Recreational Event and Difficulty Levels

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.

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. Generally speaking only Trips originating in Kamloops will have the possibility of access to club equipment.

In general it is strongly recommended that members take our basic club courses and clinics, AND that they seel additional training courses before participating in Intermediate and especially Advanced trips. Occasionally members also join the club with strong basic canoe skills from other previous experience and that may also be appropriate. 

Recreational Trip Difficulty Ratings

Beginner Recreational Trips – 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. Minimal floatation is typically appropriate.

Intermediate Recreational Trips– 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 know their basic strokes well, how to steer their canoe confidently , have practiced capsizes. For moving water trips it is expected that members have attended a club Intro to Moving Water Clinic at a minimum. Minimal floatation is typically appropriate. 

Advanced Recreational Trips – Larger lakes with wind exposure or crossings. Longer days planned requiring participants to have good strength and stamina. For river trips up to class 1+ with noticeable rapids, strong eddy lines, etc as well and other  hazards such as sweepers, strainers and rocks that should still be easy to avoid. Participants should know their basic strokes well, how to steer their canoe quite confidently , have well self rescue and canoe over canoe rescue skills. It is strongly recommended that they have taken an RCABC Basic Tandem or Basic Solo Moving Water Canoe Course. Additional floatation for boats should be considered.