About
May 25
2009
This blog is operated by Ken McVay, from Nanaimo, British Columbia. Ken began paddling in 2006, and is a DBC Certified L1 coach.
You can reach Ken here:
P.O. Box 244 Station A +1-250-616-9431
Nanaimo, B.C. Skype: kmcvay1940
CANADA V9R 5K9 coach@dragonboatpaddlers.net
Although Ken’s been officially “retired” for more than sixteen years (Ken will be 72 this Fall), he accepted the position of Marketing Director for Nightstar Yacht Sales Ltd, the Canadian importer and distributor of Champion Dragon Boats, and works actively to promote IDBF racing on Vancouver Island.
Champion Dragon Boats ready to unload
Tags: Blog, Canada, Canada V9r, Coach, Ken Mcvay, Nanaimo British Columbia, Skype
I am wondering what policies clubs have for allowing/facilitating inexperienced paddling groups who wish to try out paddling. These are the sorts of groups who are not likely to have sufficient monies to pay rental fees, to afford pfd’s of their own nor to have the wherewithall to afford a coach or qualified steer. What are the insurance issues involved? How do clubs get the necessary teaching done for the “hard luck” groups?
Thanks
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@Sandy, I can’t speak for any clubs, but can reflect my experience with EBFC, here in Nanaimo. EBFC offers new paddlers three sessions on the water without cost, and provides paddle and PFD. After the free sessions, paddlers are required to join the club if they wish to continue, and they are expected to acquire their own PFD, as loaners are not always available. EBFC coaches and sweeps do not accept payment for their services, although i frankly think they should. The club’s liability insurance covers new paddlers, both on the dock and in the boat. As to training new paddlers, it really comes down to the coaches – many teams refuse to accept new paddlers, while others welcome them with open arms. The choice often comes down to the willingness of the coaching staff to take the time to work with new paddlers, the competitiveness of the team and the calendar.
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