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WELCOME TO THE CALGARY CANOE CLUB The Calgary Canoe Club would like to take this opportunity to welcome new and returning paddlers to the Club. We are very excited about our up coming on water season, (May through October). All sessions (spring, summer and fall) are filled with fun, fitness, friendship and competition. We’re sure that you must have many questions about the program so we will attempt to answer many of these questions now. If after reading through our handbook you have any further questions please feel free to ask our manager or any of our coaching staff. Coaches will also frequently communicate information to paddlers and parents as events near.
The Calgary
Canoe Club Background
The Calgary Canoe Club was first established in 1959, and since then has become a nationally acclaimed paddling club. Our Sprint Canoe and Kayak program offers both a recreational and competitive level all year round to promote the gradual development of all athletes. The Calgary Canoe Club, one of many sprint clubs located across Canada, is governed by the CKC (Canoe Kayak Canada). There are over 6500 members across the Country ranging from beginners to Olympic team athletes. Our paddlers race in many events locally, provincially, and nationally. Members of the Calgary Canoe Club will compete in the 2007 Western Canada Summer Games and the 2009 Canada Summer Games as part of the Alberta Provincial Team. In addition to the Summer Games, high performance participants will also compete at the National Team Trials and National Championships. Former National Team
member Kamini Jain began her paddling career in Calgary at the age of 14
and progressed through the ranks to become a member of the National Team.
Kamini competed for Canada at both the 2000 and 2004 Olympic Games in the
Ladies Kayaks events. Kamini has recently retired but continues to visit
the Club frequently to pass on her knowledge to the kids. Greg Redman is the
current Team Physiotherapist for the National Canoe/Kayak team. Greg has
attended the past two Olympic Games as a member of the Medical Staff. Greg
runs his clinic at Marda Loop Sport Physiotherapy (1517 34th Ave
SW). 2007
EVENT SCHEDULE 2007
COACHING
TEAM The Head Coach of The Calgary Canoe Club, Mike
Robinson, is originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia where he coached and
paddled for many years. Mike is currently working on his Masters Degree in
Kinesiology at the University of Calgary. Mike oversees the entire sprint
program but his main focus is the High Performance athletes at the Calgary
Canoe Club. The new Canoe Coach of the Calgary Canoe Club,
Jonny Stuart, started
paddling at Balmy Beach in 1995, he spent his first year in the sport
simply having fun and enjoying the affiliation that it provided. He
decided to continue on in the sport with a more competitive attitude as he
realized that he had a knack for making the boat go fast. He has gone on
to win several Canadian championships in C-2 and war canoe events. With
Jon's flat water background he has become a member of the Canadian
Dragon boat team attending 3 world championships taking gold at two
of them. Jon has coached both flat
water and dragon boat disciplines throughout his career and we are excited
that he has decided to join our club as one of our full time coaches. Dave Matthews is
an accomplished canoeist whose family has been heavily involved in the
Calgary Canoe Club since the early 1970’s. Dave is also certified as a
NLS certified lifeguard with Aquatic Emergency Care Certification, and
CRCA flat-water instructor. Dave participated in the 2001 Canada Summer
Games, where he achieved a Gold Medal in the Men’s C2 500m event.
He has worked for several years at the Calgary Canoe Club. Dave
accompanies Jonny with Development sprint programs along with the school
group programs run through The Calgary Canoe Club. Paddling
– What a great sport . . . As
I sit down to write this welcome message a light rain falls rekindling
memories of day long gone. I
can still see the waves purling off my C1 as it gently lunges forward
slicing through the glassy water. I
make light conversation with my training partner as she paddles alongside;
surrounding us miniature explosions cover the waters surface.
The summer air freshened by the rain as the smell forest sweeps
across the lake. Patches
of clear sky break the gray above, bright rays of sun escape and gleam
across portions of the lake. I
remember a feeling of calm that comes from being separated from the rest
of the world, any troubles left behind on the dock with the well-worn
flip-flops that should have been replaced months before.
