Years / 2014

Intro to kayak camping, Laurel Creek Conservation, Waterloo

Wed, Jun 4, 2014 · 4:30 PM – 10:00 PM · Kitchener–Waterloo

To answer your first question, "Why is this on a weekday not a weekend?" Because its summertime, weekends are for the real thing not for talking about it.

To answer your second question, "Is this a hands on tutorial?" Yes, there will be four sea kayaks on the beach ready for you to load your camping gear into and take for a lap around the lake.

To answer your third question, "Will I learn anything I couldn't learn on YouTube?" Probably not. This isn't about imparting expert knowledge. Its about deciding how your camping gear will fit in a sea kayak, figuring out how to adjust your rudder pedals, and get your spray skirt on before the rest of a real kayaking meetup loses patience with you. Its about hitting the water paddling, experiential.

To answer your fourth and fifth questions, "Hey, why not have a campfire? Why not camp for the night!?" Surprise, there will be a campfire courtesy of an overnight campsite. Camping is optional but please specify if of interest when signing up. The conservation area has respectable showers if being respectable for work in the morning is of concern. Remember to bring an alarm clock.

To answer your sixth question, "What if I'm interested but can't make it on short notice June 4th?" Some of us live for the excuse to live outside. Provide an excuse and we'll do it again, imparting inexpert knowledge and all.

To answer your final question, "What if all I want to do is hang-out and meet KW-Backcountry?" I'll let you in on a secret, the motivation behind this meetup was precisely that. Nothing like a BBQ on a fine summer evening, maybe even go for a swim, Canada geese permitting. Even more clandestine, this meetup is about getting you hooked on kayak camping regardless of your intentions.

Cost:

Entry to Laurel Creek Conservation Area requires a day pass, $5.50. If already a seasonal member of the Grand River Conservation Area that ticket will do. If planning to camp for the night, either reserve your own campsite or piggyback on the existing one. Details including shared cost to follow.

Depending on the number of kayakers, you may need to rent/borrow a PFD (personal floatation device, life jacket) from the park or bring your own. Bring your own kayak or canoe, and knowledge to share for that matter.

Links:

Laurel Creek Conservation Area (http://www.grandriver.ca/index/document.cfm?Sec=27&Sub1=127&sub2=0#camping) (519) 884-6620. Who knew this was right in your backyard.

Location:

Area 2 boat launch. Please park in the parking lot 50 meters from the lake.

Agenda:

4:30 - 6:00:

first come first serve access to a handful of kayaks.
check out demos of camping gear, assorted tents and stoves etc.
start of potluck barbeque if hungry
needed, portable grills, anything to barbeque, sides to share (chips or salad).

6:00:

informal talk on rudimentary gear for backcountry camping with emphasis on kayak camping.
sharing by experienced members, camping, canoeing or kayaking
more taking turns testing out kayaks on the lake
volunteers needed, folks to demonstrate their camping gear. bring your backcountry kit, set it up, share knowledge with others
kayaks and/or canoes needed, if you don't mind sharing yours, bring yours along. bring paddles and pdf's if nothing else.

8:30