Marathon Events and Difficulty Ratings

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.

Again, TRIPS has club marathon boats MAY be used by groups IF the TRIP Leader is willing to meet at our compound in order to facilitate the picking up of equipment or if the session is run out of Pioneer Park. This is not guaranteed and depending on the location of the Trip and the Trip Leader. Members may often be required to use their own canoes and gear. Generally speaking only Trips originating in Kamloops will have the possibility of access to club equipment.

As above, it is expected that members will have taken the club’s Learn to Paddle (RCABC Lakewater Basic Tandem) Course or have taken an equivalent course elsewhere. For moving water trips it is expected that members have attended a club Intro to Moving Water Clinic at a minimum. For marathon members, it is strongly recommended that they take a marathon coaching clinic offered by one of the club’s certified marathon coaches. 

Marathon Trip Difficulty Ratings

Basic Marathon Training – Very easy Lakewater or essentially calm- very slow rivers with no significant hazards (Class 1-). Participants should know their basic strokes, how to steer their canoe a little, and what to do in case of a capsize. It is expected that members will have taken the club’s Learn to Paddle (RCABC Lakewater Basic Tandem) Course or have taken an equivalent course elsewhere. Participants should haver a reasonable level of fitness, balance, and stamina and be keen to learn and improve. Minimal floatation is typically appropriate. 

Intermediate Marathon Training– Larger/ longer Lakes with more potential for wind exposure or longer river trips with noticeable current and some river hazards that are easy to avoid (Class 1). Participants should be developing better levels of fitness, balance, and stamina. This category may also include races that are sanctioned by outside associations such as CKBC. Participants should know their basic strokes well including the marathon stroke. They should be able to steer their canoe confidently , have practiced capsizes. It is recommended that members have attended a club Intro to Moving Water Clinic AND taken a marathon paddling clinic by one of the clubs coaches. Additional floatation for boats should be considered except when a dedicated rescue motorboat is present. 

Advanced Marathon Training – Larger lakes with wind exposure or crossings. Longer distances and high intensity paddling will be planned requiring participants to have very good strength and stamina. This category may also include races that are sanctioned by outside associations such as CKBC. . Participants should know their basic strokes well, how to steer their canoe quite confidently, as these sessions may include rivers up to class 1+ with noticeable rapids, strong eddy lines, as well and other hazards such as sweepers, strainers and rocks that participants must be able to avoid. Participants should have well practiced self rescue and canoe over canoe rescue skills. It is strongly recommended that they have taken a marathon paddling clinic by one of the clubs coaches. Additional floatation for boats should be considered except when a dedicated rescue motorboat is present.