Welcome to Slo-Mo Paddlers

Welcome to PGOSA Paddlers - 2023


PGOSA Paddlers Managers: Communications - Jim Swanson, Membership – Cheryl McIntosh

E-Mail Contact: ; Website/Blog: pgosapaddlers.blogspot.com

PGOSA Paddlers is an organized activity of the Parksville Golden Oldies Sports Association (P.G.O.S.A.). The Paddlers were formed in 2013 to:

  • promote interest in all forms of human-powered boating,
  • to foster friendships among participants, and
  • to provide opportunities to maintain an active, healthy lifestyle.

Planned excursions are typically day-trips organized by a volunteer Event/Trip Leader who is designated by the Paddler Managers. One or more multi-day trips may also be scheduled. Excursions can involve cruising, exploring, camping, fishing, or skill development, depending on the interests of participants. Fresh and salt-water paddling events are undertaken.

The Managers coordinate communication, trip activities and memberships while individual members volunteer to lead excursions.

Event schedule: A list of events will be developed and made available to participants through before the first scheduled paddle. For each scheduled paddle the list will include:

  1. The date of the event,
  2. The location of the event,
  3. The meeting place for starting the event,
  4. Driving directions from the Oceanside area to the meeting place and
  5. The Trip Leader’s email address and phone number if you have any questions regarding the event.

The schedule will be updated as the season progresses, with updates circulated to registered participants. Events are scheduled at approximately two-week intervals from late April through to October. All events are planned in consideration of tides and weather. As a contingency for windy conditions, a backup trip may be posted for events planned for the ocean or large lakes. Weather conditions will be evaluated a day or two in advance of each event. If conditions are unfavorable, managers will advise paddlers of any change in the destination or schedule. Paddlers should always check their email for notices before they leave home on the day of scheduled events.

Registering to join the PGOSA Paddlers

If you wish to join the Paddlers, please send an email to and include the following:

1. Your Name: first and last please

2. Phone Numbers for contacting you: Home and Cell:

(Note: It is important that if you have a cell phone that you bring it with you on the trips)

3. E-Mail Address to use to contact you:

4. PGOSA Membership Number: Please make sure that you are a current paid-up member of PGOSA in order to participate in all Slo-Mo activities.

There is no need to register beyond that for most events. Individual Trip Leaders may require registration.

 

Considerations for Water Safety

PGOSA Paddlers – Considerations for Water Safety - 2023

Here are important considerations for having a safe and fun time while on the water.

Paddling craft: canoes and kayaks suitable for the planned event, forecasted weather conditions and capable of keeping pace with the paddling group during the event. Craft should have isolated flotation compartments in both the bow and stern and should have aft and fore-mounted perimeter grab ropes.

There are many unsuitable inflatable kayaks for our group, but there are also extremely seaworthy ones, from companies such as Sea Eagle and Advanced Elements, whose kayaks are specifically designed for turbulent rivers and choppy oceab waters. There are also solid (hard shell) kayaks which are unsuitable.

If you have any questions re appropriate craft, please contact

A motorized watercraft may accompany the group for safety.

Items to bring with you: Water safety is paramount. Transport Canada requires paddlers to carry certain safety items depending on the type and length of their craft and where and when they are paddling. For the safety of individual participants and all members of a paddling group, all participants are requested to have this equipment on their craft and to carry a change of seasonally-appropriate clothes in a dry bag.

Please make sure that you bring a fully-charged cellphone – in a waterproof bag

Mandatory Safety Equipment

  • An appropriately-sized, Transport Canada approved PFD
  • A buoyant heaving line (15 metres in length)
  • Paddle (with drip rings)
  • Hand Pump
  • Sound signalling device - Whistle

Recommended gear

  • Sprayskirt
  • Extra Paddle
  • Paddle Float – inflatable if possible
  • Kayak wheels with bungee cord for transporting kayak on land
  • Extra Change of clothes, food and emergency kit – in Dry Bags
  • Chart or map – in waterproof map case
  • Trip Plan left with a friend
  • GPS or Magnetic Compass – deck or hand held
  • Headlamp with batteries for evening and night kayaking
  • Sunscreen
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Raingear

Emergency Kit – in a dry bag

 

  • First Aid Kit
  • Knife
  • Waterproof matches and fire starter
  • Mirror

Considerations for the trips

Plan to arrive at the starting or launch site at least 45 minutes before the start of the trip. Most trips are on the water at 10:00 am sharp so please arrive by 9:15 to checkin and attend the pre-trip Safety Meeting which will start shortly after 9:30. Stay with your paddling group and heed directions from the designated Event Leader. Consider that non-metal boats are invisible on the radar systems of larger boats. In high traffic waters or in restricted visibility (fog) you might want a GPS and a radio telephone to advise bigger boats of your location.

Individuals are responsible for their own safety and for learning kayaking and canoeing skills appropriate for the waters being paddled, for learning first aid and how to handle emergencies, and for knowing relevant provincial and federal boating regulations.

For information about required equipment, regulations or guidelines refer to:

Operating a human-powered craft: (Transport Canada) Transport Canada Guide for Kayaks and Canoes

Human Powered Pleasure Craft – shows the Transport Canada approved equipment for Kayaks and Canoes

 

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