WHAT’S HAPPENING!

ELORA-WESTMONTROSE {photos}

For those who went on the Elora – Westmontrose canoe trip, I’m sure you will agree that although the weather was on the chilly side, it was a fun trip none the less. The water was moving at a decent rate and we had the chance to practice our skills on small scale rapids. Below you will find some photos that were taken to remember the trip!  Enjoy:)

GRAND RIVER – ELORA GORGE {Tuesday, May 14}

Hello fellow paddlers!

The Grand at Elora Gorge has some challenging bends therefore this trip is only open to experienced paddlers who have taken the basic and intermediate training. Knowing how to back ferry is a must!!!

This can be a very exciting and interesting paddle with some excellent views of the countryside . We also encounter many islands( unless they got washed away in the spring) and pass under a couple of bridges.

The water is still very cold so make sure you bring a warm change of clothes in case of a mishap.  (Which we don’t anticipate happening) If you have a wet or dry suit I suggest you wear it.

Bring a lunch, snack, water, rain apparel, PFD, etc.

The cost is $6.00.  Meet at the shed at 8:30

We have to enter off Middlebrook Road so be sure to get directions from Lynn on Tuesday . We will also be leaving a car at the Inverhaugh bridge in case we decide we don’t want to go all the way to West Montrose . Please check your email before heading out in case of another cancellation at the last minute  as they are still calling for rain.

Trip organizers: Lynn Warmington and Dianne Wagner

REFRESHER TRAINING {Photos}

The May 8th Refresher training went very well. We all met our new trainer, Beth Jones and found her to be very knowledgeable, professional and engaging. I’m sure all of us learned something new, were able to correct bad habits or try a new maneuver, and hopefully have a “light bulb” moment. The training was a good start to the season!  The Basic and Intermediate training is sure to be just as good:)

Though the weather was somewhat chilly,  it was a lovely day and nice to be on the water.  I’m happy to say that no one dumped!!

Here are some photos of our trip from Glen Morris to Birley Gates:

One thing that Beth talked about during her initial briefing was dressing for the weather. With this cooler weather, not many of us want to get our feet wet and be stuck with cold feet while in the canoe.  Beth suggested neoprene socks that you can actually wear with your water sandals. Here are some places to check them out:

SAIL Canada – $27.99

SPORTCHECK – $20.97 OR $27.99

MEC – $15.00

AMAZON.CA – $28.98

The price range is wide, so do your research if you decide to get a pair. Hopefully the weather will soon be warm enough where they won’t be needed!

 

GUELPH ROYAL CITY PARK – May 9th {Cancelled, but Rescheduled!}

Hello all!

Due to lack of response, our first Easy Breezy canoe trip has been cancelled for this week on Thursday, May 9th. However, I am rescheduling this trip for next Thursday, May 16th.

To get an idea of numbers expected, please either call me at 519-575-8792 or email me at: ward_@netflash.net (or indicate in comments below) by 7:00 pm on Wednesday May 15th.  Easy Breezy trips are only scheduled once a month so it would be a shame to cancel any of them due to lack of interest! This is a nice, leisurely paddle for our new members as well as our experienced paddlers!

Meet at the shed at 9:00 am for a 9:15 am departure. Be prepared for possible rain so bring rain gear, dry bag with change of clothes, water and lunch.

Don’t forge your Emergency Contact Card! If you don’t have one, ask me for one when we meet at the shed.

I look forward to seeing you!

Al Dunn, Trip Organizer
519-575-8792

 

HESPELER POND-May 9th {Location Change}

Hello all!

Our first Easy Breezy canoe trip has been scheduled for this week on Thursday, May 9th at the Hespeler Pond. However, due to put in challenges, I have changed the location to Guelph Royal City Park.  This is still a fun paddle and a good opportunity to practice skills. Everyone welcome!!

This trip will not be cancelled unless there is a lightning storm or there are not enough paddlers. To get an idea of numbers, please either call me at 519-575-8792 or email me at: ward_@netflash.net (or indicate in comments below)

Meet at the shed at 9:00 am for a 9:15 am departure. Be prepared for possible rain so bring rain gear, dry bag with change of clothes, water and lunch.

Don’t forge your Emergency Contact Card!  If you don’t have one, ask me for one when we meet at the shed.

I look forward to seeing you!

Al Dunn, Trip Organizer
519-575-8792

In case you missed it……..

Canoe Trip Protocols

What to bring on a canoe excursion.

What you can do to make canoe days fun for everybody!

Safety on the Water!

Canoe Terminology!

 

 

CANOE TRIP PROTOCOLS {Please read!!}

**Updated for 2019**

Hello All,

As we start our river training and canoe trips next week, this post is a gentle reminder about canoe trip protocols that need to be reiterated due to several incidents that happened last  year…..

1.  Unless otherwise stated, meeting times for our canoe trips are outlined on our web page under OSSCC Rules and in the OSSCC Handbook and Club Rules:

Tuesdays:

8:30 am for shorter trips

8:00 am  for longer trips

Thursdays:

9:00 am

  Details about trips will be provided by the Trip Organizers prior to each trip.  They will be posted on the Blog.   Check the schedule to see who they are and contact them directly if you have any questions. Email addresses can be found on the membership list.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS posts outline trips and club events that are coming up and will be posted on a monthly basis so you can check your schedules and prepare accordingly. General trip info is on  the schedule.

2.  Meet at the shed for canoe trips. This is important because:
3.  Check the schedule/blog regularly in case there is a rescheduled or trip change!

4.  Membership List.  Everyone should have one by now. (refer to April 19th email which also included attachment and a special password to access updated versions on the Blog- it is NOT your login password!) Please check it out to make sure the info is correct, particularly your cell phone number. If you see a mistake, let us know at info@oldsaltsclub.com!

5.  Please be on time!  This is especially important for longer trips like the Beaver River, Saugeen River and Nottawasaga River trips.  The sooner we can get organized at the shed ( sign in/pay, organize canoes, partners, transportation), the sooner we get to these locations and be on the river!

Should you anticipate being late for any trip due to unforeseen circumstances, please contact the Trip Organizers to let them know.  (This happened last year when there was a big traffic jam on the expressway in which several of our members were stuck…..it happens!) Make sure you have the Trip Organizer’s phone number(s) on you just in case:)

5.  When on the river, stay between the “Lead” and “Sweep” canoes! For safety’s sake, don’t rush down the river, keep some space between your canoe and the one in front of you, and don’t get so far ahead of the last (sweep) canoe that you can’t see them.  (They have the first aid kit should it be required)  Why not take the opportunity to practice some maneuvers learned during training?

Finally, have fun!  There are some wonderful trips planned this season:)  Pictures are also welcome!! Hope to see you there!!!

POND TRAINING FUN! {Photos}

Many thanks to Lynn Warmington for all her efforts in planning, organizing and executing our canoe training thus far. Your time and expertise is greatly appreciated. Many thanks are also extended to her helpers who assisted and lent their time either by mentoring, coaching, towing the canoe trailers or taking photos.

The weather may not have been the greatest, but it was fun! Before we begin training on the river, here are some photos taken at the Pond Training! Enjoy:)