The Nanaimo Canoe and Kayak is inviting kids 8-13 to Long Lake for half day summer camps until Sept. 3. (NCKC)

By Dan Marshall

Paddling On

Nanaimo Canoe and Kayak Club hopes to draw more local youth to try paddling

Jul 10, 2021 | 9:05 AM

NANAIMO — Local youth have an opportunity to try paddling on Long Lake in a canoe or kayak.

A half day summer camp program is being offered by the Nanaimo Canoe and Kayak Club until Sept. 3.

Commodore Ashley Rowe said youth age 8-13 will learning paddling fundamentals through a series of games and activities.

“Some children may have been with their parents or a family member but in this setting kids can engage with other youth and instructors in fun water play and water safety.”

Weekly sessions run for three hours in the morning and three hours in the afternoon.

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Families can sign up for both but the half day is more popular.

Rowe said once the instructors go through the basics of technique and safety the participants spend most of their time on the lake.

“Kids are in the boats practicing the skills they’ve acquired like balance, propulsion and boat control. Through the discovery method they learn a little bit while instructors provide feedback on their stroke.”

For those students who show the most aptitude there are classes for kids 10 and older for competitive racing.

Those classes are a gateway to the NCKC sprint program.

“In the sprint program athletes have a chance to participate on a monthly and seasonal basis. They’ll have training, work with coaches and this year competitions are back also.”

A provincial event in the Pacific Cup Series is slated for Long Lake on Aug. 14-15 with upwards of 90 athletes from around BC expected to participate.

The hope for 2021 is the Nanaimo Canoe and Kayak Club can get more kids and adults involved with only members being allowed out on the water last year.

“We’re hoping to reach out to some of our alumni and attract new members because we need to diversify more,” Rowe said. “We’re focused on providing recreational paddling, recreational fitness programs and high performance options for youth and adults who would like to race.”

For more information on programs and registration go to www.nckc.ca

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