On Monday July 4th, youth from across the city arrived at the North Bay Canoe Club eager to get onto the water. Paddlers enjoyed the beautiful waters of Trout Lake, learning the basics of canoeing and kayaking and having the opportunity to race at various regattas throughout the summer.
Paddle Campers participate in a week-long day camp that is offered every week during the summer, learning the basics of canoe/kayak technique and water safety – and having a lot of fun along the way! Highlights of the week included canoe-over-canoe rescue, excursions to Blueberry Rock and a visit to the Green Store for ice cream. Campers finished their week with a fun regatta on Friday afternoon, showing off their new skills in a series of races.
New sprint athletes, participating in a summer long program, were introduced to race canoes and kayaks by coaches Spencer Smith, and Sean Patterson.
“The club has experienced tremendous growth this year," stated Coach Smith.
"There is an influx of new paddlers to the club and we’ve had a fantastic week teaching them about the sport. They’ve experienced so much progression already and we’re looking forward to seeing the kids develop their skills and confidence over the summer."
Athletes with more experience are focused on building their endurance and strength in preparation for upcoming races. Sprint kayaker, Riley Evans, is no novice to the sport. He is returning to North Bay after three years of training at Rideau Canoe Club, as he enters his 8th year of paddling. Evan’s grandparents, Jean and Terry Evans, were among the founding members of the North Bay Canoe Club in 1968. “I’ve had a lot of fun training this season in preparation for our upcoming regattas. My goal for the season is to qualify for the OCUP 3 Ontario Championships and I’m really excited to be back at the North Bay Canoe Club where I first started paddling”.
But it’s not only youth that have the opportunity to enjoy the club. The Adult Paddling Program also launched this week, taking place on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Adults have the opportunity to try a variety of canoes, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards.
Trish Pecore, a returning adult paddler, enjoys the flexibility of the program.
“The best part of the program is I can truly make it my own," said Pecore.
"I can choose to go for a leisurely paddle and enjoy the lake, a longer paddle for a good workout, or challenge myself to stay in the more advanced sprint racing kayaks. Last summer I significantly improved my fitness level and managed to race the most advanced K1 and K2 boats at the end of the year Fun Regatta. I am excited to see what this year brings!”
As the first week of training draws to a close, competitive athletes at the North Bay Canoe Club are looking forward to their first regatta of the season. Paddlers from across the province will attend the North Bay Canoe Club’s annual regatta on Saturday July 16th. The club invites community members to stop by and support our local athletes.
The North Bay Canoe Club encourages intereseted paddlers to visit their website, northbaycanoeclub.ca, or call 705-476-2030 for more information on their summer programs and corporate opportunities.
Submitted by Kylie-Anne Grube
