Maximizing the West Kootenay lifestyle is an intention of the Columbia Canoe and Kayak Club. Combining a love of the outdoors with a desire for wholesome exercise and socializing opportunities, the membership in the recreational has climbed steadily of late.
"It's jumped up a lot in the last year or so," explained Dennis Holden, the club's media coordinator on April 9.Holden was kind enough to provide a wealth of information on the group, even though the executive had barely had a chance to get into a new season, having only met on the previous Thursday night.
Holden says once the season gets going there will likely be more specific stuff to let the public in on, but for now it's worth mentioning that the membership has ballooned to about 50.This is an activity with an appeal, pretty much as old as humanity and water, and the passage of time does nothing to reduce that appeal.
The club was born over 30 years ago and was originally made up of canoeists. Kayakers are now welcome as well.The club members go more for the gentle thrills as opposed to extreme white water action, and a number of events will be organized over the coming weeks and months.First up will be a Salmo River outing. This is set for April 28.
"It's a small river," Holden related with a chuckle, "a half dozen or so canoes can fill it up."The following month, on the 19th to be exact, the Columbia will be the thoroughfare – starting at the Robson boat ramp and going as far as First Street.
Other functions including the Renata Regata in Lower Arrow Lake are upcoming as well. Dennis Holden plans to promote each of these dates as they draw near. He says the ideal way for a newcomer to get involved is to simply show up at the marshaling area, introduce themselves, sign a waiver and join in the fun.
For now, in these early days, anyone with a hankering for this sort of enjoyment can give Dennis a call, at 250-365-2715.