extra flotation if required. Don t be without an efficient sound signaling device, a repair kit, first aid kit, survival kit, and extra dry clothing. Be prepared for all kinds of weather and the possibility of falling in; bring extra clothing. Rain gear, wool or fleece (NOT cotton), sun protection, runners, and wool toque are suitable. Appoint a trip leader for each outing who has knowledge: -of the river or body of water and expected weather conditions -of the ability of any participants and their equipment LAKES AND OCEANS When paddling on open waters, keep large groups together and close to shore. Familiarize yourself with various rescue techniques. Be aware of: backwash off cliffs along shorelines fast-changing weather conditions offshore winds and currents When on the ocean know when and where tidal currents and riptides occur. Know the weather forecast before venturing out. If you capsize far from shore and can t empty the craft, stay with it. RIVERS Heavy spring runoffs in British Columbia, usually persisting into July, cause rivers to be swift and frequently lethal. Cold water (below 15 C/60 F) will render you helpless in minutes. Additionally, dangerous obstructions such as deadheads, overhanging branches, sweepers (fallen trees), log jams, rapids, falls and gravel bars should be watched for and scouted on land. Paddling rivers requires skills and equipment additional to those used on lakes. Acquire these BEFORE venturing onto moving water. To promote a safe journey: Split into small groups and distribute expertise at the front and back of the group. Keep well spaced out and never pass the lead boat. Follow the route of the lead boat; know and use river signals; communicate directions to the craft behind you. Avoid outside bends on rivers where undercut riverbanks and roots are common. If you capsize, hold onto the paddle and the upstream end of the canoe; float on your back, toes pointed downstream; learn self-rescue procedures. Follow the instructions of your rescuer. Join a club for further instruction or contact RCABC for an instructor near you.** 4 When transporting your craft on top of a vehicle, do not rely on roof racks alone. A canoe or kayak offers strong resistance to wind even when your vehicle is traveling at slow speeds. Roof racks can be pulled off the vehicle by craft caught in the wind. Secure the boat well, especially with strong bow and stern ropes to the bumpers or framework of the vehicle.

5 5 COLUMBIA CANOE & KAYAK CLUB - MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION Membership is for the Calendar Year: January 1 to December 31 Annual Dues: Please check the appropriate box: [_] Single membership $12 [_] Family maximum $24. (This includes liability insurance through the Recreational Canoeing Association of BC) Send this form, the signed and dated WAIVER (next) and the correct dues to: CCKC Membership c/o Sue Port th Avenue Castlegar, BC V1N 3A5 Name under which membership is to be listed: Other names on this membership: Address: City: Prov.: Postal Code: Phone: Privacy Information Act The CCKC occasionally publishes the names and addresses of its members in the newsletter which is not distributed outside the Club. The B.C. Privacy Act requires that we ask your permission to do this. Do you agree to have the following information printed in the CCKC Newsletter? Name(s): Yes [_] No [_] Address: Yes [_] No [_] Phone: Yes [_] No [_] Yes [_] No [_] Newsletter These will be sent electronically unless you indicate otherwise. [ ] Check here to have your Newsletter sent by surface mail, If you have any difficulties with the Newsletter contact Lyn Gardner at (250) mgardner589@gmail.com List There is also an LIST for members to communicate with each other about trips, events, conditions etc. The system is for CCKC members only and no one but the person responsible for membership has your address(es). To send a message to all Club members who are on the list, use the following address: listserv@ccc.kics.bc.ca. You might want to make a note of this address. Trip schedule To help plan Club trips please provide the following information: I/we have [ ] kayak(s) [ ] canoe(s) [ ] need canoe/partner I/we prefer [ ] lake paddling [ ] easy river paddling [ ]white-water paddling [ ]extended trips

6 6 WAIVER This WAIVER must be signed by all persons listed on this application. A parent must sign for all juniors under the age of 19. Acknowledgement of Inherent Risks, Agreement to Indemnify, Release & Waiver of Liability: BE AWARE! Canoeing is a potentially dangerous activity with hazards including rocks, rapids, sudden changes in weather, electrical storms, hypothermia, failure of equipment, the possibility of becoming lost. Sometimes accidents do happen. By signing this form you acknowledge that you accept all hazards associated with participating in club canoe trips and that you are giving up the right to sue the Columbia Canoe and Kayak Club or any of its members. You are participating as a common adventurer, being personally responsible for your own safety and not looking to any other to protect you from harm. The organizer for a club trip is not a professional canoeist, guide or trained first aid attendant. It is expected that when participating in a club activity you have the necessary skills, experience, fitness, and equipment for that activity. In consideration of my being permitted to participate in the activities arranged by the Columbia Canoe & Kayak Club (CCKC), I, for myself, my heirs, executors, and anyone else who may claim on my behalf, hereby waive any and all claims, liability, and damages I may now and in the future have against the CCKC, its members, activity organizers, and all persons acting under its authority, collectively described here as the CCKC, arising from any and all personal injury, death, property damages or loss sustained by me arising from or in connection with my participation in the activities of the CCKC however caused. I further hereby release and forever discharge the CCKC from and against all demands, claims, actions, damages, costs, and expenses arising from or with respect to death, injury, damages, costs, and expenses arising from or with respect to death, injury, damages or loss to my person or property of any kind whatsoever, no matter how caused, in connection with my participation in CCKC activities though the same may have been contributed to or been caused by the negligence or gross negligence of the CCKC. I further agree to hold harmless and indemnify the CCKC from any and all liability for any damage or injury to the property or persons of any third party resulting from my involvement in or presence during any of the activities of the CCKC. I acknowledge that the CCKC, in obtaining this waiver from me is doing so for the CCKC, including its members, activity organizers, and all persons acting under the authority of the CCKC. Print Name: Signature: Date: Print Name: Signature: Date: Print Name: Signature: Date: Print Name: Signature: Date:

