Local canoe club welcomes national conference

"Cambridge, Ontario—" The Waterloo-Wellington Canoe Club (WWCC,) a local, non-

profit, recreational canoe and ski club, is hosting a Heritage Rivers Canada paddle

night on Sunday, June 6, 2004. As a way of welcome and adjunct to the conference,

the group will guide signees on a section of Canada's newest heritage river. Events

organiser, Warren Brandes, stated that "our club wants to give as many people as

possible an opportunity to experience the river's natural beauty and serenity. And

we want a way to thank the Heritage Rivers Board for preserving this jewel of

southern Ontario. Also, we want to let everyone to know that one of our mandates is

environmental stewardship and the Grand is our biggest annual project."

The WWCC's conference evening paddle will be led by skilled and experienced

paddlers in the club and will provide canoes, paddles and PFD's to all participants.

Because of insurance regulations, all participants will be required to pay a $3 fee. In

addition, participants will be given some basic paddling instructionas well as safety

gear so that they can enjoy their trip to the fullest.

Convention participants will be required to sign a waiver form, acknowledging that

they are aware of the inherent danger of water sports and releasing the club from

liability should a mishap occur, such as tipping. However, the trip is on flat water and

is considered to be very safe. All club leaders will be skilled in basic paddling

techniques and rescue strategies. All necessary canoeing gear will be at the water's

edge and all participants will be assessed before permitted on a trip. The trip will

feature points of interest along the river and a question and answer session. Canoe

gear and transportation will be provided by local outfitters and club volunteers.

The WWCC is a non-profit recreational club that began in 1987. An elected, volunteer

executive organizes meetings with guest speakers and workshops between

October and May. The club provides skill development to members and organises

canoe trips at all skill levels by day, weekend and longer. One of the most popular

events is the Grand River Cleanup which began in 1994. Another well-attended activity

is the End-to-End Challenge. This project requires that a club member paddle the

entire Grand River from Grand Valley to Dunville. This can be completed over two

years and earns a certificate of recognition. While other events such as BBQs and

christmas parties are popular, canoeing is the mainstay of the club .

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