Basic Paddlers 2026 Info and Registration

Basic Paddlers 2026

Wed April 22 (7-9pm, Burnaby Sports Complex), Sat April 25 and Sat May
2 (Deer Lake)
This certified course in tandem flatwater paddling is taught by the club’s instructors, and is ideal
for beginning paddlers, or those who want a refresher, perhaps before paddling the Bowron
Lakes. Theory, paddling strokes, safety, rescues and lots of practice are all part of the fun.
Canoes can be rented at nominal cost, and we will help you find a paddling partner, if needed.
Contact Dave Broughton: training@beavercanoeclub.org
Online Registration: https://forms.gle/3guB4VcgewYjxvBu8

  • Memberships must be current before registering.

The Basics

The lakewater tandem course consists of one evening class and two days on the water. Tandem means two people paddling the canoe. You’ll learn skills to keep you safe and manoeuvres to reduce muscle strain, all designed to make your canoeing fun. This course is for you if you want to go on day or overnight trips on flat water, or are interested in advancing to river canoeing. There are no prerequisites. In addition, all our instructors are certified by the Recreational Canoeing Association of BC (RCABC).

Canoe Rentals

Rent boats, PFDs, etc. from:

Middleton’s Boats or call  David @ (604) 240-0503

Deer Lake Boat Rentals (604) 521-3183
Both the above have agreed to rent canoes, paddles & pfd’s for Beaver Canoe Club Basic Paddler’s Lessons. Both will have the equipment at Deer Lake. Reserve now.

Need a Partner?

We will help pair you up if you do not have a partner.

You’ll learn how to:

  • Canoe safely
  • Paddle in a straight line using a J-stroke
  • Carry, launch and land a canoe
  • Choose paddles, personal floatation devices (PFDs), etc.
  • Go forward, stop and reverse
  • Store and waterproof gear
  • Identify canoe types
  • Make basic turns
  • Perform canoe-over-canoe rescues
  • Get back into a boat during a rescue
  • Handle waves and wind
  • Manoeuvre with sideslips and spins
  • Prevent and treat hyper and hypothermia
  • Transport your boat on a car
  • Dress appropriately for BC waters

Open to

  • Every adult  Club Member of the Beaver Canoe Club
  • Juniors (under 19) by application and must be accompanied by parent or legal guardian.