Prince George Canoe & Kayak Club teaching water safety and inspiring athletes
Local Prince George Canoe and Kayak Club (PGCKC) is gearing up for another season of engaging kids and families in the fun of water sports.
The PGCKC is a non-profit, flatwater paddling club that runs summer programs at West Lake.
Their main goal is to teach children water and boat safety skills, while encouraging a love of paddling and the outdoors. They also hope to help kids appreciate and develop a respect for the environment they paddle in. On top of all that, they are creating an environment for kids to get outside, meet new people, make friends, and have fun!
Primarily, the club teaches paddling to kids between 7 and 18 years old.
Kids who have never paddled before can sign up for a one-hour Learn to Paddle class. This teaches the basics of paddling canoes and kayaks.
Once kids have the basics, they can sign up for two-hour and three-hour paddle programs that usually run on Fridays and Saturdays in July and August.
For kids who have paddled a bit and want a regular sport activity, they have a weekly paddling program that trains kids in the key skills they need to succeed in paddling, particularly balance, control (steering) and endurance.
“I like paddling for a number of reasons,” says PGCKC President, Bini Ball. “Being out on the water, the quiet and calm of the paddle dipping into the lake, exploring the lake to see our amazing collection of wildlife. But there are other skills that are honed in paddling as well including problem solving, critical thinking, and time management – whether it’s for an afternoon paddle or a multi-day trip through the Turner Lake Chain.”
Thanks to funding from the myPG Community Grant, PGCKC will offer Try-It days once a month at the PG Aquatic center where kids can try to paddle a kayak in the pool. This is a great option for families who can’t make it down to West Lake or those that want to try this sport in a warm, controlled environment.
Being able to offer these paddling programs over the winter is amazing because it’s harder for some kids to be able to participate in sports over the winter season – but with indoor paddling over winter – they have something to look forward to before summer rolls around again.
If you’re interested in trying paddling for the first time, or developing your current skills, connect with the PGCKC today!
Families can reach out to our club by visiting our website, emailing info@pgckc.ca, or calling 778-349-6791.