All VCKC Hosted Events

      Only future VCKC events appear on this page.  To see all events - past & future - view the complete Club Calendar or visit our Program specific calendars.

All Upcoming Events

    • 23 Jan 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Gorge waterway

    Dragonboat paddle.  If you are interested in joining us please email dragonboat@vckc.ca

    • 30 Jan 2025
    • 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Gorge waterway

    Dragonboat paddle.  If you are interested in joining us please email dragonboat@vckc.ca

    • 16 Feb 2025
    • 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM
    • Meet at VCKC clubhouse

    PFTK Kickoff is Sunday, Feb 16th at 9:30am.

    Register here to help us plan for food and confirm your spot in a big canoe.

    An approximate schedule for the day is as follows:

    •   9:30 am - Meet and review Big Canoe Basics. Presentation by Easter Seals BC
    • 10:30 am - 12:30 pm - Paddle Portage Inlet 
    • 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm - VCKC provided brunch and social
    •   1:30pm - Big Canoe capsize and rescue demonstration

    More Good News - This event is a unique fundraiser benefitting children and adults with disabilities who attend Easter Seals Summer Camp at Shawnigan Lake. Make the most of it with DONATIONS!

    Start Paddling &
    Fundraising Now!

    For more information check out VCKC's PFTK page

    We look forward to seeing you out for fun, fitness and fundraising for Easter Seals.

    See you on the water!!

    Joe Boyd, Big Canoe Director, bigcanoe@vckc.ca


    • 22 Feb 2025
    • 8:00 AM
    • Meet at VCKC Clubhouse

    2025 Paddle for the Kids - Sooke Basin - Feb 22

    We will be paddling up to 4-5 hours.

    Please note: Location is weather-dependent and may change on very short notice.

    This event is open to all members. Key reminders!

    • Meet at the VCKC clubhouse at 8:00 am to sign in, pay your $5.00 gas money for the transportation of canoes, be assigned to a specific canoe and organize ride sharing. Please be ready to depart from the clubhouse no later than 8:30 am.
    • Bring proper clothing - e.g., rubber boots or neoprene footwear, merino wool or synthetic quick drying underlayers, rain gear, waterproof gloves (rubber dish gloves work in a pinch) and a toque/hat. Bring an extra layer to put on during the lunch break to avoid getting chilled.
    • Bring a complete change of clothes and extra layers in a drybag, just in case. No capsizes are expected (they never are), but we always prepare for the worst-case scenario. Safety first!
    • Bring sufficient water/snacks for the day and a packed lunch (in your dry bag). A thermos of a warm drink/soup can be a welcome treat as part of your lunch.
    • Ride sharing is encouraged. Those not driving should park vehicles on the side streets near the clubhouse rather than in the parking lot. No parking is permitted in the Il Greco restaurant parking lot. If you are ride-sharing, please help to cover the fuel expense of your driver.
    • Most importantly - meet at VCKC at 8:00 am sharp!

    For more information about Paddle For The Kids click here.

    If you haven’t already, please register here.

    Start Paddling &
    Fundraising Now!

    • 02 Mar 2025
    • 8:00 AM
    • Meet at VCKC Clubhouse

    Paddle for the Kids: We will be paddling 4-5 hours on March 2nd, launching from Sidney paddling in the vicinity of Rum Island. 

    This event is open to all members. Key reminders!

    • Meet at the VCKC clubhouse at 8:00 am to sign in, pay your $5.00 gas money for the transportation of canoes, be assigned to a specific canoe and organize ride sharing. Please be ready to depart from the clubhouse no later than 8:30 am.
    • Bring proper clothing - e.g., rubber boots or neoprene footwear, merino wool or synthetic quick drying underlayers, rain gear, waterproof gloves (rubber dish gloves work in a pinch) and a toque/hat. Bring an extra layer to put on during the lunch break to avoid getting chilled.
    • Bring a complete change of clothes and extra layers in a drybag, just in case. No capsizes are expected (they never are), but we always prepare for the worst-case scenario. Safety first!
    • Bring sufficient water/snacks for the day and a packed lunch (in your dry bag). A thermos of a warm drink/soup can be a welcome treat as part of your lunch.
    • Ride sharing is encouraged. Those not driving should park vehicles on the side streets near the clubhouse rather than in the parking lot. No parking is permitted in the Il Greco restaurant parking lot. If you are ride-sharing, please help to cover the fuel expense of your driver.
    • Most importantly - meet at VCKC at 8:00 am sharp!

