This edition of the Power Stroke newsletter was emailed to members March 31 2017

Hello 2016 members and new 2017 members,

With spring finally here many of us are excited to get on the water. To the new members welcome and to those returning welcome back. For the 2016 members that have not yet registered now is your opportunity.

2017 Registration

After many long hours and several variations we have finished the redesign of the registration and orientation process for 2017. Thanks to those who assisted. You can read the full details on the registration page of our refreshed website. https://www.saskatooncanoeclub.org/panopoly/registration/registration-ov...

Here are some key changes

  • In person orientation is now optional for returning members. You only have to come to the boathouse to pickup your membership card and the door code.
  • There is a simple online quiz that you must pass to verify you remember the content from last year’s orientation. If you fail don’t worry you can read the new online orientation material and take the quiz again.
  • New members will need to read the online orientation, pass the quiz and attend a tour of the boathouse.

Volunteer Opportunities

We are looking for volunteers to help run the boathouse tours for new members and conduct periodic monitoring of the boathouse. Optional training for the following positions will be provided Tues April 4th 6:30-7:30 pm and Sun April 30th 2:00-3:00 pm. If you would like to help out but are not going to be at these training sessions please email membership@saskatooncanoeclub.org so we can get you signed up for some dates.

Tour Registrar - During boathouse tours the registrar will verify that members are entered correctly in Zone4 and record the list of people who attended the tour. They will also hand out membership cards to returning members.

Tour Guide - Takes members on a tour of the boathouse. A list of talking points will be provided. Groups will be limited to a max of 15 people. A strong knowledge of the club rules as well as general knowledge of both recreation and marathon paddling will be asset.

Tour Coordinator - Welcomes members to the tour and provides assistance where needed.

Boathouse Monitor - The boathouse monitor conducts spot checks to ensure all members are following the rules. In particular they are watching for members forgetting to sign out or wash their boat, improper handling of equipment and poor conduct. They also serve to assist members in having a positive experience.

Earn your 2018 membership

A free recreation membership can be earned by doing any of the following

  • Lead 1 overnight trip
  • Organize 2 single-day trips
  • Lead 4 Thursday night group paddles
  • Help with 4 boathouse tour evenings
  • Perform 4 shifts of boathouse monitoring

Save the date

Here are some dates that we have in our calendars already. More details will be provided closer to the events.

Saturday May 6th Boathouse Cleanup - Join us as we give the boathouse a spring cleaning.

Sunday May 7th 12:00-4:00 SCC Open House - Reconnect with fellow paddlers over burgers and check out booths set up by supporting organizations.

July 13 - 15, 2017 Saskatoon River Rendezvous 150 is a celebration of the South Saskatchewan River, a Canadian Heritage River that flows through Saskatoon. The three-day River Festival is an exciting combination of on-river heritage activities and competitions combined with creative interpretations of the river through the arts. Throughout the River Festival there will be public education and awareness of the beauty and importance of the river. More details can be found at http://www.saskriverbasin.ca/events/details/celebrate_the_river.html .

Marathon Info

All marathon related information such as group paddle focus, Wednesday Night Points Races results, race schedules etc. are posted on our website: http://sccmarathon.weebly.com/. Follow our facebook page to keep up to date as well.

You may have seen some veteran members training already on the river, but group paddles will officially start Wednesday May 3 at 6:30pm. If you are a new member we will see you then!

If you have any questions, please contact the Marathon Director at marathon@saskatooncanoeclub.org.

Paddling Tip

The most important thing with a throwbag is practice. Waiting until you need to use a throwbag to try it out has predictably poor results. Hold the end of the rope in one hand and the bag in the other. Swing the bag underhand and release so that the bag goes slightly past your target. The rope should end up next to them. If you miss, coil the rope in your non-throwing hand. Fill the bag with water to give it some weight and try again. After use wet bags should be spread out to dry.

See you on the water,

The SCC Executive