General Info

The Saskatoon Canoe Club has two divisions: 

Marathon - For those interested in paddling fast, efficient canoes using the sit-and-switch style, learning from world-class marathon paddlers, and gaining access to optional competitive races

Recreation - For those who just want to relax on the river, develop their skills for paddling recreational canoes/kayaks, or go on canoe/kayak camping trips throughout the province

You may join one division or both!

All memberships are good from the date of registration until the December 31 of the current year. The fee is currently $60 for the recreation division, $75 for the marathon division, or $90 if you are registering in both. Children under 18 are free and may only register with an adult parent/guardian. 

What does my membership include?

Benefits include:

  • Day use access to the club equipment (canoes, kayaks, paddles, PFDs, throw bags, etc.) from the Victoria Park boathouse as often as you like at no extra cost
  • Access to canoe and kayak courses for an affordable additional fee.
  • Opportunities to go on club-sponsored trips and lead day paddles, weekend paddles, and multi-day trips
  • Sport accident insurance coverage
  • Access to trip planning information and advice
  • The chance to meet others in Saskatoon who enjoy canoeing and kayaking
  • Discounts at supporters throughout Saskatchewan

Where does my money go?

From every adult membership:
  • $25 for SCC administration, which includes things like the boathouse rent, office supplies, promotion, professional fees, and equipment such as PFDs and trailers that are shared by both divisions.
  • $20 for membership in Canoe Kayak Saskatchewan, which includes insurance coverage.
  • $15 for membership in Canoe Kayak Canada (marathon only)
  • $15 for division-specific costs such as staffing, equipment purchases, and training courses. If you are a Recreation Division member, then Recreation gets $15; if you are a Marathon Division member, then Marathon gets $15; and if you are a member of both divisions, they each receive their respective $15.
  • In an effort to make paddling accessible to as many people as possible, the SCC does not charge membership fees for children under 18 and covers the $20/person Canoe Kayak Saskatchewan membership fee on their behalf.

Laws - Policies - Equipment Use

Below is a summary of relevent laws as well as important SCC policies and procedures. Read and understand them for your safety and to keep the club running smoothly.  Copies of these rules are posted in the boathouse for your reference.  Should you have any questions about these topics, please contact the executive or ask the boathouse staff for clarification.

LAWS

  • By law, all canoes and kayaks of the type owned by the SCC must have:
    • One personal floatation device (PFD) or lifejacket for each person on board,
    • One sound-signaling device (e.g. a pealess whistle),
    • One bailer or one manual bilge pump,
    • One buoyant heaving line at least 15 m long (e.g. a throw-bag), and
    • If the boat is operated anytime between sunset and sunrise or in periods of restricted visibility, navigation lights (e.g. a watertight flashlight or headlamp).
  • It is illegal to operate a boat while impaired or while drinking alcohol. If you do so, you will be reported to the Saskatoon Police and your membership will be revoked. No warnings will be given. Requests to return to the club will be denied.
  • By law, due to its limited manoeuvrability, the Prairie Lily riverboat has the right of way on the river. Never travel or cross in front of it. Listen for its signals and be aware of its route for your safety.

GENERAL POLICIES

  • All members must have an orientation each year.
  • Do not share the door code with anyone. Boats and equipment are for members only. No one-time “guest” users.
  • Members under 18 years of age may only paddle:
    • With their parent/guardian, or
    • While supervised by an adult SCC member authorized by the parent/guardian.
  • Bikes may not be stored in the boathouse.
  • The club is not responsible for personal items left in the boathouse.
  • Upon review of the executive, the SCC reserves the right to revoke the membership of anyone that is not compliant with the club rules.

EQUIPMENT USE

  • Members may only use equipment assigned to the division(s) to which they belong.
  • Recreation Division equipment is not to be used on bodies of water where ice is present.
  • Members new to the Marathon Division must attend a Marathon Division group paddle before taking marathon equipment out on their own.
  • The Marathon Division’s safety boat and motor may only be used for club-sanctioned events as approved by the Marathon Director.
  • Except for club-sanctioned trips, boats must launch from and return to the boathouse dock the same day, i.e. no boats on the water at midnight. 
  • Boats may only be transported by vehicle away from or back to the boathouse for club-sanctioned trips approved by the executive.
  • Plan ahead with your partner how to lift a boat down. Get help lifting heavy boats.
  • Only set boats down on storage racks, rubber mats, wash saddles, the grass, the dock, or in the water. Do not set or drag boats on concrete or pavement as this damages them.
  • Sign out your boat by recording the following information in the place provided for this purpose:
    • The SCC boat ID,
    • The first and last names of each person in the boat, and
    • The date and time of departure and the time of expected return.
  • Prepare your boat and equipment before going to the dock. Launch immediately once at the dock.
  • Do not leave the SCC boathouse bay door open or unlocked while unsupervised.
  • Do not leave SCC equipment unsupervised outside the boathouse.
  • Do not rub paddles along the side of the boat.
  • On return to the dock, promptly take your boat to the grass and remove gear.
  • All boats must be washed inside and out after each use. Place boats on SCC wash saddles outside the boathouse when washing them.
  • Squeeze out sponges and brushes and return to their marked containers.
  • If you are the last one to leave the boathouse, turn off the tap and leave the hose rolled up with the nozzle in the marked container.
  • Return boats to their assigned storage location.
  • Return all equipment and buckled PFDs to their designated places.
  • To indicate that you have returned all equipment to the boathouse, record your actual return time next to your sign-out information in the place provided for this purpose.
  • A key for evening use of the boathouse bathroom is kept on a ski pole next to the overhead door. Return it after use.
  • Advise equipment managers of any needed repairs. Email equipment@saskatooncanoeclub.org

We recommend you

  • Take paddling courses, either from the SCC or from the supporters listed on our website.
  • Consider obtaining a Pleasure Craft Operator Card at www.boaterexam.com
  • Review Transport Canada's Safe Boating Guide