Sea kayaking without the sea
BY KATE WELDON
Staff Reporter
Sea kayaking in the Madawaska Valley?
It may sound like an oxymoron, but Madawaska Kanu Centre sea kayaking instructor and Operations Manager John Jennex says that doesn’t mean sea kayaking principles can’t be taught on freshwater lakes.
Coming from Lower Prospect, Nova Scotia, Jennex has extensive experience sea kayaking.
He is sharing his knowledge with instructors both from MKC and from elsewhere in preparation for the upcoming tourist season.
A $1,600 Federal Futures Development Grant is assisting MKC in the funding of skills development for its employees, specifically the sea kayak instructors’ courses being held the first and second weeks in June.
“We use lakes nearby, Mud Bay primarily, and we do some night navigation exercises on Bark Lake,” Jennex says. “We cover a lot of stuff like tidal theory and how waves are formed; a lot of the teaching we do is theoreti cal.”
He says some of the bigger provincial lakes can provide a paddling forum similar to what kayakers would experience on the sea.
These instructors will teach Paddle Canada’s Flatwater and Sea Kayaking Level 1 course this summer, starting the weekend of June 14 and every other weekend during the months of July and August.
MKC co-owner Claudia van Wijk says the introduction of the sea kayaking course is in response to the growing trend in sea kayaking and kayak touring.
“The Barry’s Bay area has an abundance of secluded, remote, wilderness lakes waiting to be explored,” she says. “What makes sea kayaking special is that it’s not only self propelled — therefore healthy fitness — it’s (a kayak) also small enough to get into the little creeks and swamps that motorboats wouldn’t be able to get into.
“It also provides the paddler with this incredible feeling of independence and ability to explore nature in the heart of nature.”
Van Wijk says it’s no surprise that sea kayaking and kayak touring are growing in popularity when you take into account Canada’s aging population.
“Empty nesters are much fitter today than they were 10, 20,30 years ago. They’re looking for active soft adventure. This, in combination with white water, which is adrenaline driven, actually brings it full circle and why we’re getting into sea kayaking.”
This is the third season MKC is offering a sea kayaking skill level course.
Instructors begin with an overview of kayak design, selection, fit, care and gear. On the water, paddling skills such as fundamental strokes, braces, boat control and balance are taught, as well as an understanding of kayak safety and rescue techniques.
Van Wijk says the fleet of six kayaks sits vacant all week long; she hopes to partner with area resorts to offer their customers half-day kayak outings.
MIKC would bring the kayaks and necessary equipment to the customer and provide them with an opportunity to commune with nature while exploring area waterways on kayak.
“The instructors are not only versed in skills, but local flora and fauna and history,” van Wijk adds.
She says MKC already has a great relationship with area resorts because of the family oriented rafting trips it offers.
“Now we’re trying to give resorts another example of something unique that we can offer.”
Those interested in joining in on this endeavour are asked -to contact Claudia van Wijk at 613-594-KANU (5268).
More information on programs at the Madawaska Kanu Centre is available at www.mkc .ca.
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