New Paddler Information

What does it mean if my child joins Fort Canoe and Kayak Club?

Our youth athletes range in age from 8-23. Masters adults can be any age.
Training runs year-round split into four seasons. Fees vary by season.
Most youth start during the summer season, training and having fun Monday to Friday from 9am - noon.
In the Fall, Winter and Spring, Development level programs are typically two weekday evenings and a Saturday morning practice. Practices may include swimming at the pool, running, track practice, or even yoga.
As athletes get older and develop, they may be chosen to advance and can choose to train more frequently. High performance athletes can paddle up to 12 times per week depending on the season and their goals.

Do I need my own equipment?

No, if you are registered in one of our programs, you are able to use club boats, paddles, PFDs, and exercise equipment.

What do I bring to practices?

Paddle bag should contain: running shoes, towel, change of clothes, light jacket, water, snack, hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses. The water on a sunny day can strain paddlers' eyes.
Although life jackets (PFDs) are supplied, feel free to bring your own.
Athletes should be prepared for running outside and/or working out in the gym.

Can friends and family watch when our athlete is paddling?

Observers are always welcome at practices, and definitely at regattas! The dock from which we launch is a public dock, so please don’t be shy about coming down and watching.

What about Regattas?

In spring and summer, athletes participate in boat racing tournaments or "regattas". Most regattas are for all levels and are meant to be a fun way to race with friends. There is great team spirit, and like other fan clubs, we cheer for all the athletes. As the races go for a day or two, plan to settle in and get to know the other parents. We swear it's fun

register for the regatta (we will usually send a link but the regattas are listed at season-schedule)
pay for the regatta (we will sometimes have a different link for that)

You will get detailed information about the location, times, fees, and boat transport ahead of time from the Coach.
The season schedule is listed under Events on the Canoe Kayak BC website at https://www.canoekayakbc.ca/
We'll send out a list of contacts for each regatta but always feel free to contact us registrar@fortcanoekayak.ca

What do I bring to regattas?

racing singlet (if you have one...we'll bring extras)
yourself. Family and friends are welcome!
water, snacks and lunch
a beach chair
extra towels
sunscreen
a couple of changes of clothes
a warm hoodie
waterproof jacket
life jacket (if you have one...we'll bring extras of these too)
binoculars
...and your FCKC spirit ;)

How do you get the Boats and paddles to the regattas?

the athletes load boats on our trailer at Friday practice (along with paddles, two tents, pfds, knee blocks, boat numbers, racing singlets, bin with regatta supplies, toolboxes, water jugs,...)
boat unloading happens Sunday night or at the following practice
a parent often volunteers to drive the trailer

When do I arrive at a regatta?

regattas are usually two days
Check with your coach but typically: on Saturdays athletes arrive at 7:30am (boat unloading and sign in) and on Sundays athletes arrive at 7:30am (or an hour before your first race) and stay to help clean up and pack up
Races are typically scheduled until 5:30pm. Check with your coach and your schedule on race day if you want/need to leave early

What are "Racing Singlets"?

Athletes must wear a club racing singlet in competitions. Athletes typically order their own in the Spring, but the club has spares.
FCKC also often offers Logo apparel (e.g., hats, t-shirts, hoodies, tank tops). To see what we currently have, contact us at programs@fortcanoekayak.ca

Out of town regattas?

Most of our regattas are hosted by other clubs in the Lower Mainland. We also get invited to Seattle, Bellingham and even Alberta and Saskatchewan. Athletes are encouraged to attend as many races as they can but families can choose which regattas they attend.
High Performance Athletes have the opportunity to attend National and even International Regattas.
Athletes receive information well in advance with all the details. Always feel free to ask your coach or anyone at the club if you aren’t sure.

Who runs this club? We are so glad you asked.

We are a not for profit organization, run by a board of volunteer members who act as directors and handle club operations.
General inquiries: programs@fortcanoekayak.ca
Find names of our current Board here.

Safety

We have a comprehensive safety manual for our club that all coaches and athletes are expected to follow. If it has not been given to you, please ask for it or find it here.
All coaches are required to have the correct coaching certifications in accordance with their responsibilities, motor boat licenses and criminal record checks. Members of our Board of Directors and Club Volunteers also have criminal record checks conducted. Our club carries liability insurance and athlete injury coverage which is paid for through each Club's yearly individual participant insurance.

What else do I need to know?

We occasionally hold club meetings for parents/guardians and athletes to discuss important club items. We are always looking for the special talents of our amazing member to help out. We have volunteer opportunities in the areas of equipment maintenance, board positions, fundraising rock stars, bookkeeping, or any other talents you want to share.

We are partnered with our sister club, Fort Langley Canoe Club. They specialize in different areas of paddle sports. They have divisions for Dragon Boats, OC Kayaks and Voyageur Canoes. Between our clubs, we have everything you could want to do on the water with a paddle!

Etiquette

Member Etiquette:

We try to communicate regularly and send emails to all members to keep everyone updated. Our members are great about reading these emails and pitching in to help out. They know that hard working staff and volunteers are in the background building a great club and providing opportunities for our athletes.

Practice Etiquette:

Please let your coach know if you are going to be late or away for a practice.

Dock etiquette:

As athletes carrying boats can’t always navigate a crowd safely, please ensure you stay clear of athletes if you are on the dock.

The paddle sport dock, where practices are held, is community space and shared by many people. We ask athletes to please be respectful to others and keep the area clean.

Regatta Etiquette:

Your coach will let everybody know when they need to be at races. For regattas, being late or missing a race start time will result in the athlete's boat being scratched from the race. This has consequences for all athletes, especially your teammates in a team boat. As well, athletes can be charged a scratch fee by the race organizers for missing a race.

This sport is a very positive environment, and our members, coaches and athletes are wildly enthusiastic and supportive. We compete hard and cheer loudly.

All members are respectfully requested to read and follow the Fort Canoe and Kayak Code of Conduct posted here.

What now?

Coming into a group of people is sometimes challenging, especially for youngsters. Those of us already in as members promise that we will make new athletes and family welcome. Introduce yourself to other parents at practices and regattas, attend meetings and hear what is going on. We are happy to have you.

Have questions? You can get anything answered, just let somebody know what you are wondering by contacting: programs@fortcanoekayak.ca

Welcome on behalf of our Board of Directors!