- Safety for all our members is of the utmost importance to us as a club and is a big part of our training. With basic training skills, our trip leaders and any potential canoe partners can be assured that you have the required knowledge and ability for the types of trips you wish to participate in. Basic training allows you to participate in flat water “easy breezy” trips. Intermediate Training allows for full participation in all canoe trips. It is important that you understand your limitations and paddle within your ability.
- Fees for training are reasonable, but are non-refundable due to the commitment required, limited spaces available, and the instruction provided by our paid, certified instructor and experienced volunteers.
- River training, for both Basic and Intermediate sessions, is one day each—with rain dates. Please keep those dates free and ensure that you are able to participate on all posted dates to get the full benefit of the training.
- All training sessions are designed to enhance your canoeing experience with the Old Salts while ensuring your safety!
- Current members are also encouraged to continue taking training sessions regularly to keep their canoeing skills sharp and to improve their river reading abilities. There is always something new to learn no matter how many times you take a training session!
- Training is not just for learning and reviewing skills, but is also a lot of fun and a great way to meet new people and start the canoe season under the guidance of a qualified instructor and experienced volunteer members!
Please note, training dates are subject to change due to weather and/or river conditions which is why rain dates are necessary. Please plan accordingly!
(April) Orientation/Dry Land Training for New Members
| When: | Saturday, April 5, 2025 |
| Where: | Albert McCormick Community Centre, (Banquet Hall) 500 Parkside Dr., Waterloo |
| Time: | 1:00—3:00 p.m. |
| Cost: | Free |
(April) Mandatory Pool Training for New Members
| When: | Tuesday, April 15, 2025 |
| Where: | Forest Heights Pool, 253 Fischer-Hallman Rd, Kitchener |
| Time: | 2:30—3:45 pm. (Meet at the Shed, Wing 404, 510 Dutton Dr, Waterloo, @1:30 p.m. |
| Cost: | $25.00 |
BRING: towel, canoeing clothes, water shoes, PFD, a change of clothes, and $0.25 for a locker
YOU WILL GET WET!
(April) Pond Training (Canoe stroke learning/review/practice)
| When: | April 23 (Wed.) April 25 (Fri.), April 30 (Wed.), 2025
Participate in 1 session or all 3—great practice opportunities! |
| Where: | Victoria St. Pond (J.A. Pollack Family Trailway at Stanley Park Optimist Natural Area, Shirley Dr. (at Victoria St.) Kitchener |
| Time: | 1:00—4:00 p.m. |
| Cost: | $2.00 to be paid at the pond (for canoe-trailer towing) |
BRING: PFD, dry sack with complete change of clothes, canoe shoes, snacks, water
Dress for the weather!
(May) Refresher Course with 1 Certified Instructor
| When: | Monday, May 5 (rain date Wednesday, May 7), 2025 |
| Where: | Grand River: Glen Morris (Forbes St.) to Birley Gates (142 West River Rd. S, Glen Morris) |
| Time: | 11:30 a.m.—3:30 p.m. (Meet at Canoe Shed, Wing 404, 510 Dutton Dr., Waterloo a @9:00 a.m.) |
| Cost: | $50.00 |
BRING: PFD, dry sack (complete with change of clothes), canoe shoes, whistle, lunch, snacks, water
Dress for the weather!
(May) Mandatory Basic Training Course with 2 Certified Instructors
| When: | Saturday, May 10 (rain date May 24), 2025 |
| Where: | Grand River: River Bluffs LUNCH (Moyer’s Landing to River Bluffs Park afternoon?) |
| Time: | 9:00 a.m.—3:30 p.m. (Meet at Canoe Shed, Wing 404, 510 Dutton Dr., Waterloo) @ 8:00 a.m. |
| Cost: | $70.00 |
BRING: a packed lunch, PFD, whistle, dry sack (complete with change of clothes), canoe shoes, snacks, water
Dress for the weather!
(May) Intermediate Training with 2 Certified Instructors
| When: | May 25 (rain date May 31), 2025 |
| Where: | A.M. Grand River: 200 Water St. (Galt) Cambridge (formerly Petro-Can) to Glen Morris (Forbes St.) LUNCH P.M. Glen Morris to Birley Gates (142 West River Rd. S, Glen Morris) |
| Time: | 9:00 am – 3:30 pm ((Meet at Canoe Shed, Wing 404, 510 Dutton Dr., Waterloo) @ 8:00 a.m. |
| Cost: | $70.00 |
BRING: a packed lunch, PFD, whistle, dry sack (complete with change of clothes), canoe shoes, snacks, water
Dress for the weather!