Strange what we remember…that day my training partner gave her K1
the name ‘Rain-Dancer’. I
wish you all, paddlers new and old, the best as you make new memories of
your own. ‘Through
The Waters To Friendship’ Mike
Robinson SPRING AND FALL PROGRAMS: The spring and fall programs emphasize basic skill development, technical improvements, and specific endurance to prepare for the upcoming summer season, or in the case of the fall to continue working on our paddling technique prior to the winter dryland season. The sessions for the development program range from 3-4 times per week. High performance athletes normally attend specific training camps and train throughout the spring and fall. Spring and Fall Development Program à Ages 14 and under (and novice paddlers)
Summer Development Program à Ages 14 and under
Summer Development Program à Ages over 14 (and novice paddlers)
·
weekend
schedules vary according to the race schedule.
Youth Summer Camps :
The youth summer program serves as a feeder program for the Development Program.
Participants
are introduced to the sport of sprint canoe-kayak, in addition to basic
skills in the recreation boats. Qualified coaches and staff will provide a
safe and fun environment in which participants will gain experience in a
wide range of boats. The structured session runs from 9am to 4 pm, Monday
through Friday. Within practices individuals will improve balance,
technique, coordination, and racing skills in sprint canoes and kayaks. In
addition to on water training, dry land sessions will be incorporated into
the daily program and include games, and conditioning activities. Youth may register for any length of time in the
summer season ranging from 2-8 weeks. At any time participants may enroll
full time in the Development Sprint Program. This is also applicable for
those that have participated in the spring or fall Learn to Kayak program.
high performance Program:
High
performance paddlers are those athletes which have over two years
experience and have made a commitment to train full time to prepare for
elite competitions such as the Canadian National Championships, Canada
Summer Games, or National Team Trials. These athletes train 8 to 10 times
per week in the off-season, and twice a day in the summer months. Most
high performance athletes attend spring training camps for 3-4 weeks in
March and / or April to get an early start to on-water training and to
prepare for the racing season. Recent spring camps have taken place in
Florida and BC. The location is determined each year based on a number of
factors including, availability of accommodation, number of athletes
attending, and available funding from our provincial governing body –
Alberta Sprint Racing Canoe Association. The Head Coach will determine
which athletes are eligible to attend spring camp depending on age/
maturity, experience, athlete’s goals, commitment, and dedication to the
sport. Masters Program:
This
program is specifically designed for master’s paddlers looking to
improve their basic on water competitive performance this season. If you
paddle Outrigger, Marathon, Sprint or Dragon boat, and you’re serious
about improving your boat skills, stroke efficiency, and race focus, then
this is the program for you!
WINTER PROGRAMS:
The winter
session takes place from November 1- April 30. This program is offered 3-4 times a week
for developing athletes. Activities include running, swimming, tank
paddling, age appropriate strength training, and gym/ games sessions that
involve different sports. High performance athletes train 8-
10 times a week working towards specific training goals.
SPRINT
CANOE / KAYAK EQUIPMENT Our fleet of boats include
sprint racing canoes and kayaks, white water kayaks, recreational canoes,
voyageurs, war canoes, marathon racing canoes and outriggers. Those
involved in the youth summer program will have access to these boats on a
daily basis. Once participants have covered the basics in the recreational
boats we introduce the Olympic sprint racing boats. Racing canoes and
kayaks come in different lengths to accommodate the different numbers of
paddlers, the boats are more streamlined th
Athletes compete in the sprint distances of 200
meters, 500 meters, and 1000 meters at the National and World Championships,
as well as Western Canada, Canada, and the Olympic Summer Games. Athletes can
also compete in the 6000-meter “long distance” races at the
National championships, Western Canada, and Canada Summer Games. One event, which is exclusive to Canada, is the Great
Canadian War Canoe (C-15). This exciting 15-person boat is a 30-foot racing
canoe with 14 paddlers and a coxswain (steer person). All participants will
have the opportunity to race these exciting boats in their age category at
local regattas that take place throughout the summer months.