    For more information about Paddle For The Kids click here.

    If you haven’t already, please register here.

    Start Paddling &
    Fundraising Now!

    • 06 Mar 2025
    • 09 Mar 2025
    • 2 sessions
    • VCKC Clubhouse
    Register

    Canoe Lakewater - Basic Tandem

    This course is $30. Please register online now to secure your spot. You will not pay until two weeks before the course date when you receive an email reminder and invoice.

    There will be a theory session on the Thursday night in the clubhouse followed by a water session on the Gorge Sunday beside the clubhouse.

    Start all your paddling adventures with this introductory course. Whether you are a first-time paddler or with some prior experience, discover the essential skills, manoeuvres and knowledge to safely paddle a tandem (two-person) canoe, either from the bow (front) or stern (back).

    Capsizes and rescues are part of the course.  All paddlers require a dry- or wet suit, these can be rented in town. Sports Rent Coastal or dive shops have rentals available. 

    Topics include:

        Canoes, paddles, PFDs and other gear

        Paddling positions and boat trim

        Launching and landing

        Forward, stopping and reverse paddling

        Basic turns while paddling forward

        Spins and sideslip manoeuvres

        Storing and waterproofing gear

        Canoeing safety guidelines and equipment

        Handling waves and wind

        Capsizes and rescues 

    Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Basic Tandem course in a full-day session held on the Gorge waterway near the VCKC clubhouse.

    All canoeing gear can be provided, however you are encouraged to bring your own equipment if you have it.

    PREREQUISITE
    You must be a club member to take a course, you will not be able to register until you have logged into the website.

    Course-specific details will be sent by the instructor before the course.


    If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the VCKC Canoe Director - canoe@vckc.ca


    • 08 Mar 2025
    • 8:00 AM
    • Meet at VCKC Clubhouse

    Paddle for the Kids: We will be paddling up to 4-5 hours on March 8th near Saanich Inlet/Brentwood Bay. 

    Please note: Location is weather-dependent and may change on very short notice.

    This event is open to all members. Key reminders!

    • Meet at the VCKC clubhouse at 8:00 am to sign in, pay your $5.00 gas money for the transportation of canoes, be assigned to a specific canoe and organize ride sharing. Please be ready to depart from the clubhouse no later than 8:30 am.
    • Bring proper clothing - e.g., rubber boots or neoprene footwear, merino wool or synthetic quick drying underlayers, rain gear, waterproof gloves (rubber dish gloves work in a pinch) and a toque/hat. Bring an extra layer to put on during the lunch break to avoid getting chilled.
    • Bring a complete change of clothes and extra layers in a drybag, just in case. No capsizes are expected (they never are), but we always prepare for the worst-case scenario. Safety first!
    • Bring sufficient water/snacks for the day and a packed lunch (in your dry bag). A thermos of a warm drink/soup can be a welcome treat as part of your lunch.
    • Ride sharing is encouraged. Those not driving should park vehicles on the side streets near the clubhouse rather than in the parking lot. No parking is permitted in the Il Greco restaurant parking lot. If you are ride-sharing, please help to cover the fuel expense of your driver.
    • Most importantly - meet at VCKC at 8:00 am sharp!

    For more information about Paddle For The Kids click here.

    If you haven’t already, please register here.

    Start Paddling &
    Fundraising Now!

