Frequently Asked Questions

Yes.  All participants in on-water club events must wear an approved life jacket or PFD.

No, we are a flatwater kayak club, and many of our events are not suitable for canoes or SUPs.

Yes.  We do not rent or provide equipment.

Yes.  You can try up to two local paddles with the club for free.  If you find a local paddle on our calendar that you would like to join, contact us via this website, and we’ll do everything that we can help you understand what our club is about and how we operate so you can make an educated decision whether to join or not.

No – we’ll do everything we can to make paddlers of all level comfortable on their first paddles with us.    We’re not a teaching club, but there will be members on your paddle that may share some basic information.  For most paddles we designate a “sweep” who will stay behind the group at all times, so you won’t be left alone.  Let the club know which paddles you’re thinking of attending, and we’ll make sure it’s suitable for your level of experience.

There are some essentials you need to bring: bottled water, sunscreen, a change of clothes and a cap if it’s sunny.  You’ll need an approved PDF, a throw line, a bailing device and a whistle.  If you’re not sure about any of these items, contact the club and we can advise you. There’s nothing listed that’s expensive or hard to source.

Generally, yes.  Helping one another load, unload, and carry kayaks is all part of the drill for us, so you won’t be imposing.  If you need assistance however, be sure to contact the trip leader to confirm that there are sufficient attendees expected that can assist.

Wet is a relative term. Your feet will get wet during launching, and your paddle will likely drip a bit of water onto you.  If you don’t tip, that’s likely the extent of it.

Kayaking is a sport and involves exercise, but you can take it up whether you are in great shape or not. However, during most paddles we expect to cover a predetermined distance, so check with the club to make sure the paddle you’re selecting is suitable.

All our paddles are coded for pace, endurance, and skills required.  See the Trip Classification section of our Events Page on this website.

Here’s how it works with our trip leaders when you’re a member. Approximately one week before our day paddles, we send out the final information, including trip leader contact info, to all members via email. If you want to join the paddle, let the trip leader know by phone or email. If the trip is cancelled, they will contact you and inform you of the cancellation. We also try to do an email blast to the general membership if we have enough notice.

If any trip on our calendar is cancelled well in advance, even multi-day trips, we will do a general emailing to all members to inform them.

If you’ve signed up for a trial paddle, and it gets cancelled by weather, for instance, you will also receive a contact from the trip leader.