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The Director’s Strokes


IN RETROSPECT, 2013 was a solid year for paddling. Paddle Canada ran about 1,600 courses or clinics with over 7,000 participants. These figures are consistent with the 2012 season, when we reached an all-time high for participant numbers. 2013 also brought some sad news. Sea Kayaker magazine will close its doors after its February 2014 issue is published. Mid-Canada Fiberglass, one of Canada’s oldest and largest canoe and kayak manufactur- ers of Scott Canoes, Bluewater Canoes and Impex Kayaks also closed down in 2013.


Looking ahead, there is still a lot of opportunity for those who work and participate in the paddling com- munity. The November Transport Canada Marine Advisory Council


From the President


Engaging Youth in 2014


THE PADDLE CANADA database shows the high levels of course registra- tions we saw in 2012 were maintained throughout 2013. It is fantastic to see that our membership is so active and busy in getting people into boats and onto boards this past season. However, the database doesn’t reveal the full impact and range of activity that our broad membership has in the paddling community. There are many silent instructors out there who don’t register their activities with Paddle Canada. Many of these instructors teach our


children in summer camps, schools or other youth groups. Although they do


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meetings in Ottawa for recreational boating were packed with people and agenda matters. In conversation with marine law enforcement and Office of Boating Safety officials, I learned of some alarming trends in paddle sports. The numbers of accidents in canoes, SUPs and kayaks on Canadian water- ways continued to rise in 2013, while motorized and sailing vessel incidents continue to decline. Paddle Canada is becoming more


relevant and our efforts as instructors are needed to educate and train the ever-growing numbers of recreational paddlers. There are many ways you can contribute to a safe and fun paddling community. You can help distribute safe paddling outreach material or train as a PaddleSmart presenter and become the local community resource on water safe- ty in your area. You can also join a local paddling club or volunteer with your provincial paddling association and support their events. Paddle Canada


not run official courses, they do provide youth the opportunity to experience the fun of paddling and hopefully make them fall in love with the sport and the environments where we paddle. Although Paddle Canada may not


hear from these silent instructors every year or record their activities, we recognize the importance that they play in the paddling community and thank them for their efforts. Paddle Canada is looking into a system that will make it easier for all instructors to record par- ticipant information in the near future. As we prepare for the 2014 paddling season, I encourage instructors that don’t usually deal with youth to explore possibilities to expand your involvement with younger people. Check out local summer camps or


groups that offer paddling opportunities for youth and see where they need help. National Paddling Week is a great tool to organize youth paddling events and


is often in need of volunteers for task force committees, special projects or to simply help out at a national trade show or event. Paddle Canada continues to be the


only representative of the paddling community at the Transport Canada Boating Safety forums in Ottawa. We could use assistance to advocate for the interests of the paddling community there as well. I invite other paddling organizations, manufacturers and Paddle Canada members to join us at the Ottawa forums (held twice annu- ally). Together we can send a strong message that paddlers are committed to working together on safety, training and changing behaviour to ultimately save more lives. You can also support our efforts by


purchasing a Paddle Canada individual or instructor membership. Keep your stick in the water, GRAHAM KETCHESON Executive Director


to find existing paddling events that you could participate in. If you do organize your own event or participate in an existing event, make sure to record the details at paddleweek.ca. PRISCILLA HASKIN President, Paddle Canada


PHOTO: BETH KENNEDY


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