Nanaimo Paddlers is pleased to announce that a spring training program will take place in 2021, according to the following COVID Training Policy, which the Board of Directors approved on February 8, 2021:
Nanaimo Paddlers COVID Training Policy - 2021 Season
Nanaimo Paddlers will proceed with a spring training program of clinics provided by external kayak instruction companies, so long as the kayak instruction companies involved are operating under the COVID protocol of their industry and the clinics offered follow the club's COVID Training Policy detailed below. Clinics provided in this manner will go ahead regardless of whether or not the club is hosting paddles, provided that provincial COVID restrictions do not tighten in the interim.
According to the club's COVID Training Policy, all in-person on-water clinics offered to the club by external providers must:
Additional Requirements for Training Program Participants
The club asks that all members who choose to participate in spring training program activities adhere to the following protocol:
Nanaimo Paddlers COVID Training Policy - 2021 Season
Nanaimo Paddlers will proceed with a spring training program of clinics provided by external kayak instruction companies, so long as the kayak instruction companies involved are operating under the COVID protocol of their industry and the clinics offered follow the club's COVID Training Policy detailed below. Clinics provided in this manner will go ahead regardless of whether or not the club is hosting paddles, provided that provincial COVID restrictions do not tighten in the interim.
According to the club's COVID Training Policy, all in-person on-water clinics offered to the club by external providers must:
- Be limited to a maximum of 6 participants (not including instructors).
- Take place within the local Nanaimo area, defined as extending from Oceanside to Ladysmith.
- Not include activities that put members within 6 feet (2 metres) of each other -- e.g., rolling instruction or traditional assisted rescues. Self rescues and COVID-safe assisted rescues are permitted.
- Be provided by an instructional company that advertises and adheres to COVID safety protocols appropriate for the industry.
- Include financial opt-out or cancellation clauses for the club due to COVID.
Additional Requirements for Training Program Participants
The club asks that all members who choose to participate in spring training program activities adhere to the following protocol:
- Maintain physical distancing (6 feet / 2 metres) at all times (before, during and after the activities, including during launches, landings and breaks), except in an emergency.
- If you must breach physical distancing, wear a mask or face covering and use hand sanitizer before/after.
- Paddle in conditions well within your level of expertise.
- Stay home if you are feeling sick/unwell.
- Minimize travel.
- Avoid carpooling.
- Carry/touch only your own kayaking gear.
- Wear gloves and/or use hand sanitizer to assist with kayak carries.
- Disinfect commonly touched surfaces as required.
- Enter and exit your kayak unassisted.
- Refrain from sharing food.
- Do not gather to socialize before or after the activities.
- Familiarize yourself with assisted re-entry techniques that maintain physical distancing.
- If you are over the age of 60 or have underlying medical conditions, be informed of your risk, think through your risk tolerance and take extra precautions.