Intro to Rainbow Paddle Program (Age 8 - 12)
Experience your first session on the water; learning useful skills for an enjoyable paddling experience. It aims to provide you with the basic knowledge to enable you to safely get in and out of your boat, make it move and return to your start point. This is your first step into the world of paddling, ensuring you feel safe, confident and ready to progress the Rainbow Paddle Program.
The Rainbow Paddle progression is organized around several stages to acquire a basic level of canoe kayak. The practitioner will adapt to the environment and to the boat. They will also learn how to use a paddle, manage their balance and complete a simple course on the water.
In all levels of Rainbow Paddle, three main areas of expertise are covered:
– Safety: Knowledge of its equipment and its use, ease or aquatic intervention, communication;
– Technique and Sports Culture: tactical and strategic skills, technical and motor skills;
– Environment: Physical factors, flora & fauna, heritage and regulations.
After demonstrating the acquisition of skills and knowledge, you will progress to the next step the following week.
Throughout the week, campers will explore Cardiff Lake with qualified instructors. Along with their peers, campers will have a great time challenging their own abilities while developing self-confidence and teamwork skills. We keep low ratios to ensure each participant enjoys an optimal summer camp experience.
All canoes, kayaks, paddles and PFDs will be supplied for use during camp hours. Campers are required to wear a life jacket at all times while on the water.
Camp Pre-Requisites: Campers must be 8 years old during the camp session (exception can be made only for siblings if one of them is 7 and the other is older). No paddling experience is required. Participants must have a minimum swimming ability.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Greater Edmonton Canoe & Kayak Club located?
Cardiff Pond: NEW LOCATION at Cardiff Pond adjacent to Cardiff Golf Club 55307-Range Road 251 Sturgeon county - We are south of the Golf Club at Cardiff Park
What are the regular summer camp hours?
The summer camp sessions run from 9 am until 4 pm. Please note that we do provide before and after care for children for extra fee. Our Staff will arrive at 8h45 and leave around 4h15pm
How can I register for the summer camps?
Please click on the Register button above. Please use our RAMP online system to submit your registration. You will receive a Registration Confirmation by email to confirm your registration. Your space is reserved upon receipt of payment and signed waiver forms.
Can I get a lesson prior to register to the training camp?
Absolutely! Lessons will be conducted in May and June – for more information please contact the club to book a private lesson for an extra fee: [email protected]
What are the payment options?
We accept credit card payments online through the RAMP system.
What is your cancellation policy?
Refunds will not be given for inclement weather!
There is no refund available once the camp has started.
If cancellation is done at least 2 weeks before the start of the camp, then a refund will be issued less a $25 administration fee. If cancellation is done within 2 weeks prior to the start of the camp, a refund will be issued less 25% of the camp fee.
How is the daily attendance work?
Drop off in the morning is between 8:45-9:00am and pickup is at 4:00pm. On drop off, the paddlers’ parents are to report to their child's Coach Leader to sign them in. The Bantam and Midget paddlers are to sign themselves with the Bantam Coach. Upon leaving at the end of the day, paddlers’ parents please sign out so we can make sure our athletes get home safely.
What type of paddling activities do you offer at the club?
We do offer all sort of paddling activities such as: paddle board, Kayak, Canoe, Dragon boat, War Canoe and intro to sprint racing canoe kayak boats.
What happens in the event of inclement weather?
In the case of inclement weather, our coaches are prepared with occasional rainy day activities (i.e. active games, arts and crafts). We follow the Canoe Kayak Canada on water safety rules, for more information check our Safe Sport page
What happens in the event of continued rain?
When deemed unsafe by our Head Coach due to white caps, thunder or severe rain, the children will not be going on the water. If you do not have alternate arrangements for your children on these days, they are welcome at the club; however, we have limited space and therefore limited activities.
What should I bring to the summer camp session?
Paddling shoes / sandals
Clothes to paddle in (i.e. wetsuit, athletic shirt & shorts).
Extra change of dry clothes
Jacket or rain gear depending on the weather
Lifejacket – All kids will be required to wear lifejackets. We have a lot of lifejackets at the club
but if you have your own, you are welcome to bring it.
Towel Sunscreen Hat Packed lunch Snacks Water bottle
Please label all your personal belongings that are brought to the summer camp sessions.
Can your child get swimmers itch from the lake?
We have a clean lake, but it is possible to get swimmers itch if your child spends a fair bit of time in the water. We have found that a quick rinse with fresh water (rinse station) and towel drying minimizes the chance of getting swimmers itch.
Can I enroll my child in your performance program after the summer camp?
Absolutely! We strongly encourage you to speak to your summer coach or to the assistant head coach to give you more information about our performance programs. We will give you a Huge discount to sign up in our competitive program
Does my child have to participate in races?
All paddlers are encouraged to participate in the regattas, however, it is recognized that not everyone desires to compete. This is an individual choice that is best made between the parent and child with the input of the coach. Our Club offers a fun regattas each summer in August for campers. Please check our competition calendar and speak to our staff about your racing opportunities.
What is the Off-Season program?
The off-season program operates during the non-summer months and is designed for those paddlers who wish to continue training during the off season - Please speak to our staff about your winter training season.
How do I find out how my child is doing with paddling?
Our Camp Coordinator will be sending weekly newsletter to all campers. Please talk to the coach leading your summer group or speak to the camp coordinator to give all the information you need.
I have further questions or concerns?
We encourage parents/guardians to first speak directly to your childs’ coach. If your concerns are not satisfactorily resolved, please speak to the Camp Coordinator person
Testimonials
What our customers write about us
My husband and I did a private 2-hour kayak lesson this weekend and it was money well spent. We got some great instruction with paddling skills and self-rescue. If you are looking for an amazing thing to do while visiting Edmonton, definitely book one of GERCKC lessons or, if you are experienced, do a rental. You won't be disappointed. We will come back for sure.
Our 8-year old son did the 5 Day CanoeKids Camp Full Day, with kayak in the morning and cooperative games fun in the afternoon and he had an absolutely fabulous time. It was one of his favourite camps ever; he rates it 20 out of 5 stars. The club staff members were great; the coaches were wonderful, very knowledgeable and experienced, and fun. Every evening he was excited about the next day. We signed him up for another camp this summer right away.