CARE
OF EQUIPMENT At the Calgary Canoe Club we are
very fortunate to have access to high-end equipment. Most of the sprint racing
canoes are made out of fiberglass that are lightweight and fast, but also
fragile. Sprint kayaks and canoes also have components such as floorboards and
rudders that require constant maintenance and care. All members involved in
the Sprint Program are encouraged to do their part in caring for the equipment
and ensuring that it is always in working order. This includes:
PRACTICE
ESSENTIALS Every member should come to the
club prepared for practice. There are lockers available for daytime use to
store you valuables while you are on the water. Each athlete should bring the
following items to practice:
ON WATER SAFETY We
maintain a safe ratio of instructors to athletes that is based on skill and
age of the participants. Development paddlers are supervised by a coach for
all practice sessions. Although the safety boat cannot be next to all paddlers
at all times, paddlers are trained to paddle with a group and stay close to
shore when the coach/safety boat is not in the immediate area. Participants
will also be trained on how to do a self rescue (empty their boat out at
shore). Due to the nature of the sport, learning to balance in racing boats,
it is inevitable that paddlers will at some point tip and go for a swim. The
Glenmore Reservoir is our drinking water and we are very sensitive to
this, we try our best to stay out of the water as much as possible. *All
program participants MUST be comfortable in water should they tip and have to
self rescue.
Safety
concerns exist whether paddling in hot or cold weather. In cold weather
conditions paddlers follow the shoreline and the coach boat accompanies
inexperienced paddlers. Our club has hot showers to help warm up should a tip
occur. During hot weather, water bottles, hats, sunscreen and sunglasses are a
must. All of our staff maintain
current CPR and First Aid certification and club coaches are certified through
the National Coaches Certification Program. ATOM:
UNDER 10 (as of January 1st) PEEWEE:
UNDER 12 BANTAM:
UNDER 14 MIDGET:
UNDER 16 JUVENILE:
UNDER 18 JUNIOR:
18 AND OVER SENIOR:
A PADDLER WINNING A JUNIOR EVENT OR HAS FOUR OR MORE POINTS AT
NATIONALS. MASTERS:
FEMALE- 25 YEARS AND OVER
MALE- 30 YEARS AND OVER Paddlers
are placed in the age categories for competition (all REGATTA’S The
highlight of the paddling season is attending regattas. All the hard work the
athletes put into their training finally pays off when they showcase
themselves at these races. The coaching staff determines who will compete in
certain regattas and will do their best to ensure everyone is given the
opportunity to compete in the appropriate number of races for each regatta.
Whether large or small, near or far, these regattas provide Calgary athletes
the opportunity to show that we have encouraged a positive and supportive
program for all of our members. We do this through our results in races and
more importantly through the support and cheering that the athletes, coaches,
and parents provide while any of our members is competing. For a list if this
season’s events please refer to the regatta
schedule located at the front of the book. The Calgary Canoe Club hosts at least one major
Regatta each year. Our parent volunteers run the regatta and fill in the
necessary position of officials, timekeepers, judges and organizers. All
parents are encouraged to get involved with the regattas as we need your
support to ensure these events run smoothly, besides that they are a lot of
fun. A
typical regatta day goes as follows:
List
of items to bring to an away regatta:
The Calgary Canoe Club would not be able to operate
without an army of volunteers. Whatever interests you, you will be able to
find a place to use your talents, from Board member, to repairing boats, to
helping with regattas as part of the officials team or by chaperoning any of
our away races or camps. It is also a
great way to meet the other parents, learn new skills, and learn a lot more
about the sport of sprint racing, while having a lot of fun. Other Ways to Get Involved Whatever
your talents, there is a place for you at the Calgary Canoe Club. Here are
just a few of the other ways you can become involved:
Chief
Official:
Oversees the regatta and ensures competition is run according to rules. Finish
line Judges: Judges verify
the order of finish. A pair of binoculars is beneficial for this job. Timer:
Records times as each competitor crosses the line Competition
Secretary: Records the
placing in program together with crew changes, scratches, disqualification’s
etc. Whipper-in:
Ensures each crew checks in and obtains boat and body number, communicates
scratches or changes to Chief Official and ensures return of boat and body
numbers after each crew’s event. Announcer: Communicates race progress, results, special announcements
etc. Referee:
Ensures rules are
followed. Raises white flag if race is completed according to rules, red flag
if there have been infractions. Starters:
At 5, 3, and 1 minute to start, the starter asks crews to align themselves
behind start line, approach the start line and await the starting commands.
The starter starts each race and is in control of race until all boats have
cleared 25-meter mark. Competition
Organizer: Organizes
regatta for Club or Division. Boat
Driver: Drives referees
and follows the race. May have to respond to any emergency situation that
arise Competition
Committee: Chief Official,
Chief Finish Line Judge and Competition Secretary - supervise competition, may
postpone due to inclement weather, hear protests and settle disputes. ATHLETE
CODE OF CONDUCT
1.
