Frequently Asked Questions

Most kayaking lessons are located at 76 Pavillion Rd, Cultus Lake. Cultus Lake, Main Beach, parking lot B. Other locations may be used for advanced groups.

You may park for free in our designated area directly in front of the boathouse during you/your child’s lesson or a CCE event in which you/your child are participating.

Specifically, this area is from the boathouse doors, extending to and over the hatched white lines on the pavement. When facing the boathouse, this parking boundary is defined by the bushes on the left, and the curb on the right.

All other parking in lot B is paid, and strictly enforced. CCE will not be responsible for any parking tickets incurred if you park outside this area.

If you have valuables or your keys, you can keep them in the boat house, which will be locked during the lesson.

There is a small, single change room in the boathouse. Public washrooms/change rooms are available at Main Beach.

You will get completely wet, and your head will be underwater as you learn how to get out of a boat when it tips.

Please check the forecast and dress for the weather. Please do not wear cotton, as it is heavy and cold when wet. We have a limited number of baselayers, wetsuits and splash tops in the boathouse that you may borrow.

For a sunny and warm day:

• A synthetic long sleeve or light windproof layer is helpful in case you get cold when wet, or to protect you from the sun.

• A hat

• Waterproof sunscreen

For a wet and cool day:

• At least one thermal base layer with a fleece

• A rain jacket/ windproof layer

• Wool socks

• A wetsuit or neoprene clothing is recommended for the river or lake on cold days

And:

• A bathing suit/swim shorts

• A towel

• Shoes that can get wet and stay on your feet (no flip-flops or crocs)

• If you wear glasses/sunglasses, they should have a tether or strap so you don't lose them in the water.

• Dry clothes to change into at the end of the lesson

• Water and snacks

Our kayaking lesson curriculum is based on the Canoe Kayak curriculum, which consists of levels 1-9. The first three levels are taught on flat water, and in level 4, paddlers advance to gently moving water.

Our instructors do an excellent job teaching and supervising the children. We recommend parents stay close by, especially for our younger or newer paddlers.

The instructor will provide each participant with a report card at the end of a lesson set.

Your report card will indicate the level you should register. If you aren’t sure, please be sure to speak with your instructor and they will help you find the best fit.

Canoe slalom is a thrilling whitewater sport where paddlers navigate through a course of hanging gates on river rapids in the fastest time possible. There are categories for kayak and canoe.

If you have taken lessons with CCE, please refer to your report card and speak with your instructor.

If you have some experience but aren’t sure where to begin, contact CCE and we will try to arrange for a private lesson to help you find your best fit.

Safety is our top priority so we strive to ensure everyone is in the appropriate level for their skill.

All participants taking registered lessons or participating in the free recreational paddles require a membership.

Summer camp participants do not require memberships.

Youth Memberships are $25 per year and Adult memberships are $45 ($35 for seniors).

Safety First! If you think you are ready for the river, we must see some skills first.

Please speak with an instructor or message us so we can make appropriate arrangements.

We strive to answer all inquiries as soon as possible. Please note that we are a non-profit club and most of our administration is done by volunteers.

This helps us keep the fees at a lower cost so more people can learn to paddle.

Please be patient as we try our best to provide timely information.

Cancellation Policy:

• >4 weeks prior to program/event start date: full refund

• 14-28 days prior to program/event start date/time: 80% refund

• 7-14 days prior to program/event start date/ time: 50% refund

• 7 days - 48 hours or less prior to program/event start date: zero refund

• Multi-week lesson package, cancellation of the remainder of the package after the lesson package has started: 50% refund of remaining lessons with at least 1 week written notice required

• CCE Membership fees are non-refundable.

• We reserve the right to cancel classes due to severe weather conditions or poor air quality. Make-up lessons will be arranged at the discretion of the CCE Paddling Club.

• If a participant misses a lesson due to illness or any other reason, a make up lesson is only allowed when space is available in another lesson. It is up to the paddler to follow up with the administrator at ccekayak@gmail.com about class availability.

Unfortunately, we do not prorate lessons, but you can contact us at ccekayak@gmail.com to see if we can schedule you into a make-up class in another session.