7 7 Columbia Canoe and Kayak Club Trip Schedule 2014 Please remember to contact the trip leader a couple of days beforehand for information and meeting place. If you have a last minute change of plans, please PHONE the trip leader as s are not always read promptly. If you have suggestions for additional trips or if you can lead one of the trips with no leader thus far, please call Dave Knox May 31 (Sat.) Similkameen River Slocan River to Crescent Valley. Bert Port June 7 (Sat.) Goat River. Creston area fast spring run-off river; grade 2+ (and 2 grade 3 portagable drops) Kevin Forsyth June 8(Sun.) Canada Rivers Day Creston Marshes & Kootenay River. flat and moving water, class 1, lots of birds. Celebrate National Paddling Week. Mel and Lyn Gardner June 21 (Sat.) Pend d Oreille River. A great place to paddle we go up the Salmo to the rapids, then back to the Pend d Oreille River for lunch then upstream. Awesome scenery, wilderness setting. George Wilson/ Brian Henderson June (Sat.-Sun) Granby River (Grand Forks). Paddle whitewater on Sat; easy paddling Sunday. Howe Creek to before the canyon: grade 2 with some grade 3 drops. Lower Granby easy grade one with two short portagable grade 2 drops.takeout is a 1.5 hour drive from Nelson. Kevin Forsyth July 5 or 6 (Sat. or Sun.) Kootenay Lake. Kootenay Bay to Pilot Bay, Sawmill Cove; flat water, we need a trip leader for this one: call Dave Knox to volunteer July 12 (Sat.) Moyie River. Very scenic grade one with short sections 1+(portagable); from Moyie Lake to the campsite on Hwy. 3/95 at Yahk ; possibility of camping overnight at Yahk Prov. Park the night before the trip. Drive time from Nelson is 2.5 hours. Kevin Forsyth July 19 (Sat.) Mirror Lake (possible Kaslo) to Fletcher Falls and back. Pat West July 26 (Sat.) Upper Little Slocan Lake. Upper Little Slocan Lake to Tedesco bridge on the Little Slocan River; outstanding scenery, wilderness you can drive to, camping opportunities, flatwater with some class 1 warm moving water. Kevin Forsyth August 8-17 East Kootenay Rivers week. Group camp and paddle on Kootenay, White and Bull Rivers. Grade 2+ to 3+. Come for all or part and enjoy the beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Dave Knox Sept. 7 (Sun.) Kootenay Lake. west shore of south end of Kootenay Lake, put in at Balfour, paddle across the west arm entrance and explore the beautiful beaches of the west side of the main lake. looking for a trip leader. TBA (Sat-Sun) Garland Bay, Kootenay Lake. paddle the east shore of the north arm of Kootenay Lake; flat water, explore pictographs and Powder Creek, car camping at Garland Bay NORTH Rec. site (11kms north of Riondel). Come for the weekend or day excursions. Mel & Lyn Gardner Sept. 27 (Sat.) Slocan Lake Boat Launch to Lemon Creek. Tour the Walter Clough Wildlife Sanctuary. Pat West Oct. 4 (Sat.) Lardeau River. class 2+, spawning kokanee, eagles, and grizzly bears; to experience this river is why you learn to paddle. Dave Knox

8 8 TBA CCKC Fall Wind-up. Similkameen River Canoe Instruction Clinic June $100 per person per day. See Knox listserv of May 22 for details. Creston Valley Wildlife Management Area BC Rivers Day Paddle Sunday, September 28. Join us for a day paddle and celebrate our local waterways and migrating birds. You must bring your own canoe or kayak and have some experience. Meet at 10 am at the Tim Horton s Parking lot (near Hwy 3 and 3A junction) then drive to the launch site. Bring lunch, footgear for portaging, sunscreen, rain gear and binoculars. CVWMA Cost: By Donation Endangered Rivers List [for details check out 1. Peace River 2. lower Fraser River (near Chilliwack) 3. Similkameen River 4. Pennask Creek 5. Callaghan Creek CCKC Executive 2014 President: Dave Knox (250) davidknox@usa.net Treasurer: Kevin Forsyth (250) kf4syth@telus.net Trip Coordinator: David Knox (250) davidknox@usa.net Membership: Sue Port (250) sbport@telus.net Publicity: Dennis Holden (250) blueberry_klh@hotmail.com Newsletter: Lyn Gardner (250) mgardner589@gmail.com RCABC Zone Rep* (alt): Allyson Phillips (250) gorylla@yahoo.com *Kootenay Zone rep. position available **thanks to Kevin Forsyth for the RCABC pamphlet with safety pointers (more to come in future newsletters).