Training

VKC Training Overview

There are four levels of training with the Vancouver Kayak Club. We offer whitewater kayaking courses to both beginner and experienced paddlers. Our four-week beginner courses run on a monthly basis throughout the fall, winter, and spring. The VKC pool sessions are the perfect place to practice all sorts of paddling skills while having fun training and socializing with each other on a regular basis. In the spring, we run weekly moving water training sessions on both the Capilano and Chilliwack Rivers. Our trip schedule provides paddlers of all abilities the opportunity to explore some excellent rivers while developing river running skills and progressing in the sport of whitewater kayaking.

Courses
Pool Sessions
River Sessions
Training Gear
Public Pools
Instructor/Leader Training

VKC Whitewater Kayaking Courses

Interested in whitewater kayaking? Want to try it out in a safe and fun environment? Already a kayaker and want to develop your paddling skills or progress to the next level? The Vancouver Kayak Club offers beginner, novice and intermediate training to help you be successful and have fun on the river!

Beginner Courses

Beginner pool courses: Four (4) consecutive Sunday evenings from 7:00pm to 9:15pm at Templeton Park Pool in Vancouver. Learn all the basics and gain the foundation needed to get into whitewater kayaking. $130, including a 1-year VKC membership. Contact training@vankayak.org for more info and to register.

Upcoming courses

January 10 - 31
February 7 - 28
At this time there is no room for Beginner Course students in March/April. Please email training@vankayak.org to get on a waiting list.

Beginner Course Outline

Intermediate Training

Skills Clinics

Skills clinics will be offered on Sundays at 7pm-8pm in February 2010. This is a great opportunity for all members to tune up their skills in the pool with a VKC instructor/coach - especially those who've just completed the VKC beginner course. Yes, rolling practice! After the clinic, the pool and hot-tub are open for another 1.25 hrs. Email training@vankayak.org to sign up. Space is limited.

River Prep Course

In March 2010 VKC offers a half-pool, half-river course. It is designed for graduates of the beginner pool course and anyone who's been away from the river for a while. This course will help you get ready for the river. Two Sundays in the pool to hone technique and build confidence. Two weekend trips (arranged to suit the class) will show you the basics of planning, decision making, reading a river, and applying your skills to moving water. Email training@vankayak.org to sign up. Space is limited. Cost is $120 - not including gear (some may be provided subject to availability, otherwise you must rent/borrow), not including meals or transportation (but students will carpool).

River Training

Plan to come out to the Capilano River on Wednesday evenings in the spring (dates to be announced). Free instruction provided. You're responsible for all gear, transportation, and club membership.

VKC Pool Sessions

Sunday evenings from 8:00pm to 9:15pm at Templeton Park Pool in Vancouver. Come join us for training and games in the pool and to relax and chat in the hot tub. $10/$15 (members/non-members). Gear is generally available. All closed-deck whitewater boats are welcome!

Templeton Park Pool

700 Templeton Drive, Vancouver
(5 blocks south and 2 blocks east of Hastings and Nanaimo)

GMap:ll=49.279285,-123.058484&z=16&t=h: Templeton Park Pool
GMap:ll=49.278448,-123.059176: Templeton Pool, 700 Templeton Drive
- Use parking Lot off Adanac St
- Enter through north double-doors

Directions: Click here

VKC River Training Sessions

As always, the VKC will be holding Capilano Sessions on weekday evenings in May and June. After a successful first year, we will be holding regular Chilliwack Sessions as well! Stay tuned to the VKC Forum for more info.

Training Gear

We are always in need of extra paddling gear (kayaks, spraydecks, paddles, etc) to use for pool sessions, courses, and beginner trips. If you have any spare gear that you would be willing to either loan or donate to the club, please contact training@vankayak.org.

The Vancouver Kayak Club, as well as many past and future beginner paddlers, would like to thank the following individuals for their contributions of kayaking gear on loan or donated to the club.

Catherine Morley, Claudia Schwab, David Elliott, Iain Rogers, Keith Witney, Kent McIntosh, Michael Vaney, Philip Morley, Rick Sheppard, Ryan Bayes, Sarah Hargrave, Steve McConnell, Tom Hoskin, Tony Sloane, Tyson Bell

Public Pool Sessions

The following are other local drop-in pool sessions that are open to the public. Some locations have paddling gear - call ahead of time and arrive early to arrange boat rental. Space in the pools is usually limited to a certain number of boats, which is another reason to arrive early.

      Lord Byng Pool (map)
      3990 West 14th Avenue, Vancouver
      604-222-6090
      Fridays, 8:00-9:00 PM

      Ron Andrews Pool (map)
      931 Lytton Street, North Vancouver
      604-987-7529
      Fridays, 10:00-11:15 PM

      Winskill Aquatic Centre (map)
      5575 - 9th Avenue, Delta
      604-952-3005
      Sundays, 7:30-8:30 PM