Tuesday, June 14th Trip Details (Ayr – Silver Bridge)

In this blog post, you will find the trip details for Tuesday, June 14th.  Please read carefully  If you are wondering how to sign up for this trip, please read: SO YOU WANT TO GO ON A CANOE TRIP {Here’s How!}

Trip:  Nith River – Ayr to Wolverton
Date:  Tuesday, June 14th
Time:  Meet at the shed at 8:30 a.m. for a 8:45 a.m. departure
Trip Leader(s): Pam Krokoszynski and Betty Dyck
Tower: Eugene Marion
Details:   This is a great 2 1/2 paddle down the meandering Nith River. There are some nice drops in the water with some small rapids.  Good river reading needed.  Note: The take out is challenging as the canoes need to be carried up a small, narrow, rocky hill.
Skill Level: Intermediate training required
Shuttle: Yes. 22 min.
Trip Fee: $8 (exact amount please)

Please contact Betty Dyck  519 669 8314 (home)  519 588 1756 (cell)   rbydyck@rogers.com  or  Pam Krokoszynski     519 577 8524 (cell)      pamkrok@rogers.com  ASAP to save your spot for this trip. You will receive a confirmation email on Monday from the trip leader to confirm your spot.

If you change your mind or are unable to make it for some reason, please let the Trip Leader know asap as this will affect number of canoes required, partners, etc. and won’t leave the rest of the group waiting for you.

    • If you want to arrange partners a head of time, check out the membership list for contact information.
    • When you come out on a canoe trip, please come prepared! (Read this post carefully) Bring hat, sunscreen and snack or lunch.
    • Dress for the weather (don’t wear jeans or cotton)
    • Make sure you bring a waterproof dry bag with a change of clothes (see here for more details on what to bring).  You will be thankful you did should you happen to get wet……and it does happen!
    • Help out where you can so we can all enjoy our day! (see here for what to do on canoe day)
    • If you are carpooling with someone, don’t forget to give the driver some gas money ($5 recommended)
    • Be considerate of your potential partner!  Review your strokes…what they are and what they do. (see here)
    • If you have a favourite trip, consider leading it. Check out the trip shedule. There are lots of trips that still need trip leaders. If you didn’t make it out to the training, see here for an overview on what is involved and/or contact Anne Woolner  at annewoolner@hotmail.com.  Trips will be cancelled if there is no one to lead them!
    • Remember: We are not in a hurry….this isn’t a race…..this is supposed to be fun!

 

UPDATE: September Bondi Trip

BONDI  MEETING  this coming  WEDNESDAY, June 8th, at 10:30am! 

The important Organizational and Information Meeting for our Club’s September trip to the Bondi Lodge, in the Algonquin Park area, (previously postponed from May 20th) will be held this Wednesday at 10:30 am.  Those members who 1) signed up in March,  2) the (few) individuals on the ‘Waiting List’, and 3) anyone who wishes to be placed on the ‘Waiting List’ are strongly encouraged to attend.

We will meet outside the canoe shed.  Please, bring a folding/camp chair for this meeting.  Also, a rain jacket or umbrella is suggested,  if rain is threatening that morning.

Your committment and a downpayment cheque of $120/individual, made out to Old Salts Seniors Canoe Club, are required to reserve the Bondi Lodge for our group.  This will guarantee your spot on the trip but will only be accepted after this meeting  until Wednesday June 22nd.  After that date, members on the ‘Waiting List’ will be given the opportunity to fill in any opening(s).

Please, R.S.V.P. the Trip Organizer, Mark Zelinka asap, if planning to attend zelinkamd@gmail.com    or      519-651-3186.

Mark Zelinka, Bondi Trip Organizer

Direct any questions or concerns to Mark directly!

