BOW WATERS CANOE CLUB

 

 
 

2008 Program Guide

                         

CANOE LESSONS

 

We offer quality lessons that teach basic flat water to intermediate river canoeing skills. Our instructors are ARCA and/or Paddle Canada Certified with Standard and/or Wilderness First Aid certification and Swift Water Rescue training. They are experienced in providing participants with fun, safe, quality programs that focus on challenge and self-improvement. Our instructor to student ratio is very small at 1:6; this insures plenty of individual instruction and feedback for participants. Participant minimum age 16.

 

Rounded Rectangle: Basic canoeing equipment is included; HOWEVER, participants are responsible for boat and equipment transportation for off-site lessons and for overnight storage of gear for weekend les-sons. Roof racks are an asset. Lesson locations are subject to change based on river flows and group ability level. Prices include GST.

 

FLATWATER CANOEING

This evening course will introduce you to the skills necessary for maneuvering your canoe on lakes and slow moving rivers in a tandem canoe. Skills covered: balance, draws, prys, the J-stroke, sweeps, and equipment selection. Course runs from 6-9pm on the calm waters of the canal at the Bow Waters Canoe Clubhouse.

1.       May 6                    5. July 8

2.       May 21                 6. Aug 6

3.       June 3                   7. Sept  9                                                                              Non-Memb: $50 

4.       June 18                                                                                                                 Memb: $40 (GST Inc.)

 

BASIC RIVER CANOEING

Our flagship course will help build your flatwater skills and adapt them to moving water. River specific strokes and maneuvers will be introduced. Other topics we cover are: basic river reading and equipment selection. This course will be held at the Bowness Eddies. After lunch we will paddle down to Shouldice Bridge. This course runs from 9-3pm. Prerequisite: Flat Water Course

1.       May 10                 5. July 12

2.       May 24                 6. Aug 9

3.       June 7                   7. Sept 13                                                                             Non-Memb: $75

4.       June 21                                                                                                                 Memb: $60 (GST Inc.)

 

BASIC RIVER - SOLO

Try the freedom and agility of solo canoeing. Choose from many different styles of white water solo canoes. Essential river maneuvers are covered at the Bowness Eddies. Participants will learn basic solo strokes and skills for river paddling.  Prerequisite: Basic River Course

1.       July 19                                                                                                                  Non-Memb: $80

2.       Aug 16                                                                                                                  Memb: $65 (GST Inc.)

LESSONS CONTINUED...

For paddlers who have completed a Basic River Course with BWCC - or equivalent. Our Intermediate lessons could be the next step you’re looking for. **Wet or dry-suit strongly recommended.

 

INTERMEDIATE RIVER

We’ll challenge our basic river skills on the faster moving waters of the Bow River below Ghost Dam. Tandem self rescues will also be covered. An afternoon paddle down to Cochrane will allow for further practice of our skills plus white water and surfing opportunities.

(Prerequisite: Basic River Course or equivalent.)

1.       June 14

Non-Memb: $100

Memb: $80 (GST Inc.)

 

 

 

INTERMEDIATE PLUS

(TANDEM OR SOLO)

This course is for paddlers who want to fine tune their skills on faster water. This course is held on the Lower Kananaskis. We’ll practice our eddy turns, ferries, self rescues and surfing below the “Race Course.”

(Prerequisite: Intermediate Course or equivalent.)

1.       July 26

Non-Memb: $100

Memb: $80 (GST Inc)

 

 

 

 

CUSTOM LESSONS

(TANDEM OR SOLO)

Are you looking for a course we don’t have listed here? Do you want to learn how to paddle solo on flat water, paddle with your family, or work on your advanced skills on the upper Kananaskis? If so, let us help you learn or improve your paddling skills the way you want to.

Available from May 5 – Oct 10

Cost varies.

 

 

 

RIVER RESCUE

We strongly recommend these courses for any paddlers. Everyone can benefit from regular practice of river rescue techniques. These courses can be applied to all types of boats; canoes, kayaks, rafts and other types water craft used on moving water.

 Rounded Rectangle: The majority of these courses will be spent in cold water, participants must have either a dry-suit or wet-suit, suitable footwear, extra clothes and a whistle. Participants must be able to swim 25 meters.

 

BASIC RIVER SAFETY

The first evening lecture at BWCC will introduce participants to the theory of basic river safety including river hydrology, hazards, risk assessment and prevention. On the second evening, practical topics including: swimming techniques, throw-bag use and scenarios will be practiced at the Bowness Eddies. Evenings from 6-8PM. Helmet, PFD and Group gear provided.

1. May 13, 15               Non-Memb: $35

2. June 10, 12               Memb: $20 (GST Inc.)

 

 

 

 

 

SWIFT WATER RESCUE FOR RECREATIONAL BOATERS - LEVEL I & II

This Royal Life Saving Society program Level I & II includes: Safety, Equipment, Throw bag use, Swimming a rapid, Strong swimmer rescue, Tag line rescue, Foot entrapment, Releasing trapped boats. Certification is offered through the Life Saving Society. The course fee includes a manual, instruction and group equipment. Participants are responsible for all their personal equipment – Rocky Mountain Paddling Centre offers rentals. A wetsuit/dry top combination or a dry suit is needed for the duration of the course as you will be spending lots of time in the water. 

1. May 16 (eve), 17, 18

2. June 20(eve), 21, 22
3. July 11(eve), 12, 13
4. Aug 18(eve), 9, 10                         COST: $185 + GST

 

A Certification Fee of $ 40.00 or $20.00 for each level is needed to register with the Life Saving Society along with a copy of a valid First-Aid Certificate.

