Adult (14+) Introductory

Each session runs for 4 weeks, with one weekly 2-hour class at the same day and time.

It is important to arrive at least 10 minutes early for all lessons in order to have sufficient time to change footwear, put on a life jacket and get a paddle. Being ready when the coach starts the class is important.

If a class is cancelled by the coach due to poor weather conditions, the coach will make alternate arrangements. Unfortunately, there are no make-up classes if you are unable to attend a lesson, and it is not possible to come to a different group or session for the missed lesson.

The name and contact information for your coach will be provided to you prior to the first class by email. Coaches are experienced paddlers who have coaching certification and a passion for introducing others to the sport. 

Your coach is the person to contact for all matters related to the program, including severe weather cancellations (thunder and lightning) as well as questions about lessons, equipment or clothing.  As a courtesy, you can let your coach know if you are planning to be absent from a lesson.

The Richmond Hill Canoe Club is located at the eastern end of Lake Wilcox in Oak Ridges, off Bayview and North Lake Road. Please check the map here.

Four parking areas can be accessed off Bayview:  the closest is a large gravel lot off Olde Bayview Avenue (turn on North Lake Road from Bayview), at the Lake Wilcox Park (at Bethesda and Bayview) and two lots at the Oak Ridges Community Centre.  These parking lots are now designated as PAY PARKING with meters at each lot.  More info at:  https://www.richmondhill.ca/en/things-to-do/Lake-Wilcox-Park.aspx

Residents of the City of Richmond HIll can obtain a free parking pass.  More info and parking passes at:  https://parking.richmondhill.ca/

Wear clothes that let you move and sit comfortably and are made of quick-drying fabrics, such as nylon, polyester or other synthetic fabric. Activewear for the gym or yoga will also work for kayaking and canoeing. Avoid cotton (ie jeans) because it absorbs water and stays wet. 

Lessons will proceed rain or shine, so please wear clothing which is appropriate for the forecasted weather conditions.  We recommend that you dress in layers if it’s cool – ie nylon windbreaker over a short or long sleeved top. 

A hat, sunglasses and sunscreen will protect you from the sun and glare off the water. 

Regular shoes cannot be worn in the boats.  Bare feet, ‘socks’ (normal or made of wetsuit material) or water shoes with pliable soles are acceptable.  

Bring a spare change of clothing and a towel with you.  Even when your boat stays upright for the entire lesson, you will get wet from the water coming off the paddle.

The club will provide you with sanitized equipment:  kayak or canoe, a paddle and a life jacket.  

You can bring:

• Your personal life jacket or PFD if you prefer.
• A water bottle, especially if the weather is warm.  Most people leave their water bottles on shore but you can bring it into your kayak or canoe.
• A mask, cloth or disposable, with a plastic bag to store it in.
• A small bottle of hand sanitizer for your personal use.

You will be on the water and paddling for about 75-90 minutes of your lessons.  Kayaking and canoeing activate all muscles of the body for paddling and maintaining balance.  Please consider your current level of physical fitness and consult with your physician if you have any ongoing medical conditions or have questions about your readiness for active physical participation. 

All cancellation/refund requests must be made in writing to adultintro@rhcc.on.ca. Refund requests will take up to 2 weeks to process.  A refund may be issued less a $50 administration fee.  

Follow this link for further details of the RHCC Payment and Refund Policy applicable to the Adult Introductory program.