Tuesday May 31st Trip Details

In this blog post, you will find the trip details for Tuesday, May 31st.  Please read carefully  If you are wondering how to sign up for this trip, please read: SO YOU WANT TO GO ON A CANOE TRIP {Here’s How!}

Trip:  Grand River-  Shirley Drive to Freeport**
Date:  Tuesday, May 31st
Time:  Meet at the shed at 8:30 a.m. for a 8:45 a.m. departure
Trip Leader(s): Anne Woolner
Tower: Need someone to volunteer!
Details:   This is an easy  2 1/2 hour paddle, meandering through Kitchener and going under the highway 7 and Freeport bridges.  Note: There is a bit of a walk from the parking area to the put-in point. Let Anne know if this is an issue for you so you can be accommodated.
Skill Level: Easy Breezy. Basic training required.
Shuttle: Yes. 20 min.
Trip Fee: $8 

**Please note that this trip was substituted for the Niska Bridge to Hespeler Pond (Speed River) trip because no one volunteered to lead it.

Please contact Anne Woolner (529-743-2277  annewoolner@hotmail.com) to save your spot for this trip. You will receive a confirmation email on Monday from the trip leader to confirm your spot.

If you change your mind or are unable to make it for some reason, please let the Trip Leader know asap as this will affect number of canoes required, partners, etc. and won’t leave the rest of the group waiting for you.

    • When you come out on a canoe trip, please come prepared! (Read this post carefully) Bring hat, sunscreen and snack or lunch.
    • Dress for the weather (don’t wear jeans or cotton)
    • Make sure you bring a waterproof dry bag with a change of clothes (see here for more details on what to bring).  You will be thankful you did should you happen to get wet……and it does happen!
    • Help out where you can so we can all enjoy our day! (see here for what to do on canoe day)
    • If you are carpooling with someone, don’t forget to give the driver some gas money ($5 recommended)
    • Be considerate of your potential partner!  Review your strokes…what they are and what they do. (see here)
    • If you have a favourite trip, consider leading it. Check out the trip shedule. There are lots of trips that still need trip leaders. If you didn’t make it out to the training, see here for an overview on what is involved and/or contact Anne Woolner  at annewoolner@hotmail.com.  Trips will be cancelled if there is no one to lead them!
    • Remember: We are not in a hurry….this isn’t a race…..this is supposed to be fun!

Tuesday May 24th Trip Details

In this blog post, you will find the trip details for Tuesday, May 24th.  Please read carefully  If you are wondering how to sign up for this trip, please read: SO YOU WANT TO GO ON A CANOE TRIP {Here’s How!}

Trip:  Grand River- Kaufman’s Flats  to Shirley Drive**
Date:  Tuesday, May 24th
Time:  Meet at the shed at 8:30 a.m. for a 8:45 a.m. departure
Trip Leader(s): Anne Woolner
Tower: Frank Kuntz
Details:  A lovely paddle through Bridgeport with a little excitement passing under the Bridgeport  bridge. We will pass by Bingeman’s and can check out the trailer park and campgrounds as we paddle past. This is a 2 1/2 hr paddle. (See below on what to bring link).  Note: There is a bit of a walk from the parking area to the take-out point. Let Anne know if this is an issue for you so you can be accommodated.
Skill Level: Intermediate training prefered. Basic training required.
Shuttle: Yes.
Trip Fee: $8 

**Please note that this trip was substituted for the Waldemar-Belwood trip  because no one volunteered to lead it.

Please contact Anne Woolner (529-743-2277  annewoolner@hotmail.com) to save your spot for this trip. You will receive a confirmation email on Monday from the trip leader to confirm your spot.

If you change your mind or are unable to make it for some reason, please let the Trip Leader know asap as this will affect number of canoes required, partners, etc. and won’t leave the rest of the group waiting for you.

    • When you come out on a canoe trip, please come prepared! (Read this post carefully)
    • Dress for the weather (don’t wear jeans or cotton)
    • Make sure you bring a waterproof dry bag with a change of clothes (see here for more details on what to bring).  You will be thankful you did should you happen to get wet……and it does happen!
    • Help out where you can so we can all enjoy our day! (see here for what to do on canoe day)
    • If you are carpooling with someone, don’t forget to give the driver some gas money ($5 recommended)
    • Be considerate of your potential partner!  Review your strokes…what they are and what they do. (see here)
    • If you have a favourite trip, consider leading it. Check out the trip shedule. There are lots of trips that still need trip leaders. If you didn’t make it out to the training, see here for an overview on what is involved and/or contact Anne Woolner  at annewoolner@hotmail.com.  Trips will be cancelled if there is no one to lead them!
    • Remember: We are not in a hurry….this isn’t a race…..this is supposed to be fun!

