If you are looking for a fun and unique sport this summer, the Yorkton Canoe and Kayak Club might be exactly what you're searching for.
The non-profit organization, which is a member of the Canoe Kayak Saskatchewan and Canoe Kayak Canada, is well underway this year at York Lake. They are offering competitive and recreational canoe and kayak training to all ages. Their coaches and executives are committed to creating a positive, challenging, and fun environment.
"We offer programs for all ages and everyone seems to have fun doing it," said Jessica Riley, who is a coach at the YCKC. "We have had from 5 years old to people over 80 years old come out. A lot of seniors think they can't do it because of their knees, but once they get in the kayak or canoe, they realize it's not that hard and they can do it."
The club preaches that canoeing and kayaking is one of the best ways to stay fit in the summer.
"It's a great option for fitness," said Riley. "You use a lot of muscles and really strengthen your core. And you have fun while staying in shape."
So far this year, the club has had a strong turnout, but they believe the numbers would have been better if it wasn't for a handful of stormy days that hit Yorkton in June.
"The weather has made it hard to go out on the lake some days," said Riley. "We've had a lot of people come out, but because of the poor weather, it has kept some people away. We expect more to come out in July."
Over the 25-plus years of the existence of the club, canoeing and kayaking has steadily grown in the Yorkton area.
"Adults have really shown an interest for the club," said Riley. "I think it is definitely growing with more people telling their friends about it."
YCKC offers competitive, recreational, adults/masters, and war canoe, which is 14 paddlers in a canoe, programs. They also offer learn-to programs classified into Yackers, drop-in sessions, schools/businesses/groups, and special needs.
Memberships with YCKC vary from drop-in sessions to full season passes. Members must be 18 or older or accompanied by an adult.
The club supplies canoes and kayaks. They ask members to bring a towel, hat, sunscreen, mosquito spray, and a change of clothes.
For information on membership costs and other questions, contact the YCKC at 306-786-7155 or [email protected].
