Class for introduction to sprint canoe and kayaking held at the Harbor.
The club was originally known as the “Ventura Olympic Canoe Club” and had many National titles in the late 1970s and 80s. After a dormant period, the club is being rebuilt as the Ventura Canoe & Kayak Club.
Club membership can be for anyone 12 years old and up! Competition age brackets are set at under 18, under 16, and under 14 divisions for youth. Adults may compete in the Senior (or open) category, as well as master’s divisions. Masters age groups begin at age 30, with different divisions spread out over 15-year intervals.
With all of their coaches and volunteers completely vaccinated and Covid-19 numbers in the county dropping, they are now offering limited free beginner classes! Thanks to donations, they are able to offer these beginner classes for free. (They pay $10 per person for event insurance and will happily accept a donation should you wish to contribute.)
Beginner events are limited to 10 people per session and we will be following Covid safety protocols. If you find you enjoy and like the sport, you will be invited to join the club and train regularly.
Drew Story, Ventura Canoe & Kayak Club head coach stated “ I have been the chief organizer behind rebuilding our club. We were a big and extremely successful organization in the 70s and 80s (thanks going to Bill Bragg), with a record number of national championships and several club members being on Olympic and World Championship teams for the United States. I hope to revive our club and provide both kids and adults with an opportunity to enjoy this unique sport.”
“Our events are open to anyone 12 years old and up. All participants must be able to swim 100 yards unassisted and will be required to wear a life jacket at all times. We will provide life jackets and all equipment. We paddle sprint racing canoes and kayaks at the Ventura Harbor and welcome both youth and adult athletes.”
“If you are unable to attend one of our free Saturday classes and still interested in giving sprint canoe and kayak a try, please contact us and we will make separate arrangements with you.” ttps://www.venturacanoekayak.org/.
They had a really fun day launching and learning how to canoe at the lovely Portside Ventura Harbor development’s new non-motorized public launching ramp.
www.portsideventuaharbor.com..
