From the program director: “Our programme is so so thankful to you all for lending us the canoe for our safety practice. We really can’t express it enough. Your kindness made it possible for us to safely train our students for their upcoming Algonquin trips, and it would have been a difficulty piece to fit into place without your generosity.”

Erin
Trailhead Program
Halton District School Board
www.trailheadprogram.org

Some of the students responses: “The canoe training was magical. Hitting the fresh water was like the ultimate refreshment. Although I had previous experience paddling, learning the names and proper ways to do things was very interesting and helpful. My favorite part was doing the feathering strokes during the paddle practice I did after canoe-over-canoe session. I am excited for the sights of Algonquin, and for the fun experiences and the stories around the campfire.”
-Troy “Pike”

“I thought the water was cold, but it was fun. It was kind of like a bonding moment as we all experienced the tipping of the canoes, the shock of the cold water, and then the teamwork to get back into the canoes. Staying calm and talking the other groups through the process was something new that I learned. For Algonquin I am most looking forward to seeing how far we’ve gone, and knowing that we’ve gone from one place to another as a group.”
-Laural “Autumn”

For more information on the techniques for canoe rescue please refer to the excellent article on paddling.net website

Canoe Rescue Techniques

We are a proud member of the American Canoe Association.

The ACA website; “Founded in 1880, The American Canoe Association (ACA) is a national nonprofit organization serving the broader paddling public by providing education related to all aspects of paddling; stewardship support to help protect paddling environments; and sanctioning of programs and events to promote paddlesport competition and recreation.”

From the ACA website;

• Provide the general public with FUN paddlesport opportunities
• Make paddling education and instruction accessible
• Improve access to all paddling venues
• Expand paddlesport to people of all abilities and to the underserved
• Influence stewardship issues and public policy that affect paddlers and the paddling experience
• Promote paddlesports competition at the local, regional and national levels
• Create strategic alliances with clubs and other organizations that represent the outdoor experience in order to expand awareness and knowledge of paddlesport
• Communicate the benefits of canoeing, kayaking, rafting and stand up paddleboarding as healthy lifetime recreation activities

“The heart of the ACA is the people who paddle, cherish and protect the rivers, lakes, streams, bays and oceans of the United States and beyond.”

As a perk to joining the ACA,  here is a spectacular ACA member benefit!

From the ACA website: “Sugar Island is located in the heart of the Thousand Islands in Gananoque, Ontario Canada, which is an international tourism destination near the St. Lawrence Islands National Park. The 35 acre island is privately owned by the ACA and is available to all members for year round use.

“Getting to Sugar Island is as much of part of your trip as your stay. The island is located approximately one mile from the Canadian Mainland. You can paddle out to the island or the great folks at Misty Isles Lodge in Gananoque, Ontario offer a water taxi service to the island.”

“What to do on an island you might ask? The island is rustic, with no modern amenities. It is a pristine, pure environment with crystal clear water, clean air, and beautiful night skies. Swim, snorkel, fish, paddle, sail, or simply relax.”

‘2014 ACA National Encampment: July 27 – August 8’

• New ACA members receive two(2) free nights of camping! (Reservation Form)
• Directions
• Maps (Detailed / Overview)
• Brochure
• 2014 ACA National Encampment
• History of Sugar Island (Article 1 / Article 2 / Powerpoint)
• Ecology of Sugar Island (PDF)
• Sugar Island Rules & Regulations (word)
• Sugar Island Emergancy Action Plan (word)
• For reservations, contact Marcia Banholzer
• International Canoe Regatta at Sugar Island (YouTube)

‘Sugar Island offers all ACA members the opportunity for a unique paddlesport camping experience. Stay for a weekend, a week, or a month!”

Join ACA today! Visit the ACA website for more information.

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Please always wear and don your Canadian approved lifevest, it’s the Law!

From the Mustang website

“Serious products for serious users”, Mustang Survival

“For more than 45 years, we have outfitted some of the most demanding users working in the world’s most unpredictable and hazardous environments. From commercial fishermen and industrial marine workers to law enforcement officers, the Coast Guard and even NASA astronauts, we’ve designed and provided professional users like you with industry leading personal protection equipment. As a serious user, you can, without a doubt, rely on our lifesaving solutions so you can focus on what you do best.”

Please carefully read the important information from the  Transport Canada website for additional info on the mandatory life saving equipment requirements for all vessels;

Universal size

“Having the right equipment on board can save your life. If something goes wrong on the water, you’ll be much better prepared to deal with it if you have the right equipment on board, if it’s in good working order, and if everyone can find it and use it. Remember, the best protection you can give yourself on the water is to wear your lifejacket!

This section starts off by listing the minimum safety equipment that is required on your boat, followed by some extra advice for specific activities. Finally, it offers more information on the equipment you need and how to use it.

 Minimum Safety Equipment Requirements   

The safety equipment Canada requires you to carry on board is based on the type and length of your boat. It must be on board, in good working order and always easy to reach so that it can be used in an emergency. You can find the length of your boat by reading the manufacturer’s product information or by measuring it yourself (from the front outside surface of the hull shell to the back outside surface of the hull shell – bow to stern).

Remember that these requirements apply only to pleasure craft and are the same whether you own, rent or borrow the boat. This includes typical boats like power boats, sail boats and personal watercraft, as well as less common boats like airboats, air cushion vehicles (hovercraft) and wing in ground effect vessels that are used only for recreation. They also apply to kiteboards.

If you want information on operating a vessel for work or commercial activities (non-pleasure craft), visit www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety or contact your local Transport Canada Centre.

These requirements do not apply to inflatable self-propelled water toys because they are not designed for use in open water. If you do choose to operate these toys in open water, they will be treated as pleasure craft and subject to the same strict rules. Remember as well that operating a propeller-driven surfboard is against the law in Canada.

The following list of equipment is the minimum that is required. You may want to bring more equipment based on your type of boat, your water activity and the current and forecasted weather and water conditions.”