The generalized requirements and expectations for members for different trip categories and difficulty level are listed below.

Please note that Club Trip Leaders May require additional specific requirements in terms or training or equipment. We will do our best to communicate these requirements in an emails or through the Calendar of events in advance. Refer to our Club Policy Page for additional info on gear requirements and rules.

We always endeavor to get our club members and guests out on the water, however, please be aware that if you arrive without the proper gear, training, or experience, a Trip Leader may respectfully disqualify you from participation.

Safety is our number 1 concern!

For all trips members Should bring:

• Appropriate clothing for the day (synthetic fabrics or wool are best with wind breaker or rain jacket on top)
• Water, snacks and/or lunch,
• Sun protection if needed such as a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• A small dry bag 15-20l with the above items and some spare cloths, toque, gloves.
• Shoes that can get wet such as neoprene booties, gum boots, sports sandals, or old runners with wool socks.
• A dry change of cloths in your vehicle in case of capsize.
• A wet suit or dry suit is recommended for cold water/ weather paddling trips, especially on river trips on class 1+ and above. Or an additional dry bag with spare warm clothing if you do not own a wet/dry suit.
• A PFD and Paddle if they own their own.
• Please consider installing roof racks on your vehicle or purchasing foam blocks and cam straps, especially if you planning on using club canoes for club trips. Not all Trip Leaders are comfortable on hauling the canoe trailer for club trips.

 

Using Club Equipment 

TRIPS  has club boats that MAY be used by groups IF the TRIP Leader is willing to meet at our compound in Kamloops in order to facilitate the picking up of equipment. This is not guaranteed and depending on the location of the trip and Trip Leader,  members may often be required to use their own canoes and equipment. Club equipment is most commonly used for Club Courses and Clinics, as well as weekly paddling sessions out of Pioneer Park. It is less commonly used for Day Trips outside of Kamloops.  Generally speaking only Trips originating in Kamloops will have the possibility of access to club equipment.

 

Recreational Trips

Recreational trips typically are held on lakewater or on easy moving water Up to Class 1+. Traditional boat designs and boats in a wide range of materials including fiberglass are generally appropriate. The Club’s Big (Voyageur) canoes may also be used. These are generally relaxing nature paddles, however some easy moving water trips on rivers may be a little bit more  exciting.

Marathon Training

Marathon Canoeing trips typically are held on lakewater or on easy moving water Up to Class 1+. The South Thompson River in Kamloops and the Lower Shuswap River near Enderby are the most common training locations. Marathon canoes often are very slim and fast hulls made with very light composite materials such as kevlar and carbon fiber. Generally marathon canoes are paddled with lightweight carbon fiber bent shaft paddles. Marathon canoeing is typically a more energetic and intense paddling style as it is a racing discipline. Beginners are welcome too though and there are sessions and clinics each year to learn how to marathon canoe.

Whitewater Trips

Whitewater Trips are for advanced paddlers and are held on grade 2 – 3 rivers. This includes fast flowing rivers with rapids and significant river hazard features. Specific canoes are required that are made of plastic, Roylex or other very durable composite materials. Additional floatation for boats is also required, as well as personal protective equipment such as helmets, wet suits, or dry suits are typically required. TRIPS does not have and club boats that meet these requirements so it is expected that participants have all of their own equipment and a vehicle with roof racks to transport it.

Big or Voyageur Canoe

We do have several large 25+ foot voyageur style canoes. These can be used on a variety of trips including lakewater, movig water, and even some easy whitewater. We do occasionally hold special club course clinics and even trips on local rivers. We have partnered with the Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club in the past to do a Thompson River Big Canoe Rendezvous on from Savona to Ashcroft on the Thompson River which includes several exciting rapids. Most commonly though our Big Canoes are used for youth, school, and community groups on calmer water trips out of Pioneer Park or on some local lakes.