Comox Valley Paddlers' Club - Mike Gilbert, Paddle Canada

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Thursday, November 5th, 2015
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

The Comox Valley Paddlers’ Club is pleased to welcome Mike Gilbert, President and BC Director of Paddle Canada as the guest speaker at the club’s November meeting.

Mike was born and raised in Montreal and spent his summers exploring the rivers, lakes and farmlands of the Eastern Townships by rowboat and kayak. After leaving university he moved west and finally ended up settling in Vancouver. With a growing family he spent a lot of time at ice rinks coaching hockey. He achieved his National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) qualifications and has coached at provincial level. On making the decision to leave the hockey arena Mike found he had more time available, which he channelled towards sea kayaking.

Mike now instructs and coaches year round throughout the province and his paddling certifications include: Paddle Canada Level 4 Skills, Paddle Canada Level 2 Instructor, Paddle Canada Rolling Instructor and VHF Marine Radio Instructor. His company, BC Kayak Centre provides Paddle Canada certification courses, clinics and related classes. He became Paddle Canada's Director for BC in 2013 and in 2015 was voted in by the Board for a three year term as President of Paddle Canada.

The presentation will be in two parts. Part one will cover the PaddleSmart program; what it is and how it came about. Mike will expand on specific topics relevant to coastal paddlers. He will also extend an invitation to those interested in becoming a PaddleSmart trainer or instructor.

Part two will provide information and background on Paddle Canada: current issues, what has happened in the recent past and its three year vision and direction. The event commences at 7:00 pm sharp. Doors open at 6:30 pm. There will be a (very) short club business meeting followed by the presentation. Anybody with an interest in developing their canoe, kayak or SUP skills is very welcome to attend.

Comox Valley Paddlers’ Club winter meetings take place the first Thursday of the month, October through to May. Paddling enthusiasts can learn more about club events and activities at the meetings.

For more information e-mail [email protected] or visit our Facebook page. Further information on Paddle Canada is available at www.paddlecanada.com.