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Frequently Asked Questions
Membership Questions
Q: How much more does a membership cost if my wife /husband /son /daughter also want to join?
A: Each membership includes all interested family members at no additional cost. A family member generally means someone living under the same roof.
Q: If I'm not a member, can I take part in any of SKABC's activities to decide if I'd like to join?
A: Nonmembers are invited to meetings and may join trips if there is room. Training is for club members only.
Q: What are the prerequisites for joining? If I'm a beginner with no prior kayaking experience, am I welcome?
A: Absolutely. Club members want to encourage and promote kayaking for everybody and all skill levels.
Equipment Questions
Q: Do I need to own a wet suit? A dry suit?
A: It is highly recommended that you own a wet suit. West coast weather is highly unpredictable and our waters are generally cold. While you may opt to not wear a wetsuit on a sunny calm day, you should always have it handy if there is an increased risk of ending up in the water. Prior to purchasing a wet suit, fellow club members will be happy to share their thoughts regarding alternative wetsuit options. Many of our members love their dry suits - an expensive, comfortable and optional accessory.
Training Questions
Q: How can I get a list of the courses you're offering this year?
A: SKABC is not a commercial training organization. Our courses are taught by members for members to ensure that we all have the skills we need to participate safely in club trips and events. As such, we do not make the list of up-coming courses available to the general public. Instead, we encourage you to join for all the benefits we offer. Please also feel free to talk with our Training Co-ordinator at a monthly meeting for more information.
Q: What sort of training does the club offer and who are the instructors?
A: Training is done by experienced club members and is for club members only. Our course offering is very comprehensive and offers skill development for a beginner through to an advanced paddler.
Q: Can I bring a friend along to a club training session?
A: No. Club training sessions are only offered to current members of the club.
Q: Do I need to be a good swimmer?
A: Kayaking involves both being on the water as well as in the water. You need to be a strong enough swimmer to be comfortable when executing both self- and assisted rescues. In a worse case scenario, kayakers may become separated from their boats.
Q: Do you offer certificates for courses?
A: No. Just the skills.
Q: Do I need my own kayak for training?
A: For pool sessions, it may be possible to rent a kayak from the pool. Please confirm this option with the Course Co-ordinator. Otherwise, you can rent a kayak from commercial outfitters located throughout the Lower Mainland.
Q: Do I need other equipment?
A: Yes. You must bring all the mandatory safety equipment required when on the water. In addition, it is advisable to bring along a spare set of clothes, hat, food, water and a good water-resistant jacket. If paddling in rough or cold waters, you should also wear a full or partial wetsuit.
Trips Questions
Q: Do you provide trip planning advice for individual non-member kayaking trips?
A: As a volunteer organization, we do not have the resources to respond to all inquiries. We encourage all independent kayakers to join our club to access our resources for planning and undertaking safe trips. Come to club meetings to talk to other paddlers, borrow books from our library and access our online trip information.
Q: Can I bring a friend along on a club trip?
A: Friends may come along, as long as they sign a waiver.
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SKABC's mission is to promote fellowship, safety, the exchange of information and skills, encourage concern and respect for the environment and above all to enjoy sea kayaking.