    • 15 Mar 2025
    • 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    • VCKC Clubhouse
    Register

    Canoe Lakewater - Basic Solo

    This course is $35. Please register online now to secure your spot. You will not pay until two weeks before the course date when you receive an email reminder and invoice.

    Learn to paddle a canoe by yourself, even in windy and rough conditions. You’ll adapt the paddling stokes learned in the Basic Tandem course to solo paddling while sitting in the centre of a canoe. You’ll gain independence as you enhance your understanding of how a canoe responds to each paddle stroke. By completing this course you’ll be able to branch out to the other courses the club offers, such as ocean tripping and the advanced tandem and solo courses

    Capsizes and rescues are part of the course.  All paddlers require a dry- or wet suit, these can be rented in town. Sports Rent Coastal or dive shops have rentals available. .

    Topics include:

        Solo paddling positions and trim

        Pivot point

        Extending your strokes for better control

        Solo spins and sideslips

        Self-rescues (Wet/dry suit recommended)

        Effective reverse paddling

        Introduction to environmental ethics

        Access concerns

    Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Lakewater - Basic Solo in a full-day session normally held on the Gorge waterway near the VCKC clubhouse.

    All canoeing gear can be provided, however you are encouraged to bring your own equipment if you have it.

    PREREQUISITE – RCABC Lakewater Basic Tandem or equivalent.  You must be a club member to take a course, you will not be able to register until you have logged into the website.

    Course-specific details will be sent by the instructor one week before the course.

    If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the VCKC Canoe Director - canoe@vckc.ca


    • 16 Mar 2025
    • 8:00 AM
    • Meet at VCKC Clubhouse

    Paddle for the Kids: We will be paddling up to 4-5 hours on March 16th, from Maple Bay. 

    Please note! Location is weather-dependent and may change on very short notice.

    This event is open to all members. Key reminders!

    • Meet at the VCKC clubhouse at 8:00 am to sign in, pay your $5.00 gas money for the transportation of canoes, be assigned to a specific canoe and organize ride sharing. Please be ready to depart from the clubhouse no later than 8:30 am.
    • Bring proper clothing - e.g., rubber boots or neoprene footwear, merino wool or synthetic quick drying underlayers, rain gear, waterproof gloves (rubber dish gloves work in a pinch) and a toque/hat. Bring an extra layer to put on during the lunch break to avoid getting chilled.
    • Bring a complete change of clothes and extra layers in a drybag, just in case. No capsizes are expected (they never are), but we always prepare for the worst-case scenario. Safety first!
    • Bring sufficient water/snacks for the day and a packed lunch (in your dry bag). A thermos of a warm drink/soup can be a welcome treat as part of your lunch.
    • Ride sharing is encouraged. Those not driving should park vehicles on the side streets near the clubhouse rather than in the parking lot. No parking is permitted in the Il Greco restaurant parking lot. If you are ride-sharing, please help to cover the fuel expense of your driver.
    • Most importantly - meet at VCKC at 8:00 am sharp!

    For more information about Paddle For The Kids click here.

    If you haven’t already, please register here.

    Start Paddling &
    Fundraising Now!

    • 20 Mar 2025
    • 23 Mar 2025
    • 2 sessions
    • VCKC Clubhouse
    Register

    Canoe Moving Water Basic Tandem

    This course is $120. Please register online now to secure your spot. You will not pay until two weeks before the course date when you receive an email reminder and invoice.

    There will be a theory session on the Thursday night in the clubhouse. The water session will be on a river away from the clubhouse.

    Become a river canoeist! Learn about the nature of rivers, how to prepare & manage for the challenges of moving water, and what to do when things don't go as planned.

    Topics include:

        Safety equipment, flotation and outfitting a canoe

        Managing river hazards

        Advanced strokes & braces

        Entering and exiting eddies

        Ferrying to cross the river

        River reading and group travel

        Rescues and swimming in rapids 

        Environmental and access concerns

    Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Tandem Moving Water course on a local island river over a weekend.