Mark Your Calender! {May}

The month of May is a very busy month for our Club! Please mark your calenders.  There are many trips that still require trip leaders and towers. Check the trip schedule and let Anne Woolner which trip you would like to lead or tow for: annewoolner@hotmail.com

Monday, May 2nd
Refresher Training- Group 1
For more information, see here.

Tuesday, May 3rd
Grand River, Eramosa River
Cancelled!

Wednesday, May 4th
Refresher Training – Group 2
For more information, see here.

Friday, May 6th
Refresher Training
Rain date (if required)
For more information, see here.

Monday, May 9th
Beginner/Basic River training – Group 1
Day 1 of 2 days
For more information, see here.

Tuesday, May 10th
Grand River – Inverhaugh to West Montrose
Trip Leader: Anne Woolner – annewoolner@hotmail.com
Tower: Frank Kuntz
Details will be posted May 6th

Wednesday, May 11th
Beginner/Basic River training – Group 1
Day 2 of 2 days
For more information, see here.

Thursday, May 12th
Wayne’s Choice
Trip Leader: Wayne Bean – wbean1224@gmail.com
Details will follow

Friday, May 13th
Beginner/Basic River training – Group 1
Rain date (if required)
For more information, see here.

Monday, May 16th
Beginner/Basic River training – Group 2
Day 1 of 2 days
For more information, see here.

Tuesday, May 17th
Grand River – Riverview to Colbeck
Trip Leader(s) required
Details to follow

Wednesday, May 18th
Beginner/Basic River training – Group 2
Day 2 of 2 days
For more information, see here.

Thursday, May 19th
Beginner/Basic River training – Group 2
Rain date (if required)
For more information, see here.

Tuesday, May 24th
Grand River – Waldemar to Belwood
Trip Leader(s) required
Details to follow

Wednesday, May 25th
Intermediate Skills training – Group 1
Day 1 of 2 days
For more information, see here.

Thursday, May 26th
Easy Breezy
Christie Conservation Area
Trip Leader(s) required
Details to follow

Friday, May 27th
Intermediate Skills training – Group 1
Day 2 of 2 days
For more information, see here.

Monday, May 30th
Intermediate Skills training – Group 1
Rain date (if required)
For more information, see here.

Tuesday, May 31st
Speed River to Niska Bridge (Hespeler Pond)
Trip Leader(s) required
Details to follow

Training in June:

Wednesday, June 1st
Intermediate Skills training – Group 2
Day 1 of 2 days
For more information, see here.

Friday, June 3rd
Intermediate Skills training – Group 2
Day 2 of 2 days
For more information, see here.

Monday, June 6th
Intermediate Skills training – Group 2
Rain date (if required)
For more information, see here.

Paradise Lake Fun Day…….if you missed the details in the last newsletter, check your emails or download it here.

 

 

In case you missed it: How to Sign up for a Canoe Trip 2022

SO YOU WANT TO GO ON A CANOE TRIP? {Here’s how!)

If you missed any of our recent meetings ( Spring Registration Meeting, Orientation/Dryland Training), or haven’t canoed with us in a while, please read this post carefully….there have been some changes you need to know about if you plan on canoeing this season! (Best viewed on the Blog to see diagrams & illustrations)

What Has Changed?

Information will go out to the membership in the form of a blog post/email notification. Make sure that you read and follow  the instructions carefully. Respond to the person listed in the email. DO NOT REPLY to the email notification…..it will go to an unmonitored email box!

Once the canoe season starts, emails will be sent out regularly for both Tuesday and Thursday trips.  They will be headed by different logos so you will see the difference (illustrated below).   Information will be included that will tell you what you need to know (as seen in diagram below):

Diagram #1 – Information that will be included in blog posts/email notifications including different trip images as indicated in diagram

Our protocols have changed where you are now asked to call or email the Trip Leader to register for your chosen trip rather than just show up at the shed.  This helps the Trip Leader know who is expected so they can organize accordingly in advance of the trip. E.g. confirming towers, car-toppers, etc.

Make sure you have the skill level, training and stamina required for the trip you register for. ( If you don’t have intermediate training, don’t sign up for a Tuesday trip that requires intermediate training)

All members are still expected to meet at the shed on canoe day at the designated time to check in, pay fees, choose partners and arrange shuttles.

