The Kelowna Canoe and Kayak Club (KCKC) is located in the sunny Okanagan Valley area of south central British Columbia. We are dedicated to all aspects of Sea/Lake Kayaking and Canoeing, bringing canoeists and kayakers together to share information, to develop and improve paddling skills, and to offer safe recreational trips.
This is accomplished through monthly meetings, regular paddle outings, as well as several weekends at lakeside campsites where we train and socialize. Early season training sessions are offered in the warm water confines of local recreation centres. During the paddling season (April– Sept.), a variety of destinations are chosen from the rivers and lakes in the Okanagan, Shuswap, Similkameen and Kootenay regions.
There are also many impromptu “PPP” (Paddle, Practice & Play) days anyone can attend to have fun and improve skills, taking advantage of the warm Okanagan lake water temperatures to practice wet exits and rescues.
Non members are welcome for a one time guest paddle but need to fill in a guest waiver. For safety and insurance reasons pets are not allowed in/on any paddle craft during club paddles.
Monthly Meetings
Regular monthly meetings start at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month, from February through October. Locations and topics/presentations for each meeting can be found on the club calendar (visible to club members when they’re signed in).
Meetings feature news on upcoming trips and activities, education presentations, and slides or videos of club trips. The club also has a great library of books, videos, maps, and almost anything to do with paddling. On meeting nights, members can check out any available items.
The year-end meeting consists of our AGM, together with a “Windup” social with “award” presentations in various categories.
Training and Safety
Each summer certified instructors offer “flat water” or lake lessons, kayak lessons, and advanced techniques to club members. We have many well-experienced members who offer valuable assistance.
See the Resources page for a list of some instructors associated with the club.
The club encourages all members to be versed and practiced in rescue techniques and each member is ultimately responsible for themselves. Safety has become increasingly important in our waterways with vastly increased power boat traffic and government legislated requirements. A consistent theme of the club is to increase the safety awareness and skills of anyone using paddle powered craft.
Why Join
Membership brings you an immediate network of like-minded, active people. Regular club meetings feature videos and slides of club activities, trips, competitions and instructional films. Through this website, KCKC will keep you up to date on meetings and trips, impromptu activities, information on equipment for sale, and references to articles on canoeing and kayaking.