Thames River Paddling Club
Q: What is dragon boat racing, how many people are in a boat, how long is a race?
A: Please visit our Dragon Boat Programs page. FYI a 500 meter race usually takes a team 2 – 3 minutes.
Q: What is Outrigger Canoeing? Can I come try it out?
A: For more information visit our Outrigger Canoeing page. You’re welcome to come try it for a small fee. Participants should be confident on the water and able to get themselves in and out of a canoe.
Q: Can I try a dragon boat session before signing up?
A: We encourage anyone who is not sure about one of our dragon boat programs to join us for two free sessions to see if it is for them or not. However, as the Five Week Introduction Program is specifically designed for new members, we require them to sign up.
Q : Am I too old / in good enough shape to paddle?
A: Paddling is sport that almost anyone can do! Participants range in all ages & levels of fitness. If you are not sure please join us for a session.
Q: What should I bring / wear for a practice?
A: You should always bring a bottle of water, even if it is cool weather. Layers of loose fitting, moisture resistant clothing is a good idea. You should not wear tight clothing (like jeans!), as you may get wet. Always dress according to the weather conditions. If you have glasses a safety strap is recommended as they may fall off while paddling.
Q: Do I need to purchase my own equipment?
A: We provide paddles & life jackets for all our programs. However as paddlers become hooked they usually prefer to purchase their own. We suggest you speak with your coach to ensure you purchase something that will work best for you.
Q: Where do we meet for practices?
A: Practices are held at Wildwood Conservation Area, 3995, Line 9 St. Marys, Ontario N4X 1C5. Once inside the park follow the signs for the Day Use area. Teams usually meet outside the Boat Rental Building, see map below. Paddles & life jackets are stored in the club shed in the park dry dock area.
Q: When & how often are practices held?
A: Information for specific programs are usually online, visit one of our programs pages or contact us for more information.
Q: What time are the races events / races?
A: Race events typically run from 9am – 5pm but every event is different, you should plan to be at the site for the whole day. Exact race times are dependent on the teams placing.
Q: Do I need to attend the race events?
A: No, but you will be missing out! The cost is included in the registration fee for some programs. Please let us know if you cannot attend.
Q: Do I need to wear a life jacket? Can I wear an inflatable life jacket?
A: While on the water we highly recommend that everyone wears a life jacket at all times. They are required during cold or poor weather conditions per the coaches discretion. When paddlers are allowed to remove their life jacket, they must keep it at their feet in the boat. Youth ages 12 & under must always wear a life jacket and 13 and older must complete a parental permission form to remove. Members who have purchased their own inflatable life jacket are welcome to use them, provided they are on the water with another member. i.e. Anyone Outrigger Canoeing on their own is required to wear a full vest life jacket.
Q: Will the boat flip? What safety precautions are enforced?
A: In normal conditions at Wildwood it would be very, very difficult for a dragon boat to flip (even if we tried!). It hasn’t happened at Wildwood and we do our very best to ensure it doesn’t, and to be ready in case it does by:
1) Not going out on the water in dangerous waves, winds or lightning.
2) Enforcing the buddy (seat partner) system.
3) Wearing full vest Canadian Coast Guard life jackets (provided).
For our small boats, such as Kayak and Canoeing, you are more likely to flip over. This is especially the case as you learn your balance. Paddlers receive an orientation and usually work on finding their balance near the shoreline. You should have an extra pair of clothes and a towel for each session.
Q: Do you cancel practices due to the weather?
A: Just like races, practices are held in all weather conditions except lightning & extremely high winds. Coaches track the weather and will inform the team via email by 1pm if the practice has been cancelled. However, this does not happen very often as teams can also do dry-land training. Please assume your practice is on, unless you receive notice otherwise.
Q: What is the Volunteer Bond & do I need to participate?
A: Full season members are required to participate in the Volunteer Bond, if you are unsure if this includes you please ask your coach. More information is available here.