    All canoeing gear can be provided, however you are welcome to bring your own equipment if you have it.  All paddlers require a dry- or wet suit and a helmet, these can be rented in town.Georgia of Coastal Bliss in the Cowichan Valley, 250-715-0034 or coastalbliss@shaw.ca, has been very available to rent equipment early in the morning.

    PREREQUISITE – RCABC Lakewater Basic Tandem (or proof of equivalent). You must be a club member to take a course, you will not be able to register until you have logged into the website.

    Please register online now to secure your spot. 

    Note that dates may change to ensure safe water levels.

    Course-specific details will be sent by the instructor one week before the course.

    If you have questions, please feel free to contact the Canoe Program Director.

    Regards,

    Canoe Program Director

    canoe@vckc.ca 

    • 22 Mar 2025
    • 8:00 AM
    • VCKC Clubhouse - Coopers Cove

    Paddle for the Kids: We will be paddling up to 4-5 hours on Saturday, March 22nd, to Thetis and Penelakut Islands. 

    Please note! Location is weather-dependent and may change on very short notice.

    This event is open to all members. Key reminders!

    • Meet at the VCKC clubhouse at 8:00 am to sign in, pay your $5.00 gas money for the transportation of canoes, be assigned to a specific canoe and organize ride sharing. Please be ready to depart from the clubhouse no later than 8:30 am.
    • Bring proper clothing - e.g., rubber boots or neoprene footwear, merino wool or synthetic quick drying underlayers, rain gear, waterproof gloves (rubber dish gloves work in a pinch) and a toque/hat. Bring an extra layer to put on during the lunch break to avoid getting chilled.
    • Bring a complete change of clothes and extra layers in a drybag, just in case. No capsizes are expected (they never are), but we always prepare for the worst-case scenario. Safety first!
    • Bring sufficient water/snacks for the day and a packed lunch (in your dry bag). A thermos of a warm drink/soup can be a welcome treat as part of your lunch.
    • Ride sharing is encouraged. Those not driving should park vehicles on the side streets near the clubhouse rather than in the parking lot. No parking is permitted in the Il Greco restaurant parking lot. If you are ride-sharing, please help to cover the fuel expense of your driver.
    • Most importantly - meet at VCKC at 8:00 am sharp!

    For more information about Paddle For The Kids click here.

    If you haven’t already, please register here.

    Start Paddling &
    Fundraising Now!

    • 30 Mar 2025
    • 8:00 AM
    • Meet at VCKC Clubhouse

    Paddle for the Kids: We will be paddling up to 4-5 hours on March 30th near Race Rocks. 

    Please note! Location is weather-dependent and may change on very short notice

    This event is open to all members. Key reminders!

    • Meet at the VCKC clubhouse at 8:00 am to sign in, pay your $5.00 gas money for the transportation of canoes, be assigned to a specific canoe and organize ride sharing. Please be ready to depart from the clubhouse no later than 8:30 am.
    • Bring proper clothing - e.g., rubber boots or neoprene footwear, merino wool or synthetic quick drying underlayers, rain gear, waterproof gloves (rubber dish gloves work in a pinch) and a toque/hat. Bring an extra layer to put on during the lunch break to avoid getting chilled.
    • Bring a complete change of clothes and extra layers in a drybag, just in case. No capsizes are expected (they never are), but we always prepare for the worst-case scenario. Safety first!
    • Bring sufficient water/snacks for the day and a packed lunch (in your dry bag). A thermos of a warm drink/soup can be a welcome treat as part of your lunch.
    • Ride sharing is encouraged. Those not driving should park vehicles on the side streets near the clubhouse rather than in the parking lot. No parking is permitted in the Il Greco restaurant parking lot. If you are ride-sharing, please help to cover the fuel expense of your driver.
    • Most importantly - meet at VCKC at 8:00 am sharp!

    For more information about Paddle For The Kids click here.

    If you haven’t already, please register here.

    Start Paddling &
    Fundraising Now!

