Introduction to Flatwater and Surfski

Sprint Clinics - Adult, Surfski Clinics

Adult Introduction to Flatwater and Surfski – Level 1 (Beginner program)

For those who have never tried sprint paddling before, OR, have tried sprint paddling just a few times before.

This program introduces paddlers (20+ years and older) to the fundamentals of sprint canoe and kayak paddling.  Paddlers will have the opportunity to learn the basics of balance, stroke technique, and boat control in a friendly learning environment, with the goal of being able to balance and paddle with confidence without falling in upon course completion.  Level 1 allows paddlers to develop the required balance and boat maneuvering skills in order to work on the next phase of stroke refinement as will be introduced in the Level 2 course (below).

Another group in this program is to learn how to paddle in a surfski.  This program will introduce paddlers to surfski fundamentals and paddling, including equipment care and boat recovery/remount.

Goals for the course include

Flatwater boats

  • Equipment care and handling
  • Acquiring fundamental balance
  • Learning proper paddling positioning
  • Learning basic boat control
  • Learning stroke foundations
  • Paddling outside of Alder Bay in a sprint boat
  • Improved paddling fitness

Surfski

  • How to recover from capsize
  • Basic paddling strokes, navigational
  • How to choose a wing blade paddle, proper grip
  • How to enter and exit from the dock,
  • How to care for club equipment
  • Improving stroke technique
  • Being comfortable paddling in rough water
  • Effect of wind, weather, tides boat traffic in False Creek. How to confidently paddle in these conditions.
  • Basic paddling safety
  • Review of club equipment handling

Prerequisites

  • [Optional] Be a full member of the FCRCC club to gain access to membership benefits.  Please see Individual Membership for details on getting your membership.
  • Non-members: please pay the non-club member fee.
  • Previous paddling experience is not required

Coach

Andrew Sugianto

Dates and Practice Times

10-week program – July 10 – September 10, 2022 (includes Pacific Cup regatta)

Sundays @ 11:30am to 12:45pm

Cost

  • Club Member – $280 (gst included), Non-Club Member – $320.00 (gst included) – cost includes Pacific Cup regatta
  • CKBC membership insurance included

Program capacity

8 paddlers

To register click here

Things to Bring to Practice

  • Paddling shoes/sandals for walking around from boat shed to the dock
  • Paddling clothes appropriate for the weather
  • Additional clothes for changing into afterwards
  • A towel
  • Water bottle
  • Your own PFD (or you can borrow one to use from the club)

Meetup

  • Please try and arrive 10 min prior to practice time ready to go in your paddling gear so that we can start right on time.
  • Please meet on the grass area outside of the canoe/kayak shed.