After months of preparation, everything is set for Paddlefest 2002, the first annual celebration of self-propelled water sports in the Sea to Sky Corridor. There will be canoe programs based at the Edgewater Outdoor Centre on Green Lake and kayak clinics and lessons at Wayside Park on Alta Lake.
In addition there will be demonstrations, tours, competitions, as well as a product exhibition. On the political side, there will be discussions of issues affecting whitewater access in the corridor and the Whitewater Kayak Association of B.C.’s annual general meeting.
The highlight of the weekend will be a First Nations component, beginning at noon on Saturday with Native War Canoe Tours and demonstrations. The Laoyam Eagles of Pemberton, silver medalists at the World Dragonboat Championships in Philadelphia last year, will be on hand to give a demonstration of their sport. Organizers are using the event to raise money to help with the Eagles’ competition costs by encouraging Paddlefest participants to paddle with and against the team.
Later that afternoon there will be a native salmon barbecue and celebration with local First Nations providing entertainment following the dinner on Green Lake. Tickets are available for the dinner and show for $30, or $10 for adults and $5 for kids who just want to see the show.
Space is limited, but you can buy tickets in advance by calling 604-938-1783 or visiting the Whistler Activity Centre in the Conference Centre.
More information on Paddlefest 2002 activities are available at www.mywhistler.com, and the schedule is listed on the Tourism Whistler Web site at www.tourismwhistler.com. For more information, or to register for kayak clinics and tours, contact Captain Holiday’s at 604-905-2925.
Friday, June 7
9 a.m. – Hospitality tent opens, guests and exhibitors arrive and register. Also the first chance to get wet with free kayak tours on class 2/3 and 3/4 runs.
Noon to 2 p.m. – River of Golden Dreams tour, $50 per person.
1 p.m. – Free kayak tour, class 3/4 and 4/5 runs.
3 p.m. – Free introduction to water safety and canoe paddling.
5 p.m. – Native war canoe demonstration and clinic, $35 per person or half price for kids.
6 p.m. – Dinner and refreshments at Edgewater Outdoor Centre. Barbecue beef, chicken and veggie burgers, salad and desert, $15 per person.
Saturday, June 8
9 a.m. – Site expo opens for all suppliers, sponsors and participants. Free Whistler Kayak Club trips, class 2/3 and 3/4 runs.
10 a.m. – River of Golden Dreams tours, Green Lake tours by canoe or kayak; $50 for river tours, $29 for lake. Trips leave every hour on the hour.
Noon to 4 p.m. – Native War Canoe demo tours, $35 per person, half price for kids. Canoes leave every hour on the hour.
1 p.m. – Free Whistler Kayak Club trips, 3/4 and 4/5 runs.
2 p.m. – Kayak Freestyle Rodeo on the upper Cheakamus, hosted by Captain Holiday’s kayak school; $15 per person.
5 p.m. – Whitewater Kayak Association of B.C. annual general meeting at a site to be announced.
7 p.m. – Native Salmon Barbecue at Edgewater Outdoor Centre, featuring first nations dancing and story telling with Art Thevarge and Lillooet First Nations. Cost is $30 per person.
Sunday, June 9
9 a.m. – Site opens.
10 a.m. – Tours and clinics begin, including River of Golden Dreams, Green Lake and war canoes.
Noon to 2 p.m. – Kid’s Paddling Clinic for youth under the age of $15. Cost is $30 per person.
1 p.m. – Cheakamus River Run for Fun. Party afterwards at 3 p.m. on House Rock.
3 to 6 p.m. – Family River of Golden Dreams Tour, $50 for adults, $25 for kids.
7 p.m. – River Talk with Whistler Kayak Club. An information session on access issues related to the corridor and how to get involved to keep runs open for future generations.
Captain Holiday’s Clinic Schedule
Guided tours of local rivers, plus a variety of clinics available for special Paddlefest rates.
Friday and Saturday (Day 1 and 2) Clinics
Creeking Clinic – Take part in a one-day clinic on the finest steep creeks in the area led by legendary creeker Stuart Smith. This clinic will focus on Grade 4 and beyond water, and covers water reading, safety, special creeking techniques, as well as a tour of some popular spots. Cost is $125 or US$90.
One Day Intro – A full-day introduction to kayaking on Alta Lake for those with little or no previous experience. Covers gear introduction, terminology, how to get in and out of the boats, strokes, braces and safety. After lunch participants learn rolling with personalized instruction. Cost is $150, or US$115.
Half Day Intro – A three hour course that includes the first half of the full introduction. You’ll probably want to stay for the afternoon and learn how to roll. Cost is $80 or US$60.
Two Day Intro – Includes the One Day Intro with another day on the river. On day two you’ll be on a relatively tame section of water, applying the skills you learned the day before on moving water. The morning will be spent on safety and technique, and the afternoon paddlers will practice running the river.
Kids Program (ages 8 to 13) – From 9 a.m. until noon, this course is designed to introduce kids to kayaking through games like kayak polo, relay races and the popular "rock launch." The cost is $65 or US$50, and includes the use of real whitewater equipment and snacks at break time.
Family Program – Parents learn the basics of kayaking with their kids. Play games and explore Alta Lake while instructors spend time coaching people individually. Provided in half, full and two-day formats. The cost is $245 (US$190) for a half day, $425 (US$315) for a full day, or $750 (US$565) for the two day course. Family rates include mom day and two kids under the age of 16.
Rolling Clinic – Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. Learn the art of rolling in an easy three-step progression. Previous kayak experience is an asset. Cost is $65 (US$50).
Playboating Clinic – Hosted by a National Rodeo Team member, this clinic will help you learn the techniques and tricks used by the pros at some of Whistler’s best play spots. There will be a fun rodeo event in the afternoon that’s open to everyone, with categories for all skill levels. Cost is $75 (US$55) for the clinic and $10 for the rodeo.
Sunday (Day 3) Clinics
River Running Clinic – Join ex-national team member Keith Klapstein from the Riverworks Kayak School who will teach the art of smooth river running to intermediate kayakers. Cost is $75 (US$55).
Cheakamus River Run for Fun – meet at House Rock Park 1 p.m. A fun timed race down a short section of the Cheakamus River with different categories for different skill levels.
