Following are some FAQs about Nanaimo Paddlers. Please contact us using the link at the left if you have any questions.

Who are Nanaimo Paddlers?

The Nanaimo Paddlers is incorporated under the Societies Act of British Columbia and we are an informal group of people who enjoy recreational paddling activities. Our club includes people from all age groups and skill levels. We paddle every Wednesday and most weekends year round, weather permitting.

Where do you paddle?

In the winter we do day trips, usually in the mid-Vancouver Island area. During the warmer months, we enjoy longer trips to many interesting places on the BC Coast and even freshwater destinations.

Does the club have guides or leaders?

Members suggest and make arrangements for our trips but each member of the Nanaimo Paddling Club is responsible for her or his own safety when involved in Club activities. We do not have guides or leaders who are qualified to give direction or be responsible for others.

Members and guests are required to sign a waiver form as a condition of participation in Club events. The signed form must be filed with our treasurer at least three days to a week prior to such participation.

Can a non-member participate?

We welcome non-members to our meetings anytime. You'll find us in the Social Center at Beban Park, at 7:00 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month from September to May. Please check the Coming Events section of the Paddlers Post or the local newspaper for details of the meetings.

You are also welcome to join us on a day paddle before you join, as long as you read and sign a waiver form prior to coming out on the water with us. The waiver must be in the hands of our treasurer at least 3 days to a week prior to the start of the trip.

I'm new to paddling. Can I join?

You are most welcome to join but you should learn the basic paddling skills for your safety and the safety of other Club members. There are plenty of courses and instructors in the mid-Island area where you can learn to kayak. We encourage you to take advantage of them and members are always happy to help you find local training resources.

Members and guests are required to sign a waiver form as a condition of participation in Club events and the signed form must be filed with our treasurer at least three days to a week prior to such participation. Please note printing instructions below.

How do I join?

The best way to join is to come to a meeting. You can click on "Join Us" on the navigation bar at the left, print the member application and waiver forms (double-sided if you can please) on legal sized paper and bring them along with your membership fee. You are also welcome to pick up a waiver at a meeting or from the club membership secretary. Please be sure you have it on one sheet of legal size paper.

Membership applications are considered by our Board and a package of information and a membership card will be sent to you upon acceptance into the Club.

You can also send your completed forms and cheque to the address on the registration form if you prefer. Membership goes by the calendar year, but memberships taken out in the winter are generally extended to include the following year.  If you have any questions, please contact our membership secretary

Please note that your signed waiver must be in the hands of our membership co-ordinator at least three days to a week before you may participate in club activities. You may not sign on the day of a trip.