Whitewater Slalom Program

Our whitewater slalom group started in the Fall of 2008 and welcomes new and continuing paddlers ages 9 and up. The program is led by certified whitewater coaches and there is a maximum of 6 participants.

Goals

• Introduce kids to river paddling
• Develop safe paddling habits and teamwork
• Prepare youth to compete in local slalom races
  

Locations

Locations for each practice will be selected based on weather, water heights, and paddling abilities. Venues will include flatwater sites, Muir Creek, Sooke River, Cowichan River, and Jordan River.

Gear

• Included
• River kayak, spray skirt, paddle, and PFD
• Required (athletes must provide):
• Wet suit, paddling jacket, helmet, wet suit booties, and gloves

Structure

• Summer Session
  
• Approximately 2 practices per month in April, May and September
• River levels are low here in the summer, therefore athletes are encouraged to also register in other programs (Explorer, Junior Racing, etc.) to fill in the gaps (July-August) between sessions.
  
• Winter Session
  
• Approximately 2 practices per month October through March
  
• Through the worst weather months there will some pool sessions to work on rolls and paddling techniques.
• Typical Paddling Times – Weekend afternoons between 1:00 and 3:00PM plus travel time