Paddling
There are very few things that can match the experience of a shared paddle. It is all-encompassing: the rhythm of the paddle, the epic beauty of the mountains and green landscape, being steeped in nature, the flow of water, the pace of journeying, and the mindset of connection to your inner self while simultaneously the world around you. Paddling can feel like a daydream as your boat slips along on a calm day, or it can feel like a warrior against the wind as your boat pushes against waves and tides. Either way, it will be an experience full of reflection, learning, strengthening and of course teamwork!
Tandem Canoes
- paddle in pairs or threes
- learn stroke technique and water safety and become the captain of your own boat
- day trips at Pitt Lake (Pitt Meadows) & Stave Lake (Mission)
Program Outline
Full-Day (5 hours) Tandem or Voyageur Canoes
- welcome and activity introduction
- safety briefing, boat loading and launching, and basic paddling instruction
- paddle across Pitt Lake
- paddle up Widgeon Creek
- hiking trail to waterfalls for (time-dependent)
- friends and fuel break (location varies)
- return paddle to boat launch, unload boats, and send off
*paddling distance and destinations are group and weather-dependent
Voyageur Canoe
- Voyageurs (a French word for "traveler") were people who engaged in the transporting of furs, by canoe during the fur trade era
- canoeing that offers room for 10-12 people in a single boat
- this is all about teamwork.
- Half day & full day paddles in Bedford Channel & Fraser River (Fort Langley)
Program Outline
Half Day (3 hours) Voyageur Canoes
- welcome and activity introduction
- safety briefing, boat loading and launching, and basic paddling instruction
- approx. 1.5 hours paddle time
- paddling time may include float snack, float talk, canoe racing
- return paddle to boat launch
- unload boats and send-off
Full Day (5 hours) Voyageur Canoes
- welcome and activity introduction
- safety briefing, boat loading and launching, and basic paddling instruction
- approx. 2–3 hours paddle time around McMillian Island
- paddling time may include a stop at island point, rafting up for float talks, stroke instruction, and learning boat maneuvering
- return paddle to boat launch and unload boats
- debrief
- *paddling distance and destinations are group and weather dependent
Kayaking
- Single seat boats
- best for small groups who want to explore their independence and leadership skills
- half day paddles in Salmon River starting on campus at TWU Langley
Program Outline
Half Day (3–4 hours) Kayaks
- group Size Maximum: 10
- welcome and activity introduction—participants learn to load and tow a kayak on wheels to river access
- kayak basics instructions
- launch kayaks in river
- paddle and enjoy what we like to call the “secret scenery” in urban Langley
- friends and fuel break (as required)
- return paddle to river access point
- return walk to boat shed, unload boats, and wrap-up
- *paddling distance and destinations are group and weather dependent
Ability Expectations: Participants must be able to step in and out of a boat (assisted), use their upper limbs for paddling, sit upright for boat balance, and wear a life jacket.
Location: Lower Mainland lakes and rivers
Transportation: Omada guide will meet your group at the lake or river parking area. Omada can arrange bus transportation for your group for to and from TWU campus for an additional fee.
Program Length: Depends on location of choice and type of boat, 3 hours to full day options
Group Size: 5-30
Age: High School - Adult
Season: Available year-round rain or shine