    • 03 Apr 2025
    • 06 Apr 2025
    • 2 sessions
    • VCKC Clubhouse
    Register

    Canoe Lakewater - Basic Tandem

    This course is $30. Please register online now to secure your spot. You will not pay until two weeks before the course date when you receive an email reminder and invoice.

    There will be a theory session on the Thursday night in the clubhouse followed by a water session on the Gorge Sunday beside the clubhouse.

    Start all your paddling adventures with this introductory course. Whether you are a first-time paddler or with some prior experience, discover the essential skills, manoeuvres and knowledge to safely paddle a tandem (two-person) canoe, either from the bow (front) or stern (back).

    Capsizes and rescues are part of the course.  All paddlers require a dry- or wet suit, these can be rented in town. Sports Rent Coastal or dive shops have rentals available. 

    Topics include:

        Canoes, paddles, PFDs and other gear

        Paddling positions and boat trim

        Launching and landing

        Forward, stopping and reverse paddling

        Basic turns while paddling forward

        Spins and sideslip manoeuvres

        Storing and waterproofing gear

        Canoeing safety guidelines and equipment

        Handling waves and wind

        Capsizes and rescues 

    Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Basic Tandem course in a full-day session held on the Gorge waterway near the VCKC clubhouse.

    All canoeing gear can be provided, however you are encouraged to bring your own equipment if you have it.

    PREREQUISITE
    You must be a club member to take a course, you will not be able to register until you have logged into the website.

    Course-specific details will be sent by the instructor before the course.


    If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the VCKC Canoe Director - canoe@vckc.ca


    • 05 Apr 2025
    • 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM

    This is what we have been practicing for since the Kick-Off on February 16. THE MAIN EVENT!  A long day paddle from Brentwood Bay to the VCKC Clubhouse on the Gorge Waterway. 

    For more information about Paddle For The Kids click here.

    If you haven’t already, please register here.

    Start Paddling &
    Fundraising Now!

    • 24 Apr 2025
    • 27 Apr 2025
    • 2 sessions
    • VCKC Clubhouse
    Register

    Canoe Moving Water Basic Tandem

    This course is $120. Please register online now to secure your spot. You will not pay until two weeks before the course date when you receive an email reminder and invoice.

    There will be a theory session on the Thursday night in the clubhouse. The water session will be on a river away from the clubhouse.

    Become a river canoeist! Learn about the nature of rivers, how to prepare & manage for the challenges of moving water, and what to do when things don't go as planned.

    Topics include:

        Safety equipment, flotation and outfitting a canoe

        Managing river hazards

        Advanced strokes & braces

        Entering and exiting eddies

        Ferrying to cross the river

        River reading and group travel

        Rescues and swimming in rapids 

        Environmental and access concerns

    Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Tandem Moving Water course on a local island river over a weekend.

    All canoeing gear can be provided, however you are welcome to bring your own equipment if you have it.  All paddlers require a dry- or wet suit and a helmet, these can be rented in town.Georgia of Coastal Bliss in the Cowichan Valley, 250-715-0034 or coastalbliss@shaw.ca, has been very available to rent equipment early in the morning.

    PREREQUISITE – RCABC Lakewater Basic Tandem (or proof of equivalent). You must be a club member to take a course, you will not be able to register until you have logged into the website.

    Please register online now to secure your spot. 

    Note that dates may change to ensure safe water levels.

    Course-specific details will be sent by the instructor one week before the course.

    If you have questions, please feel free to contact the Canoe Program Director.

    Regards,

    Canoe Program Director

    canoe@vckc.ca 

    • 03 May 2025
    • 9:30 AM
    • 04 May 2025
    • 5:00 PM

    VCKC’s ANNUAL RUNNING OF THE COW – May 3-4th, 2025

    Location: Cowichan River

    Camping: Stoltz Pool Boat Ramp area

    Registration opens  April 1st, 2025.

