Programs

CanoeKids is a multi-discipline introductory level canoe and kayak program for kids 10 - 14. A course outline and coaching resources (from CanoeKayak Canada) is available here.

The focus is not on racing but on acquiring balance and maneuvering skills through games and teamwork. Kids usually want to spend most of their time in the plastic sit-on-top kayaks, and some even master them using the single kneeling canoe style. Kayak progression is then to the slightly longer Mini-kayaks which have steering, or for taller students the full length kayak trainers. Canoe instruction starts with the usual seated canoe maneuvering strokes, but the more adventurous students are usually itching to jump into the single/high kneel sprint boats where height can be a disadvantage.

We have a minimum age as a guideline for equipment size and attention span, but as with Youth Flatwater, some younger students with suitable experience will be accepted. Paddle sport ability and comfort generally correlates more with balance skills than age.

Except for Outrigger, which the instructor may use to venture around False Creek, activities will be limited to Alder Bay. Participants must wear life jackets and should always come prepared to get wet.

Group service options

Class of 8, one instructor.

Activities are chosen dependent upon experience and weather. Groups taking a series of lessons can expect to focus on one type of boat in any 2 hour period so any afternoon typically covers two activities and all could be covered across one full day or one week.

8 kiddy kayaks (plastic sit-on-tops) for ball games and maneuvering drills. Not much technique is required, the objective is development of dynamic balance with the kayak blade.
4 tandem marathon canoes. Somewhat tippy but fast, for tandem maneuvering skills and informal races. BCRCA basic strokes are covered: J, draws & sweeps.
8 solo outrigger canoes with rudders. These are good for a tour of the bay and for on cool weather days, but not great for skill development.
8 kayak trainers. These range in stability from similar to an ocean kayak to almost as tippy as a sprint racing boat, so we have some water wings for the tippier ones. Only two of the 8 are designed for students under 60" height.
2 C-1 trainers. We modify old sprint C-1s for extra stability using parts from our OC1 fleet.

Additional activities available for groups of 12+ or 2 groups of 8 concurrently. Two certified instructors for small boat activities, one plus an experienced adult paddler for team boats.

War Canoe. The tradional 14 paddler Canadian wooden racing canoe used for national flatwater races. There is no better boat for the development of a powerful full body use forward stroke. Raced from ages 10-18 nationally, many of Canada's national dragon boat team members started in War Canoe. Our program introduces the technique from a modified dragon boat which is very stable but still physically demanding, and can fit up to 24 kids or 12 adults. Groups can the graduate to the real thing which is lighter and faster but takes more balance.
Flatwater team boats. K2, K4, C2 & C4. These can be easier than single boats for kids, but tough for adults. The additional challenge is to deal with the jiggling from everyone else.

FAQ1: FCRCC VS FCCC? What is the difference between the club kayak & canoe lessons and the Community Centre's ?

All club disciplines use the water as a playing surface. We use different equipment for different activities but the fact of being on water is always secondary to acquiring competition related skills and fitness. Activities for the 10-14 age group are skewed strongly toward skill development and balance related skills in particular, so falling in is a certainty. Activities for adults are skewed strongly toward fitness so we provide outriggers which are reasonably fast given their high stability and low skill requirement. Activities for high school students are a mix so those that have aquired good dynamic balance skills can train for racing in any discipline.

Community Centre lessons are focussed more on basic recreational canoe and kayak handling and maneuvering. The FCCC equipment is slower but more durable, more stable, and more maneuverable. If you want to learn how get somewhere in a canoe or kayak or just get more comfortable around water then the FCCC lessons are more appropriate.

FAQ2: What if they fall in?

Most activity is limited to the quiets of Alder Bay so it's never even 50 meters to a shoreline. Depending on the group the instructor may keep an inflatable available for rescue or just manage it from the dock with other small boats. For larger groups or outside Alder Bay the instructor can use a specialized low wake twin hull escort boat, really a small dock built over two sleek outrigger hulls.

Age Group: 10 - 14

2011 drop-in schedule: Weekdays, Noon - 3:00pm, July 4 - August 26, 2011.

Register: Drop-ins can register on the day of by asking for Gerissen or Anthony on the dock. Groups should pre-book through the club office.

Download and print out the individual membership form (one copy of the form for each particpant)
Fill out the form(s) with the praticipant's name, address/phone & Emergency contact detailsThe particpant's parent or legal guardian must sign the waiver section of the form.
Bring the form(s) with a cheque (payable to "FCRCC") for the appropriate total amount to the club office during normal hours (see Office Hours section on the home page).

Fees:

Individuals (pre-register or drop-in): $20/class or $75/week
Private party bookings (up to 10, pre-register only): $150/3 hour class
School, Community Centre, and other not for profit organizations: rates and class or course coverage are negotiable. Reduce your cost by providing additional supervision with certification in first aid or water safety.