If you end up not being able to make the trip or are going to be late, let the Trip Leader know asap so the group doesn’t end up waiting for you or is left wondering where you are on trip day.

Show up for the trip with the exact amount for the trip fee (there will be no change available).

DO NOT make other plans for canoe day. We do not guarantee our return time and will not make alternative plans to accommodate you!

So What Happens Next?

Names of members who register for a trip are noted on a Trip sheet. When you arrive at the shed, you will check in and pay your trip fee.

Trip fees are $8<100 km and $12>100 km. The amount will be noted on the email notification.

Trips can be cancelled due to: 1) excessive rain/thunder/lightning, 2) dangerous water/flow rates, 3) if there is no Trip Leader or no Tower, and 4) if not enough people sign up (<8) and no one wants to car top. This will be at the discretion of the Trip Leader. If a trip is cancelled, an email notification will go out either the evening before the trip or the morning of, so check your emails or the blog before you head out to the shed.

If there are odd numbers, someone will have to use the kayak.

If fewer than 20 people sign up (but more than 13), up to 3 vehicles will need to car top canoes. Anyone who car-tops an OSSCC canoe for this reason will get their trip fee refunded.

Diagram #2 – Newly updated Trip sheet for 2022

If more than 20 people sign up, both trailers will be used and 2 towers will be required.

Non-member guests will be allowed this year at the discretion of the Trip Leader, but it will depend on the skill level required for a particular trip.

Diagram #3 – Non-Members: Conditions and Waiver

 

Diagram #4 – Emergency Contact Card Sample

    • When you come out on a canoe trip, please come prepared! (Read email about the trip carefully)
    • Dress for the weather (don’t wear jeans or cotton)
    • Make sure you bring a waterproof dry bag with a change of clothes (see here for more details on what to bring).  You will be thankful you did should you happen to get wet!
    • Help out where you can so we can all enjoy our day! (see here for what to do on canoe day)
    • Review your strokes…what they are and what they do (see here)
    • If you have a favourite trip, consider leading it. Check out the trip shedule. There are lots of trips that still need trip leaders. If you didn’t make it out to the training, see here for an overview on what is involved and/or contact Anne Woolner  at annewoolner@hotmail.com.
    • Remember: We are not in a hurry….this isn’t a race…..this is supposed to be fun!

Helpful Links

Trip Schedule
What to Bring on a Canoe Trip
What to do on Canoe Day
Club Handbook & Rules – lots of good information in this book!
Towing/Mileage Expense Form – For the towers!
Past Trip Videos
Canoeing Terminology – Do you know what a painter is? {Hint: It’s not someone who paints}
Welcome Old Salts 2022 Newsletter – in case you missed it!

Trip Leader & Tower Workshop Reminder

Date: Wednesday, April 20th

Meet:  1:30 p.m. at shed at Wing 404 RCAFA Rotary Adult Centre, 510 Dutton Dr., Waterloo, ON

If you want to see what towing or leading a trip involves, this is a great time to see what it’s all about before committing!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Anne Woolner at annewoolner@hotmail.com (this was rescheduled from April 14th which was cancelled)

Trip Organizing Resources can be found here

Training Dates {Mark Your Calender}

MARK YOUR CALENDERS!

Below, please find the training schedule, condensed for your convenience. Your will find a more detailed version here. Since most of us have not had training in the last couple of years due to covid, we are hoping that many of you will take advantage of the extra refresher or intermediate training sessions that are scheduled to brush up your skills, particularly if you want to be prepared for the more challenging Tuesday trips. Slots are filling up fast so sign up asap. If you missed the Membership Registration meeting, here is your chance!

Contact Lynn Warmington  at lynnwarmington1@gmail.com or 519-400-0388 to sign up or if you have any questions or concerns.

New members from last year are still expected to take the full 2-day Basic/Beginner training to canoe the Thursday trips and if you want, the Intermediate training (to be able to do the more challenging Tuesday trips).  All new members (2021 & 2022) are expected to take the Orientation/Dryland training on April 12th. This training is well worth it as it will explain who we are as a club, how we do things and expectations.  We will also go over safety,  equipment, and basic canoe strokes and what they do as well as briefly touch on  what will be covered in the Basic and Intermediate training sessions. You will be able to put what you learn here into practice at our Pond training before starting river training. All members are most welcome to join us for the Pond training to practice their strokes.