    The campout is for all club members and guests. The river paddle is open to anyone with Moving Water Basic Tandem certification or equivalent. 

    VCKC will be holding its Annual “Running of the Cow” this year on Saturday May 3rd to Sunday May 4th. This is a two-day moving water event where we paddle the Cowichan River, from the Lake all the way down to the White Bridge – river water levels permitting. This is open to all VCKC members who have completed the Moving Water Basic Tandem course or equivalent. Club members may also join us just for camping, as it's a great place to hike and bike in the area.


    Camping will be available free for members and guests at the Stoltz Pool Boat Ramp at Cowichan River Provincial Park on Friday May 2nd to Sunday morning, May 4th. Additional trailer space is available in the adjacent overflow, or in the campground.


    On Saturday we will start at the weir at Cowichan Lake at about 10AM and paddle to the takeout just above Skutz Falls. There we will enjoy a dinner and a great evening around the campfire. Campers will pack up by 11 AM Sunday morning May 5th and paddlers will complete the paddle.


    Saturday night dinner is open to all VCKC members and guests from other clubs.

    VCKC also invites all moving water paddlers in the area to the Cowichan River that weekend to celebrate the last great weekend of river paddling before the summer low water levels set in (well hopefully there will be a few more).


    If you are interested in attending, contact:

    James McBeath: canoe@vckc.ca or

    Joe Boyd: joeboyd@telus.ca 

    • 08 May 2025
    • 11 May 2025
    • 2 sessions
    • VCKC Clubhouse
    Register

    Canoe Lakewater - Basic Tandem

    This course is $30. Please register online now to secure your spot. You will not pay until two weeks before the course date when you receive an email reminder and invoice.

    There will be a theory session on the Thursday night in the clubhouse followed by a water session on the Gorge Sunday beside the clubhouse.

    Start all your paddling adventures with this introductory course. Whether you are a first-time paddler or with some prior experience, discover the essential skills, manoeuvres and knowledge to safely paddle a tandem (two-person) canoe, either from the bow (front) or stern (back).

    Capsizes and rescues are part of the course.  All paddlers require a dry- or wet suit, these can be rented in town. Sports Rent Coastal or dive shops have rentals available. 

    Topics include:

        Canoes, paddles, PFDs and other gear

        Paddling positions and boat trim

        Launching and landing

        Forward, stopping and reverse paddling

        Basic turns while paddling forward

        Spins and sideslip manoeuvres

        Storing and waterproofing gear

        Canoeing safety guidelines and equipment

        Handling waves and wind

        Capsizes and rescues 

    Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Basic Tandem course in a full-day session held on the Gorge waterway near the VCKC clubhouse.

    All canoeing gear can be provided, however you are encouraged to bring your own equipment if you have it.

    PREREQUISITE
    You must be a club member to take a course, you will not be able to register until you have logged into the website.

    Course-specific details will be sent by the instructor before the course.


    If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the VCKC Canoe Director - canoe@vckc.ca


    • 17 May 2025
    • 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    • VCKC Clubhouse
    Register

    Canoe Lakewater - Basic Solo   (LONG WEEKEND)

    This course is $35. Please register online now to secure your spot. You will not pay until two weeks before the course date when you receive an email reminder and invoice.

    Learn to paddle a canoe by yourself, even in windy and rough conditions. You’ll adapt the paddling stokes learned in the Basic Tandem course to solo paddling while sitting in the centre of a canoe. You’ll gain independence as you enhance your understanding of how a canoe responds to each paddle stroke. By completing this course you’ll be able to branch out to the other courses the club offers, such as ocean tripping and the advanced tandem and solo courses

    Capsizes and rescues are part of the course.  All paddlers require a dry- or wet suit, these can be rented in town. Sports Rent Coastal or dive shops have rentals available. .

    Topics include:

        Solo paddling positions and trim

        Pivot point

        Extending your strokes for better control

        Solo spins and sideslips

        Self-rescues (Wet/dry suit recommended)

        Effective reverse paddling

        Introduction to environmental ethics

        Access concerns

    Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Lakewater - Basic Solo in a full-day session normally held on the Gorge waterway near the VCKC clubhouse.

