Sylvie Paillard
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Every year the Squamish Whitewater Paddlers club offers locals the opportunity to discover what club members already know so well: the rich life of a river.
"Rivers are living things," said Paddlers member Stuart Smith. "Always moving, changing, and dynamic. From the fish in the river, to the waves on the river, no matter how many times you get into a boat on the river, the experience is always unique."On Saturday March 4, the entire community is invited to try out kayaking at the Brennan Park pool for a community pool party. The two-hour pool party allows residents of all ages to try out a kayak, see the latest kayaks, get instruction from expert paddlers and find out more about the club's trips and events.
"Bring the kids, enjoy a hot tub, enjoy drinks and snacks on the deck and have a fun evening," said Smith.
And during the six weeks from Saturday (Feb. 11) to March 25, residents can share in the kayaking experience with classes at the Brennan Park pool. All equipment is provided, along with a number of highly qualified instructors.
Held, Saturdays from 8 to 10 p.m., the beginner lessons include classroom, pool, lake and river instruction for all individuals wanting to learn how to paddle a river kayak. On Saturday (Feb. 25), locals can try out two 45-minute freestyle clinics on basic and advanced moves for $12.50 individually or $20 for a pair. The sessions are a basics clinic on body position, edging, and basic paddle use and balance, followed by an advanced session focusing on linked moves, bow stalls and flatwater loops.
On Saturday March 11, participants can learn to Eskimo roll. The $30, three-hour clinic includes a low ratio of expert instructor to student and starts with dryland training.
The club also holds weekly summer paddling trips which have grown to include 20 to 40 people each week, said Smith.For more information on the Squamish Whitewater Paddlers, contact Stuart Smith at 604 815-4113 or go to www.whitewater.org/squish.