To uphold and abide by the Regatta Rules and the Safety Code of Canoe
Kayak Canada (National governing body). 2.
To refrain from the use of alcohol and adhere to sport Canada’s Doping
and Drug Usage Policy at all times during travel as a team member and
participation in sanctioned regattas, authorized training camps and team
programs. 3.
To report promptly any medical problem to the coach, chaperone or person
in charge and abide by his/her decisions to your ability to race. 4.
To report to the regatta course 1 hour in advance of your race to ensure
that you are whipped in and at the start line on time for all scheduled
events. 5.
To respect the curfew and decorum set by the coach, chaperone, or person
in charge of the team when traveling or attending a regatta as a member of the
Calgary Canoe Club’s racing program. 6.
To respect the house rules and the rights of other guests at any place
of lodging by showing respect and good manners and to not damage or deface
private or public property. 7.
To conduct one’s self at all times in a manner that will not bring
dishonor or shame to their team members or the Calgary Canoe Club. 8.
To assist, at the request
of the coach , chaperone, or person in charge of the team with such duties as
may be required from time to time. Any athlete found in default of the “CODE OF CONDUCT” may, at the discretion of the coach, chaperone or person in charge of the team , be sent home at their own expense and may be suspended as a member of the Calgary Canoe Club racing program. Appeals made by or on behalf of the athlete shall be made to the Calgary Canoe Club, Sprint Committee and /or Board of Directions. The decision of the committee or any charge will be final.
In
addition to your program fee every full time sprint member must be a Club
Member.
HOURS
OF OPERATION Spring
Hours
The boat bays are open Monday to Friday from 4 to 8:30 p.m. in May and
June. On the weekends we are open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Boat bay
hours are weather permitting, so if the weather is poor please call ahead
to make sure we are still open. If you would like to paddle before 4 p.m.,
please call ahead to make arrangements for signing out a boat, this is not
applicable for development paddlers who need to supervised by a coach for
all sprint sessions. Summer
Hours:
In July and August the
boat bay is open 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Monday through Sunday. Fall
Hours: The
boat bays are open Monday to Friday from 4 to 8:00 p.m. in September and
October (sunlight and weather permitting). On the weekends we are open
from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. CONTACT
INFORMATION Club Manager: Lynda Roberts Head
Coach: Mike Robinson
Canoe Coach: Jonny Stuart |
Depending on the location,
there may be an opportunity to do something fun in the evenings such as
swimming etc., so money would be needed for that.
You will receive
information before each regatta to help plan for the costs involved.
Boats need to be loaded
onto the trailer before leaving for a regatta, at the end of a regatta and
again when we return to the Calgary Canoe Club. All paddlers are expected to
help with this!!!
Tarps are normally rigged
on the boat trailer for protection from sun and rain. Paddlers gather around
the trailer as their “home away from home”.
Regattas are a great place
to meet other paddlers and form friendships with paddlers right across the
country, not to mention getting to know the paddlers from your own club
better.
Your Calgary Canoe Club
racing singlet, these can be purchased at the boat bay office and all athletes
must wear their team singlet during their races, competitors not wearing a
singlet will be disqualified.
Chaperones: There are
many away regattas or training camps where chaperones are needed. Skills
needed are cooking, eyes in the back of your head, duct tape and emergency
repair skills. 
Fundraising: Past events
have included Meat sales, Entertainment Books, Poinsettia sales, bottle
drives, car washes etc. anything to raise funds for the program, which can be
used for fees, travel or equipment. 
Boat Repairs: These are
needed particularly during the winter to get the boats ready for the season,
although there are ongoing needs for repairs. 
A Board of Directors runs
the Calgary Canoe Club, with annual elections at an Annual General Meeting
usually in March. The positions are open to the general membership. 
The Alberta Sprint Racing
Canoe Association is the provincial body that overseas funding and carding for
the athletes and clubs in Alberta. They also have yearly elections and the
positions are open to the members of the member clubs in Alberta. 
During the year there are
opportunities for social events where baking and organizing skills may be
required. 