All these training sessions are fun, a great way to meet people and the perfect way to start the canoe season!

DATE TRAINING
Tuesday, April 12th Orientation/Dryland Training
Albert McCormick Community Centre, Waterloo, ON
Beaupre Room
1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Tuesday, April 19th
Thursday, April 21st
Tuesday, April 26th
Thursday, April 28th
Pond Training (Canoe Stroke Practice Sessions)
Victoria St. Pond (meet at the canoe shed at 1:00 pm)
$2 per session to help with the cost of transporting the canoes
Monday, May 2nd (Group #1)
Rain date: May 6th
Refresher Skills Training
(meet at the canoe shed at 9:00 am)
Wednesday, May 4th (Group #2)
Rain date: May 6th
Refresher Skills Training
(meet at the canoe shed at 9:00 am)
Monday, May 9th (Group #1)
Wednesday, May 11th
Rain Date: Friday May 13th
Beginner/Basic River Training
(meet at the canoe shed at 9:00 am)
Monday, May 16th (Group #2)
Wednesday, May 18th
Rain Date: Thursday, May 19th
Beginner/Basic River Training
(meet at the canoe shed at 9:00 am)
Wednesday, May 25th (Group #1)
Friday, May 27th
Rain Date: Monday, May 30th
Intermediate Skills Training
(meet at the canoe shed at 9:00 am)
Wednesday, June 1st (Group #2)
Friday, June 3rd
Rain Date: Monday, June 6th
Intermediate Skills Training
(meet at the canoe shed at 9:00 am)

Check out our Training Resources section on the Blog!

There are only 4 hardcopies of the Handbook left. You can get your copy at the Orientation/Dryland training or email info@oldsaltsclub.com

If you don’t plan on joining the club this season, please let us know with a quick email to info@oldsaltsclub.com and we will remove you from the membership list.

Membership Meeting Agenda

Membership Registration Meeting
March 22, 2022
Rim Park, Century Room (2nd flr)
Enter via “A” entrance
2001 University Ave. E.
Waterloo, ON  N2J 4A8

AGENDA

1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. *Membership registration.
*Sign up for training.
*Sign up to be a tower and/or trip leader
*Meet & greet!
1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. *Welcome & introductions -Eugene Marion
*Membership – Carol Marion
*Training – Lynn Warmington
*Trip Schedule – Anne Woolner
*Upcoming Social Events – Brenda Welch
*Bondi Retreat – Mark Zelinka
2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. *Continue with membership registration.
*Continue with training sign up.
*Sign up to be a tower and/or trip leader
*Sign up for Paradise Lake Fun Day – Pam Krokoszynski         and Brenda Welch will be available to answer questions!
*Mark Zelinka will be available to answer questions about   Bondi and to solicit interest.
*Meet & Greet!

The OSSCC Handbook & Rules will be available for sale at $10.

For more information, see here.

Membership Registration Deadlines

Spring has finally arrived! It won’t be long now before we are back on the water……but first we have to get past membership registration!

For those of you who may have missed it, our Membership Registration Meeting is coming up this Tuesday on March 22nd. 

WHERE: Rim Park in the Century Room (directions found here or see previous email)
TIME: 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Some of you have indicated that you can’t make the meeting, so please send or drop off your registration form and fees to: OSSCC, C/O 132 Kesselring Court, Kitchener, ON  N2E 2P2 by April 8th at the latest. Training starts the following week. Fees are as follows:

Membership Renewals: $40
New Membership $47   (includes name tag)
OSSCC Handbook and Rules: $10
Basic Canoe Training: $65 (2 days)
Intermediate Canoe Training: $70 (2 days)
Refresher Canoe Training: $40 (1 day)

Dates & details for training can be found here. If you have questions or concerns about training, contact our Training Coordinator, Lynn Warmington  at lynnwarmington1@gmail.com or 519-400-0388

If you don’t plan on joining the club this season, please let us know with a quick email to info@oldsaltsclub.com and we will remove you from the mailing list.