CANOEING AND KAYAKING
The Wonderland Rd. boathouse will be closed to casual paddling due to the condition of the Springbank Dam, how-ever we will be running a remote boat house out of the Sharon Creek Conservation Area for 2010 opening in June.
The directors of the club are working hard to plan events to make 2010 as exciting as possible and encourage your input and feedback!
There are many opportunities in our region for exciting and relaxing paddling and club equipment will still be available for use by members at club events.
Check the "Upcoming Events" for other paddling opportunities away from the club house.
A variety of recreational kayaks are available at the London Canoe Club.
The stable and reliable R-5, a 13 foot recreational kayak, has a comfortable seat and back rest, and is a good beginners boat which may be fitted with a fixed rudder if paddling a kayak in a straight line is still a challenge.
Of similar size but of a lighter fibreglass construction are the yellow “mischief” kayaks. These are more responsive, have adjustable foot-rests and are easily paddled. Because of their lighter construction due care must be exercised when using these kayaks. These kayaks tend to go in circles if you paddle with more strength on one side.
For more speed on the water the paddler can try either the single sea kayaks. These are longer kayaks with a definite keel effect when moving through the water. Turning a sea kayak when underway requires a new set of skills of the paddler(s).
For the beginner that may feel “closed in” in the cockpit of a kayak, then try the Nova Craft kayak with a cockpit the size of a bathtub. It will do all the things the other kayaks will do.
From time to time the London Canoe Club will have other kayaks on loan from other manufacturers for members to try.
Of course you can't have a canoe club with out canoes. These as always will be available as well during open paddling hours and events.
Revised April 30, 2010