    All canoeing gear can be provided, however you are encouraged to bring your own equipment if you have it.

    PREREQUISITE – RCABC Lakewater Basic Tandem or equivalent.  You must be a club member to take a course, you will not be able to register until you have logged into the website.

    Course-specific details will be sent by the instructor one week before the course.

    If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the VCKC Canoe Director - canoe@vckc.ca


    • 22 May 2025
    • 25 May 2025
    • 2 sessions
    • VCKC Clubhouse
    Register

    Canoe Moving Water Basic Tandem

    This course is $120. Please register online now to secure your spot. You will not pay until two weeks before the course date when you receive an email reminder and invoice.

    There will be a theory session on the Thursday night in the clubhouse. The water session will be on a river away from the clubhouse.

    Become a river canoeist! Learn about the nature of rivers, how to prepare & manage for the challenges of moving water, and what to do when things don't go as planned.

    Topics include:

        Safety equipment, flotation and outfitting a canoe

        Managing river hazards

        Advanced strokes & braces

        Entering and exiting eddies

        Ferrying to cross the river

        River reading and group travel

        Rescues and swimming in rapids 

        Environmental and access concerns

    Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Tandem Moving Water course on a local island river over a weekend.

    All canoeing gear can be provided, however you are welcome to bring your own equipment if you have it.  All paddlers require a dry- or wet suit and a helmet, these can be rented in town.Georgia of Coastal Bliss in the Cowichan Valley, 250-715-0034 or coastalbliss@shaw.ca, has been very available to rent equipment early in the morning.

    PREREQUISITE – RCABC Lakewater Basic Tandem (or proof of equivalent). You must be a club member to take a course, you will not be able to register until you have logged into the website.

    Please register online now to secure your spot. 

    Note that dates may change to ensure safe water levels.

    Course-specific details will be sent by the instructor one week before the course.

    If you have questions, please feel free to contact the Canoe Program Director.

    Regards,

    Canoe Program Director

    canoe@vckc.ca 

    • 31 May 2025
    • 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    • VCKC Clubhouse
    Register

    Canoe Lakewater - Advanced Tandem

    This course is $40. Please register online now to secure your spot. You will not pay until two weeks before the course date when you receive an email reminder and invoice.

    If the course is full, add your name to the waitlist. We will add another course when numbers warrant. 

    Refine your skills and teamwork to quickly and efficiently paddle a tandem canoe in any direction. Master linking paddling manoeuvres together smoothly and efficiently to enhance your ability and enjoyment of canoeing. 

    Capsizes and rescues are part of the course.  All paddlers require a dry- or wet suit, these can be rented in town. Sports Rent Coastal or dive shops have rentals available. 

    Topics include:

        Running and regular sideslips

        Extended straight line paddling

        Sharp forward & reverse turns

        Bracing strokes

        Advanced tandem rescues (Wet/Dry suit recommended)

        Ropes and knots

        Canoe repair

        Handling wind and waves

    Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Advanced Tandem course in a full-day session normally held on the Gorge waterway near the VCKC clubhouse.

    All canoeing gear can be provided, however you are encouraged to bring your own equipment if you have it.

    PREREQUISITE – RCABC Canoe Lakewater Basic Tandem.   You must be a club member to take a course, you will not be able to register until you have logged into the website.

    Course-specific details will be sent by the instructor one week before the course.

    If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the VCKC Canoe Program Director

    Canoe Program Director

    canoe@vckc.ca 


    • 01 Jun 2025
    • 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    • VCKC Clubhouse
    Register

    Canoe Lakewater - Advanced Solo

    This course is $40. Please register online now to secure your spot. You will not pay until two weeks before the course date when you receive an email reminder and invoice.

