The video summary of the club’s 2020 paddles, as premiered at the October 14 Zoom meeting, is available for viewing on the 2020 Picture Gallery page.
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Category: 2020
PIKA places a high value on training and safety and as a result we require that in order to participate in any club paddle, you must be able to do an assisted re-entry, both as the assistant and the assisted. To participate in PIKA classification 2, 3, or 4 paddles, you must also be able to do an unassisted re-entry. To participate in PIKA classification 4 paddles, you must also be able to do a roll. These skills must be practiced once within the previous 365 days as a basic safety precaution.
Normally, in addition to courses and clinics offered by the club or its members, we also host winter training sessions at local pools. Unfortunately, this year as a result of COVID-19 related precautions, many courses and clinics were cancelled and it remains uncertain that we will be able to host pool sessions over the winter.
Qualification change
Consequently, PIKA has decided to extend the requalification period for all members who have previously completed these requirements. Members will now have until May 31st, 2021 to practice re-entry skills and may participate in PIKA trips in the meantime. We plan to hold some open air sessions in the spring so that you can requalify before the May 31st extension deadline.
Please keep in mind that we have been experimenting with some slightly different versions of the assisted re-entry in order to maintain a bit of distance. You may want to review those techniques.
Here is a video of COVID-19 safe assisted rescues.
New members will still have to practice these skills at least once in order to paddle on PIKA trips. We understand that it may be inconvenient, but your safety is important to us. New members can complete these requirements by either taking a course with a local instructor, (if you need a contact, please see our list of local kayak instructors), or by attending one of the outdoor sessions put on by our experienced club members as below.
Upcoming outdoor re-entry practices
We are hosting a few outdoor sessions just for re-entry practice before the cold weather sets in.
Oct. 10 at Blackie Spit. Contact John Drent at jtrdrent@telus.net
Oct. 11 at Sasamat Lake. Contact Sonny Zlotnik at zlotnik_sonny@hotmail.com
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October Meeting Update
PIKA’s October 2020 meeting will be held as a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, October 14, our regular club meeting night.
Note start time change to 7:00 pm.
Invitations have been mailed to members.
John Bakker is putting together a slideshow of this year’s kayaking photos sent to him from club members, and he will share that with you at this Zoom meeting.
The September 9th social meeting is cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.
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PIKA Electronic Waiver
As of June 10, trip facilitators will send the PIKA Electronic Waiver to participants for them to fill out and return before the day of the trip. To learn about this waiver, see PIKA Explanation Regarding Electronic Waiver and Covid.
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April / May Activities Cancelled
With the health and well being of our members foremost on our minds, and in following governments guidelines and consulting with other paddling clubs, we are cancelling all PIKA functions scheduled for April and May, 2020. This includes the club meetings as well as all scheduled training sessions and group paddles.
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CANCELLED Cetaceans
Our April meeting (April 8th) is cancelled due to concerns about Covid-19.
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PIKA AGM March 11
The Annual General Meeting and executive elections will be held on March 11, 2020.
Elections are followed by a regular general meeting and gear swap and sale.
Do you have spare gear to sell? Bring your gently used kayaking or camping gear to our semi-annual gear swap and sale, and if you’re looking for gear, bring your wallet!
Items are always at a great price and in great condition – so if you’re just starting out and need kayak or camping gear, or if you’ve been kayaking for a while and have worn out some of your gear, this is the place to be!
Harmsworth Hall, 7:30pm
PIKA members share paddling and gear knowledge and skills at the next regular club meeting, Wednesday February 12th, 7:30 p.m., Harmsworth Hall.
