Victoria Canoe & Kayak Club (VCKC) upcoming events

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (15 Apr 2026)

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (22 Apr 2026)

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

Level 1 Sea Kayaking Theory Night (Participants only) (22 Apr 2026)

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Paddle Canada Basic Course Theory Night for the weekend course.

Please be on time to promptly start at 6:30 pm. This will cover much of the theory as well as what you will need for the weekend.

Paddle Canada Level 1 Sea-Kayak April 2026 (25 Apr 2026)

Sat, 25 Apr 2026 15:00:00 GMT

This is the Level 1 Paddle Canada Kayak Course for individuals who have completed the Basic Course and have at least six months of paddling experience. Students who believe that they eligible to take this course need to contact the Kayak Instructional Team through the club's kayak email address.

There will be a Pre-session theory class on Wednesday, April 22 @ 6:30 pm, at the clubhouse.

Participants will require appropriate clothing, which will include a wet or dry suit as you will be in the water for the recovery session. If you do not have either of these then a wetsuit can be rented from Sports Rent. All other equipment is supplied.

Participants will be required to properly clean any equipment that is used at the end of the session. This usually takes half an hour each day.

Payment must be received at the time of booking your spot or it will not be guaranteed. Cost is $190 for the two day course. 8 am to 5:30 pm each day.

If you need to withdraw after paying you may either request payment to be kept on your account for later use or pay a $5 administrative fee to request your money back.

There are limited places for purchasing food around the Club so it is best that you bring lunch, snacks, and beverages for the day as breaks are short.

For more information about the course; https://www.paddlecanada.com/levels/sea-kayak/akasharkbow/

VCKC contact kayak@vckc.ca

Wednesday Big Canoe Social Paddle (29 Apr 2026)

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Big Canoe social paddle is on!! Come join us.

House and Grounds Spring Clean Up (09 May 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Come join us for the annual Spring Clean-up at the clubhouse. Tasks include smartening up the outdoor spaces of the clubhouse, deck washing, BBQ cleaning, gutter cleaning, window washing and more. In addition we will be doing a thorough cleaning of the interior including meeting rooms, kitchen and storage areas.

We will also be making an effort to gather up abandoned member items from around the clubhouse and put them in a central area for reclamation. Items such as: hats, gloves, shoes, boots or whatever isn't owned by VCKC. If these items go unclaimed after 30 days we will donate or dispose of them.

More information to follow about what to bring. If you have any questions, contact Gord Evans by email to: clubhouse@vckc.ca

Basic Sea Kayaking Theory Night (Participants only) (20 May 2026)

Thu, 21 May 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Paddle Canada Basic Course Theory Night for the weekend course.

Please be on time to promptly start at 6:30 pm. This will cover much of the theory as well as what you will need for the weekend.

Paddle Canada Basic Sea Kayak Course May 2026 (23 May 2026)

Sat, 23 May 2026 15:30:00 GMT

This is the Basic Kayak Course for individuals new to the sport, never been certified, or who wish to retake the course they have taken previously with the club. Cost for this course is $90. For more details on what is covered go to Paddle Canada's website

https://www.paddlecanada.com/levels/sea-kayak/basic-kayak-skills/

and scroll down

Please note that there will be a pre-session for this course during the week before the course on Wednesday, Sept 20 at 6:30 pm in the clubhouse.

If you are sick at the time of the course and cannot attend we will reschedule you for future courses. If this happens, please let us know so we can ask people on the waitlist.

All aspects of the kayak session will be outside so be sure to dress appropriately. Participants will require appropriate immersion clothing, including a wet or dry suit as you will be in the water for the recovery session. The Gorge can be cold at any time of the year. You can rent a wet or dry suit at Sports Rent located at 1950 Goverment St.

All other equipment will be supplied.

Payment must be received at the time of booking your spot or it will not be guaranteed.

There are limited places for purchasing food around the Club so it is best that you bring lunch, snacks, and beverages for the day as breaks are short.

This is the minimum level course required to be registered on the booking system, if you do not have proof of previous certification.

NB. If you need to cancel your registration, there is a $5 fee to process the refund. There is no charge to change your registration to an alternate date.

Dragon Boat Team Social / Race Debrief VCKC Clubhouse Main Floor and Deck (26 May 2026)

Wed, 27 May 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Dragon boat team social and Race debrief-Videos. Post FGPC Super Sprints.

Basic Sea Kayaking Theory Night (Participants only) (10 Jun 2026)

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 01:30:00 GMT

Paddle Canada Basic Course Theory Night for the weekend course.

Please be on time to promptly start at 6:30 pm. This will cover much of the theory as well as what you will need for the weekend.

