Equipment
Canoes
We have a wide range of canoes in our fleet from a variety of manufactures. The canoes are outfitted for
learning and performing. Canoes are equipped with extra floatation, dry storage container, knee pads for comfort, thigh straps, bailers, end ropes and throw bag.
Having a properly outfitted canoe allows you to focus on learning and not sliding around in the bottom of your boat. We are always tweaking our outfitting systems to make them more user friendly. If you are in the market to buy a canoe this gives you an opportunity to try different canoes. We assist you in deciding which canoe will work best for you and the situation.
The function of the various outfitting:
- Floatation– air bags, Styrofoam or secured barrels displace water and float your canoe high in the event of a capsize. This protects you and your canoe and makes recovery much easier.
- Knee Pads– encourage you to kneel, lowering your center of gravity, encourage good posture, and grip your knees so they stay in place and not slide around- give you better control of your boat.
- Thigh Straps– straps that go over the bottom of your thigh when kneeling. Allow you to wear your canoe and make your canoe perform. When installed correctly and safe to use. We encourage their use in whitewater, but use is also optional if you are not comfortable with using them
- Dry storage container– keeps your day items dry and secure in the canoe. Some canoes are equipped with floatation covers that have incorporated zipper pockets
- Bailers– great for water fights (when it is hot) or removing water from the bottom of your canoe
- End ropes or painters– used to tie canoe to shore, vehicles and also used in self- recovery methods and rescues. We teach you how to secure them in the canoe.
- Throw bag– required by law, and used in shore based rescues
Some of our canoes may not be the prettiest out there but they work well and they allow you to learn without worrying about fender benders along the way. This helps everyone stay relaxed also keeps the prices down. We encourage people to learn with our canoes, drive them like a rental and not to worry about any damage. At the same time we do not encourage boat abuse. Canoes do get damaged on courses and we are experts at keeping them floating. Our fleet is on par with other major canoe schools across Canada.
Having a wide range of canoes gives you choice to try out different shapes, lengths and materials. We have canoes made from plastic and from composite fiberglass. Different design shapes perform a function on the water. Some are faster, some are drier, and some more stable, some turn quicker and so on. Over the course you can try different canoes to see the difference.
Paddles
We provide standard rental paddles- plastic blades and aluminum shaft covered with plastic. We have a few Werner Whitewater paddles in the pile as well. We paint one side of our paddles red to distinguish power faces. In the event of a swim and lose a paddle each student gets granted one free paddle. Meaning if we don’t recover you paddle first one is on us, Second one we ask you to replace.
Throw Bags and Outfitting
We utilize gear from North Water, MEC, Kokatat as well as producing some of the gear ourselves.
Bailers
Thanks to Raven Recycling for Tide, Bleach or similar bottles, custom cut locally
PFDs- Personal Floatation Device
We provide a wide range of pfds in several styles. We have some pullover and some zip up styles. All designed to keep you afloat and provide for maneuverability for swimming and comfort.
Dry Suits
We have dry suits for rent for the courses from Kokatat, Level 6 and NRS. Dry suits keep you totally dry and dry socks attached. Warmth comes from whatever you are wearing underneath. Drysuits are much more comfortable for all day use. Drysuits are mandatory for Whitewater and Rescue Course, Optional for Intro Courses. Drysuits are expensive ($1000+) and are easily damaged with out proper care. We teach you all about drysuits at the start of the course. We often sell used drysuits at the end of each season.
Wetsuits
Standard Farmer John or Jane in various sizes and colors. We wash and disinfect after every course. Some people prefer to wear a set of long underwear underneath. Designed to be snug. Provides thermal protection in the event of a swim. Provided as part of Intro Courses.
Paddle Jackets
A waterproof jacket to provide protection from splashes, rain and wind. Sized to allow effective movement.
Helmets
We have a wide range helmets, most are adjustable. We wear helmets on any whitewater courses.
Booties
We have booties for rent for $10 per course. Booties provide warmth when wet, flexibility and toe protection. We require people wear closed toe foot wear to protect your toes. Some courses especially early season courses, rubber boots are acceptable, providing you understand the implications of their use. The water is cold and keeping feet warm and dry is an issue. Old Running shoes work well, you may need 1 size larger than your normal size to fit over drysuits.