    Take your paddling to the next level. You’ll first learn advanced strokes and maneuvers then practice them on a solo circuit on a fixed course. You will be able to demonstrate mastery via precise maneuvering by perfecting stokes on the circuit.

    Capsizes and rescues are part of the course.  All paddlers require a dry- or wet suit, these can be rented in town. Sports Rent Coastal or dive shops have rentals available. 

    Topics include:

        Advanced stokes - box, pitch, Canadian, …

        Cross bow draws

        Running sideslips

        Weight turns

        Inside & outside circles and figure eights

        Sharp forward & reverse turns

        Bracing strokes

        Canoe history

    Our certified instructors deliver the Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia’s (RCABC) Advanced Solo course in a full-day session normally held on the Gorge waterway near the VCKC clubhouse.

    All canoeing gear can be provided, however you are encouraged to bring your own equipment if you have it.

    PREREQUISITE –  Lakewater Advanced Tandem and Lakewater Basic Solo

    Please register online now to secure your spot. You can delay paying until one week before the course date; a payment reminder email will be sent at that time.

    Course-specific details will be sent by the instructor one week before the course. 

    If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the VCKC Canoe Director - canoe@vckc.ca 

    • 26 Jul 2025
    • 01 Aug 2025

    Gulf Island Brigade 2025

    For your information,  dates for the Brigade are July 26th - August 1st , 2025.

    Planning is currently underway for this trip. We will be paddling and camping on various Gulf Islands off the coast of Vancouver Island.  

    For non-club members the cost will be $2400 per canoe with a maximum crew of 6 people including the captain. A non-refundable deposit of $200 per canoe is required. When registering a canoe, only the captain needs to register. The remaining 5 crew members will automatically have space reserved for them. Details on how to sign up the crew will be given to the captain.

    VCKC members will  sign up individually and be assigned to VCKC canoes at a later date. 

    Solo paddlers will be given the opportunity to sign up on a list that will be made available to captains looking for crew members.

    Registration will open March 1st, 2025. More brigade details will be available then. No advance registration will be happening. 

    Joe Boyd, Big Canoe Director, Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club (VCKC)

    bigcanoe@vckc.ca


    Linda Allison, Registrar

    linda.canoe@icloud.com

    • 11 Nov 2025
    • 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
    • Cowichan River
    Registration is closed

    Remembrance Day Paddle on the Cowichan

    The VCKC Canoe program will be participating in the annual community event - Remembrance Day Cowichan River Paddle on Tuesday November 11 with participation from the South Island Whitewater and UVic Paddling Clubs. 

    There may be some short speeches and a reading of “Flanders Field” before a minute of silence at the Burma Star Memorial at Stolz pool at 11AM sharp. The Memorial is at Stolz Pool in Cowichan River Provincial Park dedicated in memory of all who lost their lives in the WW11 Burma Campaign. It is known as the “Forgotten Army”. Many paddlers leave a poppy at the Memorial.

    Interested VCKC paddlers are required to have RCABC Moving Water 1 or equivalent (must confirm with the event organizer),  James McBeath at canoe@vckc.ca or 250-208-1216

    VCKC members may book a canoe@vckc.ca if a canoe is needed. Everyone who books a canoe must assist in outfitting the canoe with proper safety gear and floatation. A time will be scheduled before the event.

    Although there will be individual volunteers who will lead groups down the river, each canoe is expected to be responsible for outfitting their canoe and be comfortable with their paddling skills on Grade 1-2 water.

    Car shuttles will be setup first and arranged at Gibs N Dots 9:30AM on the morning of the 11th.

    This event is very dependent on water levels so everyone who registers will be kept informed.

    Any questions or concerns please contact  James McBeath at canoe@vckc.ca or 250-208-1216.

    This is a great river event for both novice and experienced river paddlers alike. If you completed one of our Moving Water courses in the past 2 years, this is a great opportunity to hone your skills while having lots of fun on the river during salmon run. As always, helmets and immersion gear are mandatory for running rivers.

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