Paddle Canada Basic Sea Kayak Course June 2026 (13 Jun 2026)

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 15:30:00 GMT

https://www.paddlecanada.com/levels/sea-kayak/basic-kayak-skills/

and scroll down

Please note that there will be a pre-session for this course during the week before the course on Wednesday, June 10, 2025 at 6:30 pm in the clubhouse.

If you are sick at the time of the course and cannot attend we will reschedule you for future courses. If this happens, please let us know so we can ask people on the waitlist.

All other equipment will be supplied.

Payment must be received at the time of booking your spot or it will not be guaranteed.

There are limited places for purchasing food around the Club so it is best that you bring lunch, snacks, and beverages for the day as breaks are short.

This is the minimum level course required to be registered on the booking system, if you do not have proof of previous certification.

NB. If you need to cancel your registration, there is a $5 fee to process the refund. There is no charge to change your registration to an alternate date.

Standard First Aid Certification & CPR Level C Course (20 Jun 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 15:30:00 GMT

Standard First Aid and CPR Level C (In Person)

This Standard First Aid and CPR Level C course provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to respond confidently to a range of injuries and illnesses, including head and spinal injuries, cardiac emergencies, and breathing distress. Covering both basic and intermediate first aid skills, this course prepares participants for diverse emergency situations. With hands-on training and immersive practice scenarios, participants gain the practical skills essential for effective emergency response.

Key Topics Include:

o CPR and AED Training: Practice CPR for adults, children, and infants, along with AED use to restore responsiveness in cardiac emergencies.

o First Aid for Common and Serious Injuries: Learn to treat burns, fractures, spinal injuries, and control severe bleeding.

o Head and Spinal Injury Management: Understand how to assess and manage head and spinal injuries, providing vital support until professional help arrives.

o Choking and Breathing Emergencies: Develop skills to respond to choking, respiratory distress, and other airway emergencies.

o Patient Assessment and Emergency Care: Learn to assess injuries, monitor vital signs, and stabilize patients in emergency situations.

o Comprehensive First Aid Knowledge: This course covers all aspects of first aid and CPR to handle minor injuries as well as life-threatening emergencies effectively.

Led by experienced instructors, this Standard First Aid and CPR course equips participants with critical skills, making it ideal for workplace first aid attendants, healthcare providers, and individuals who need training for both home and professional settings.

The cost will be $178.00. 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 you withdraw after paying you may 1.) request payment to be kept on your account for later use or 2.) pay a $5 administrative fee to request your money back.

If you have questions, please contact me.

Claire Harder, VCKC Safety Director, safety@vckc.ca

Dragon Boat Team Social / Race Debrief VCKC Clubhouse Main Floor and Deck (23 Jun 2026)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Dragon boat team social and Race debrief-Videos. Post Victoria Inner harbour Festival.

Dragon Boat Team Social / Race Debrief VCKC Clubhouse Main Floor and Deck (28 Jul 2026)

Wed, 29 Jul 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Dragon boat team social and Race debrief-Videos. Post FGPC Vancouver Island Festival.

Thompson River Trip (11 Sep 2026)

Fri, 11 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Thompson River Trip

More info to follow

Dragon Boat Team Social / Race Debrief VCKC Clubhouse Main Floor and Deck (22 Sep 2026)

Wed, 23 Sep 2026 00:30:00 GMT

Dragon boat team social and Race debrief-Videos. Post Comox Harbour Festival.

ORCBC River Day (27 Sep 2026)

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Outdoor and Recreational Council of BC Annual River Day

House and Grounds Fall Clean-Up (07 Nov 2026)

Sat, 07 Nov 2026 17:00:00 GMT

Come join us for the annual Fall Clean-up at the clubhouse. Tasks include smartening up the outdoor spaces of the clubhouse, deck washing, BBQ cleaning, gutter cleaning, window washing and more. In addition we will be doing a thorough cleaning of the interior including meeting rooms, kitchen and storage areas.

This is a great way to meet other members of the club and put in your volunteer hours. The more people that show up the quicker things get done!

A reminder email will be sent out closer to the date. If you have any questions, contact by email to: clubhouse@vckc.ca

2026 Remembrance Day Paddle on the Cowichan River (11 Nov 2026)

Wed, 11 Nov 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Remembrance Day Paddle on the Cowichan

The VCKC Canoe program will be participating in the annual community event - Remembrance Day Cowichan River Paddle on Wednesday 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.

Dragonboat Team Meeting VCKC Clubhouse Main Floor and Deck (18 Mar 2027)

Fri, 19 Mar 2027 01:00:00 GMT

VCKC Dragonboat Team Meeting