Shed Orientation June 6 7pm - 8pm
Need to get a canoe for a club trip but the trip leader is not going to the shed? At this session, you will learn how to unlock the shed plus do the paperwork to borrow a boat. In addition, you will be shown how to safely tie a canoe to your car. Finally, we'd be happy to answer any questions you have about the club. No need to pre-register. Just turn up. Both members and non-members are welcome.
Note: See the two attachments below for additional information on the club. The first attachment is the club handbook which gives detailed information on most aspects of the club. The second attachment is an orientation lecture given in 2019 which provides an overview of the club. Note that the mileage rates have increased since this talk was given.
How to Not Get Lost
Wed June 7, 2023, 7pm - 9pm
There will be an in-person safety seminar teaching how to avoid getting lost while paddling.
This will include map and compass work. You will learn navigation techniques.
No need to register. There is no fee. Just show up. All welcome, both members and non-members. Click Read More for more details.
Training Update
April 29 2023
As with previous years, the club has put together an extensive training program that begins in May.
When people do want to sign up for courses, many of them find the updated PlayRA system confusing. This article includes hyperlinks to individual PlayRA course pages. If you have trouble with the process, you can call 613-733-5100 or visit the East Desk to sign up for courses.
For more information, click on headings such as "Flat Water Training" below.
May 4 2023 Update
- FW Tandem Thursday Skills Coaching – Thursdays June 1 & 8 (9:30-2:30), barcode 40420
- 1 of 8 spots on this coaching opportunity are full.
- The PlayRA registration page is https://theracentre.my.site.com/#/app/program/list/DIV-002/40420?cat1=Canoe%20Camping
- FW Intro Tandem - July 8-9, barcode 45764 <-- NEW, added since other two FW Intro Tandem courses full
- 1 of 8 spots on this course are full.
- The PlayRA registration page is https://theracentre.my.site.com/#/app/program/list/DIV-002/45764?cat1=Canoe%20Camping
- Click on Registration Information and scroll to bottom on registration page to see July 8-9 course. 3 places left.
- Intro Canoe Tripping and Camping – June 16-18, barcode 40419 - CANCELLED
- 1 of 8 spots on this course are full.
- The PlayRA registration page is https://theracentre.my.site.com/#/app/program/list/DIV-002/40419?cat1=Canoe%20Camping
Click Read More to see a list of courses and which are full as of April 29.
Check on Membership Expiry Before Course Registration
We offer a member and non-member price for many courses but people will only receive the members’ rate if their membership is current/active at the time the course is offered.
o If you try to register for a course in July but your membership expires in May, you will be charged the non-members rate (even though you are trying to register in April).
o So DO NOT press “pay” if you are a member but are still seeing the non-member price at the checkout.
Membership Renewals
When you renew your membership it will take effect on the day your current membership expires. For example, if your membership expires on June 03, 2023 and your renew it in April, your new membership will run from June 03, 2023 until June 03, 2024.
If you have renewed your membership, you should be charged the member rate even if the new membership has not yet come into effect.
Note that on-line, the non-member price is what you will see initially but it should discount to the members price at the checkout.
Open Canoe Nationals (Slalom Racing)
If you want to test your technique, meet some fantastic paddlers and great people, I highly recommend attending the 2023 North American Whitewater Open Canoe Slalom Championships in Wausau Wisconsin this year. It is a great way to get extra tips from some of the best paddlers in North America!
2023 Discounts for RACCC Members
A benefit of being a member of the RACCC is that some retailers and course providers give discounts to club members.
Also, the RA has a number of community partners that represent a wide range of sectors offering benefits to RA members. Click here for more information.
Managing Your Club Emails
The RACCC website will send emails to every member to notifiy them of general news as well as Trip postings etc. You can change which emails you receive based on your preferences.
Little Clyde River and Rivens Lake Trip Report
April 16 2023
We left the Lammermoor Road launch on the Little Clyde River about 9 am April 16, 2023. It was sunny and warm (25 degrees C.) with no wind. We were dressed in our cold-water gear and had our hypothermia kit along. We saw a few places where snow remained from snowbanks beside the road. The water was still cold but there was no ice.
Pakenham/ Blakeney April 8 2023
We met near the Pakenham beach at 9:30 am and paddled 17 km to Blakeney Rapids and back.
The water was higher than we had seen it before. A creek blocked access to the usual parking area. The town had placed barricades to prevent people from driving through the creek. We launched from an unusual spot near the larger parking area.
The weather was cool with a high of 6 C. We were dressed in drysuits and wetsuits as well as having hypothermia gear along. We were warm enough.
Toronto Life Canoe Tripping Article
“After a vicious school rumour destroyed my confidence, canoe tripping helped me get it back”
To read article, click here.
Info on Mileage Rates, Rental Rates and Use of Club Equipment on Private Trips
Mileage Rate 2023 The Club operates on a "friends driving friends" model. Based on this model, before any trip, driver and passenger(s) should make mutually agreeable financial arrangements to share the costs of driving. If a guideline is necessary, the Club recommends the cost of the trip be calculated at $0.50/km ($0.60/km for carrying two or more canoes), to be divided equally among the number of travellers, including the driver.
Rental Rates 2023
Kevlar FW Canoes - $15/day $8/evening
Ultra-Light Kevlar FW Canoes - $20/day $10/evening
Sea Kayaks - $15/day $8/evening
WW Tandem Boats - $30/day $15 Evening
WW Solo Boats - $20/day $10 Evening
WW Boat Skirts - $5/day .
Guest Membership 2023
Members are encouraged to bring guests on trips. A member may bring up to two guests on a RACCC trip or a private trip. Any non-member in a club boat on a private trip must purchase a Guest Membership.
• Adult Evening and one day: $10.00
• Adult Weekend (2-3 days): $15.00
• Adult beyond a weekend: purchase annual club membership
Paying Fees
Boat rental and guest fees are paid at the RA East desk. Payments can be made in cash by credit card or with a bank card. Take white copy of the trip report to the desk with as they will need it for their records.
Use of Club Equipment on Private Trips The rule for private use is, "it is a privilege earned through active participation in the Club" and must be approved in advance by the appropriate co-ordinator. Please refer requests for private trips to: WHITEWATER REQUESTS must be approved by the Whitewater Coordinator (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). FLATWATER REQUESTS must be approved by the Flatwater Coordinator (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.). Note that club trips and training events get priority over private trips in terms of equipment. It is best to turn up Tuesday evening at the shed between 7pm and 8pm to see what boats are available and make arrangements with Boathouse Volunteer. Failing that, contact the Assets Coordinator (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) to determine the availability of equipment.
Club Handbook: Click on the attachment for more information.
Club Website Blocked if Membership Expired
On April 30 2023, access to the member only portion of the club website will be blocked for any person whose membership expired prior to April 1 2023. Then, for the rest of 2023, access to the member only portion of the club website will be blocked one month after a membership expired. Note that to participate in club trips or training, you must have renewed your membership.
To determine when your membership expired, login to the club website. Scroll to bottom of Home Page to Online Members. Click on your user ID. Click on the About tab in your profile. Scroll to bottom of your profile to see your Membership Expiry Date. Also, members will be notified by email of the month that their membership is expiring.
For instructions on how to renew your membership, click here.