Wed, 22 Apr 2026 02:37:20 -0700WeeblyWed, 07 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.nanaimopaddlers.org/news/annual-general-meeting-and-elections-february-1-700-to-900pm]]>Fri, 26 Jan 2024 19:57:59 GMThttp://www.nanaimopaddlers.org/news/covid-19-guidelines-change]]>Fri, 17 Feb 2023 00:49:23 GMThttp://www.nanaimopaddlers.org/news/club-merchandiseBreaking news!

Nanaimo Paddlers is testing the waters (see what I did there?) with club merchandise.  Check out the options here]]>Fri, 09 Dec 2022 23:05:08 GMThttp://www.nanaimopaddlers.org/news/tips-on-using-bear-sprayThe following information was provided by Ellie Lamb, a bear viewing guide, bear behaviour consultant and bear educator based in North Vancouver. Ellie is the featured speaker at the Nanaimo Paddlers General Meeting on January 4, 2023:

Bear Spray Checklist

BEFORE GOING INTO BEAR COUNTRY

• Buy a 225 g (7.9 oz) bear spray canister with a label that says "for deterring bear attacks."
• Check the canister’s expiry date and replace it when necessary.
• "Practice" using bear spray so you can act quickly and know its range and force.
• Remember that:
  • Bear spray leaves the can at 100 km/hr (75 mph).
  • Bear spray can travel a distance of 10.5-15 metres (30-35 feet).
  • A canister has 7 to 9 seconds of spray in it depending on the size: a 225g can has 7 seconds of spray; a 300g can has 9 seconds of spray.
  • A charging bear can cover 44 feet per second. Generally speaking you would have to be a Navy Seal in order to have the reactions necessary to effectively deal with a situation such as this. 

STORING BEAR SPRAY

• Keep the safety clip on.
• Store the canister away from items that could crush or puncture it.
• Consider storing bear spray in a protective bear spray container. You can purchase one at Mountain Equipment Company or Valhalla Pure Outfitters. 
• Never leave bear spray in a place with extreme temperatures (either very hot or very cold), for example in a vehicle, unless it is in a protective bear spray container.

CARRYING BEAR SPRAY

• Always wear a bear spray canister on your person, in a hip or chest holster, for ease of access. Do not put it in a pack.
• Consider carrying a second can in your pack in case the first can gets used. 
• While sleeping, keep your bear spray next to your flashlight.

USING BEAR SPRAY

• Before relying on bear spray for safety, cut the zap strap on the locking mechanism. This has been overlooked in the past.
• Evaluate the wind direction if you have time, but remember that bear spray comes out of the can at 100 km/hr, so it can still be effective in wind. 
• Remove the safety clip and aim low in front of the bear so the animal runs into the spray. 
• After your index finger goes into the hole, use your other hand to hold and steady the base of the bear spray canister.
• Deploy a burst from low to high. Create a wall, but aim low for the face to start. Assess the situation before the can gets emptied.
• Deploy bear spray at a distance of about 12 metres so the bear has time to react.
• Do not run from a bear.
• Speak in an authoritative firm voice to the bear
• Use human dominance to earn the respect of the bear.

AFTER DEPLOYING BEAR SPRAY

• When the attack is interrupted, retreat.
• Move away from the contaminated area to fresh air as quickly as possible.
• Do not run, but do leave.

FIRST AID TREATMENT FOR BEAR SPRAY

• Move away from the contaminated area to fresh air as quickly as possible.
• Flush exposed skin with cold water and soap.
• Do not rub exposed areas. Instead, pat dry with a towel.
• To flush spray out of the eyes, place your head under water and open your eyes every few seconds. Do not rub your eyes.
• Do not apply lotions or creams to the exposed area.
• If the effects of the spray do not dissipate in 30-45 minutes, seek medical attention. 

FUN FACTS

• "Bear spray doesn’t supply 'brains in a can' in order to survive a grizzly bear attack, but it appears to work a lot more effectively then spraying a bear with bullets.” That is the conclusion researchers presented to more than 300 bear experts at the 4th International Human-Bear Conflict Workshop in Missoula Montana.
• The bottom line is that 98% of people who used bear spray walked away from their encounter unharmed, and none of the people or bears involved died. With firearms, 56% of the users were subsequently injured and 60% of the bears died.

]]>Tue, 22 Feb 2022 08:00:00 GMThttp://www.nanaimopaddlers.org/news/update-to-the-club-covid-guidelinesWed, 19 Jan 2022 04:51:13 GMThttp://www.nanaimopaddlers.org/news/2022-annual-general-meeting-feb-2-2022 
]]>Wed, 17 Feb 2021 23:07:51 GMThttp://www.nanaimopaddlers.org/news/three-new-partners-join-member-discount-program

]]>Wed, 17 Feb 2021 19:25:43 GMThttp://www.nanaimopaddlers.org/news/nanaimo-paddlers-covid-training-policy-2021]]>Wed, 01 Jan 2020 21:00:00 GMThttp://www.nanaimopaddlers.org/news/paddler-etiquette-on-water-and-on-meetupHints to Make Paddling Life Easier and Safer (in normal times).  Right now distance between people is important.
We all help each other out loading and carrying our boats to and from cars.  Some boats are heavier than others, and some people are stronger than others.  To make sure everyone goes home injury free, please make sure that your hatches are empty and everything is taken off your boat before you let someone else help you carry it.  It also helps to check your hatches to make sure there is no water inside. That also adds weight.

When carrying a loaded boat always use more four people and use straps if available. Loaded kayaks are not meant to be carried solely by the handles at each end.

Meetup Etiquette
Many of our events are popular, and space is limited, so it is important that everyone who signs up, attends as promised.  

• Signing up for an event is a commitment to attend.
• Before you sign up for an event, check your schedule carefully to make sure you are able to attend.
• If something comes up and you cannot attend, go into the event on Meetup and take your name off the list immediately.
  • If you are wait-listed, monitor the event and see where you are on the wait-list.  If you make other plans take your name off the wait-list.
  • Last minute cancellations are unfair to other members who wanted to attend.
  • No shows are listed on your profile and are viewed negatively.

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