 

REGISTER  FOR THIS COURSE AT:

ROCKY MOUNTAIN PADDLING CENTRE:

6531 Bowness Rd NW

Calgary, Alberta

T3B 0E8

Toll Free: 1-800-656-8288

Phone: 403-202-8490

Fax: 403-202-8492

E-mail: info@rockymountainpaddling.com

Website: www.rockymountainpaddling.com

 

Bow Waters Canoe Club members receive a 15% discount on the course cost.

Current BWCC Membership card required.

           


GROUP

LESSONS

These are our most popular lessons by far. We offer lessons that are fun and very affordable for groups ranging from Guides, Scouts, Jr. Forest Wardens, Jr. and Sr. High Schools, and Church groups. All our Group Programs run from May 5- June 29 and September 4 - October 10.

 

GROUP PROGRAMS:

•  1 ½ -2 hour Fun and Games

•  3 - 4 hour Flat Water

•  6 hour Introductory River Canoeing

•  6 hour Introductory River with Trips

•  Intermediate River Canoeing Lessons and Trips

 

Email bwcc.lessons@telus.net for more detailed Group Lessons information. 

 

CUSTOM

LESSONS & TRIPS

We can offer private lessons or canoe guides for personal paddling trips throughout the spring, summer and fall. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned paddler, we can set up a program or provide you with a guide to suit your needs.

 

 

 

 

  YOUTH SUMMER

           CAMPS

Our camps introduce youth to the excitement and beauty of paddling in Alberta. We emphasize safety, teamwork, paddling skills, and of course...FUN! All our camps have certified and experienced canoe instructors. Our camps follow the “Leave No Trace” philosophy in environmental education and stewardship. Camper drop-off and pick-up times are 8:30am-4:30pm daily. DISCOUNTS available when you sign up for multiple camps! E-mail bwcc.lessons@telus.net or Call 235-2922 for more information or to register.  A Isosceles Triangle:  symbol indicates an overnight component.

PROSPECTORS (ages 9-12) Campers will have lots of opportunity to learn flat water and basic river canoeing skills in a fun and encouraging environment. We will have all week to learn and improve our paddling skills as we paddle the waters of the canal and beautiful Bow River in and around Calgary. There will be plenty of games, challenges and exploring nature in nearby parks and waterways. No previous paddling experience necessary.

        1. July 7 - 11

        2. Aug 5 - 8                                                                                          Non-Memb: $130               Memb: $110 (GST Inc.)

EXPLORERS (ages 12-14) Isosceles Triangle:   This camp is filled with lots of fun and challenging activities both on and off the water. Campers will learn intermediate river skills, canoe rescue, packing for river trips, and “leave no trace” camping techniques. Our week wraps up with an overnight canoe trip from Ghost Dam to Cochrane and camping on Wildcat Island. There will be lots of opportunities to paddle white water, swim and explore nature. No previous paddling experience necessary.

1. July 14 - 18             

2. Aug 11 - 15                                                                                              Non-Memb: $170               Memb: $150 (GST Inc.)

       

TRIPPERS (ages 14-17) Isosceles Triangle:  Campers will have the opportunity to help plan, lead and organize all aspects of a 4 day wilderness canoe trip. The first day will be at the clubhouse sharpening our canoe skills on the canal and planning for our trip. The rest of the week is spent experiencing the world of canoe tripping. Potential trips include, paddling through the Badlands on the Lower Red Deer River or white water paddling on the North Saskatchewan, Milk or Kooteney Rivers. Water level and group skills dependant. (Prerequisite: Explorers camp or equivalent paddling experience recommended.)

1.       July 21 - 25

2.       Aug 18 - 22                                                                                          Non-Memb: $275               Memb: $250 (GST Inc.)

 

Rounded Rectangle: CANCELLATION POLICY: 100% of course fees will be refunded with a minimum of 8 days notice before course start date. Cancella-tion within 7 days of the course start date will result in a 50% refund of the course fee. We reserve the right to cancel or reschedule courses due to weather, water conditions or insufficient registration.


 

Text Box: GENERAL CLUB INFORMATION

WHO WE ARE:

The Bow Waters Canoe Club, established in 1972, is a group of people who enjoy paddling the rivers of Alberta, BC and beyond! In addition to providing over 100 organized river trips, we also offer equipment rentals for club trips, lessons, youth programs and social events. In the winter, an active Nordic / Back country skiing schedule and Jackrabbits program provide lots of activity while we await the return of the paddling season.

 

MEMBERSHIP RATES      

SINGLE           $60

FAMILY          $85

STUDENT      $20

CONTACT INFORMATION

EMAIL:           bwcc.lessons@telus.net

WEBSITE:       www.bowwaters.org

PHONE:          #403 235-2922

FAX:                #403 235-2993

 

 

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

•   Participate in over 100 scheduled paddling trips and over 40 Nordic Skiing trips.

•   Discounts at local paddling and outdoor shops in Calgary.

•   Low cost equipment rentals for club trips.

•   Frequent social events like slide shows, BBQ’s, and film/video nights.  

•   Reduced rates on programs and more!

 

ATTEND ONE OF OUR OPEN HOUSES!

Our open houses are held at the clubhouse Wednesday evenings during Aril and May. Call 235-2922 for dates and times.  We are located at; 1975 - 26 St SE Calgary Alberta, on the corner of Deerfoot Tr and 17 Ave SE.