Exec reports - Water Sports Coordinator

Introduction

The position was created in 2024, as there was growing interest among club members to run water-related trips, notably whitewater kayaking. The Water Sports Coordinator:

• Ensures water sports trips occur and helps develop paddling within the VOC.
• In charge of reviewing watercraft rental requests.
• Be a point of contact with various water sports groups (e.g Vancouver Whitewater Club).
• In cooperation with quartermasters, maintain and acquire water sports-related gear.
• Coordinate pool sessions with the local pools, potentially connecting with Vancouver Whitewater Club to organize carpools and boat rental.
• Run rolling sessions at Jericho, weather permitting.
• Organize whitewater training/rescue courses (reach out to River Culture Kayaking in Squamish).

Getting people on the water safely

Eliciting buy in for water sports can be an important part of this role. So far, the role has been centered around whitewater kayaking. There is potential for the role to extend to running trips on the ocean and perhaps travelling to canoe circuits on Vancouver Island or East toward Bowron Lakes.

Whitewater kayaking is particularly challenging to access due to the inherent faff of shuttling boats and humans to put ins. What’s more, once you’re on the water, there are countless hazards that are crucial to be aware of. Having a safety talk with a knowledgeable paddler is essential for any type of water sport. Know how to t-rescue canoes and kayaks if they flip, know when and how to use a throw bag/two rope when kayaking on the rivers and oceans, and communicate your skill level with trip leaders.

If you are running the trip, ensure that everyone understands hazards associated with water sports. At pre-trip meetings, ensure that everyone knows how to swim.

Tips for a successful whitewater shuttle

1. Find a shuttle bunny. If someone is willing to come along for an adventure with stinky kayakers who aren't into rivers, they might be willing to sacrifice an afternoon to driving up and down shuttle runs for the sake of their peers. This is beneficial to smaller group missions where everyone has travelled in one vehicle.
2. Find run/bike friendly shuttles. The Mamquam play run is a great option for folks who are willing to use their legs to walk up to the put in from the take out, again and again and again, if desired. At the end of the day, most shuttles are run/bikeable, and they make for a more adventurous experience.
3. Talk logistics before arrival. More often than not, you will have to drive to meet up with folks before you start running the shuttle. The car ride is a good time to talk to your mates about how you want to run the shuttle.
4. Be proactive with shuffling boats, and flexible with who you ride with/who rides with you. Shuttle rides are a great time to meet new people! Don’t be picky with who gets in your car or who you ride with.
5. Fill up. If you’re a shuttle driver, you’re responsible for getting paddlers to and from take outs. Whitewater is unpredictable. You may think a fifth of a tank is sufficient for a 10 km shuttle, but mother nature may have other plans. The more remote you are, the more buffer you should have in the tank.

Suggested timeline

July-September After having contacted an instructor (I would recommend Russell Henry in Squamish) early summer, secure a list of interested paddlers, 8 is the sweet spot, to run an introductory whitewater trip. River Culture Kayaking is a reputable outfitter who are willing to work with UBC VOC at a discount. They provide high quality instruction and all the necessary gear. Secure a spot at the Mamquam River Access Society Campground for paddlers who want to camp with the group. The course typically runs for three days. I would suggest meeting up with the group in Vancouver to play around with available boats at Jericho/another beach to get people acquainted with kayaks. In fall of 2024, we had overlap with Rock Party. It ended up working out, but I would suggest coordinating dates so there is no overlap.

October-December This is a difficult, dry time of year for rivers. Try to find available pool sessions, perhaps sliding in with the VWC. Typically, the Indian Arm kayak trip runs during Thanksgiving Weekend. Try to take initiative and participate in running the trip. Boats are rented from Deep Cove. Coordinate with another leader, or take on the responsibility yourself if you are available that weekend.

January-March This is also a difficult time to be on the water with the cold weather. Not many opportunities, other than pool sessions. If the rains come early, there could be local rivers that are runnable with the right equipment (Dry suit & pogies/gloves). Try for the Chilliwack Classic (Class 2-3) or Seymour (Class 1-2).

April-June This is prime kayaking season! Look for kayak festivals on the Island like Cowichan River Youth Kayak Fest that could always use volunteers, and Heber Fever in Gold River on the Island. This is when VWC starts running trips down the Statlu-Chehalis and Chilliwack more regularly. Keep up to date with them on Facebook -- But make sure you communicate your skills!

Past Exec Reports

TO COME