Pre-race Clinic - Aug 15th, 2009 

In advance of the race, we again offered a successful clinic to give us recreational canoeists a chance to get the idea of paddling gates.  Thank you Paul Saini for organizing this year's clinic!

Instructor:  Ryan Mader (former C-1 national racer).

Goal and content:  The goal of the course is to introduce canoesists (solo or tandem) to the basics of slalom paddling and build some familiarity with running gates.  The clinic includes:

• Efficient forward strokes
• Maintaining the boats momentum
• Turning strokes and strategies for upstream and downstream gates
  
• Recognizing gate set-ups and choosing lines
• General awareness of what to expect on race weekend (Sept 19-20, 2009)
• Drill ideas for continued practice
  

Location:  The gates on the lower Seymour River in North Vancouver.  Meet in the parking area of the self storage facility on the south side of Dollarton Hwy and the west side of the river.  10am.

Schedule:  The clinic begins  at 10:00am (meet & greet), ready to be on the water at 10:30am.  Bring a lunch.  The clinic will conclude by approximately 3pm.

Equipment:  Canoes and river gear are not provided.  Please arrange for your own equipment and bring sufficient clothing in case of swim.  

Contact:  Stay tuned for possible 2010 clinic.

Registration:  The cost of the clinic is $25/person.  For those taking the clinic and participating the race, the combined fee is a reduced price of $35, plus $5/race event (a $15 savings).

RSVP:  More information on the registration page.  All participants in the clinic will be able to apply the  combo discount whenever they decide to take part in the race weekend.

For additional comments and resources on how to adjust (and even practice) your paddling style for slalom gates, see the how to page, including a link to a Brian Otter's video on the Gull River OC Slalom.

Updated 24 August, 2009.