Frequently Asked Questions & What to Expect as a Paddler
Practices
When is practice?
Practices are held every Monday evening at 7pm for Wood'n Eye, and Thursday evening at 7pm for Waverunners.
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Please arrive 30 minutes prior to the start of practice, this gives us time to warm up, gather equipment, load the boat, and talk about any important team information. Practices are 1 hour and 15 minutes on the water, but you should expect to be at practice for about 2 hours total.
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What is the length of the practice season?
We start practicing as soon as the boats are available to us. Usually this means we practice from mid-May to mid-September.
Location & Parking
Where do you practice?
Practices are held at the Calgary Canoe Club at North Glenmore Park. We meet in parking lot A. Click on the image below to access the location on Google Maps.
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Where can I park?
Parking is available in lots A, B & C, highlighted in green below. Parking is not permitted in the canoe club lot (closest to the big blue building) or on the road leading to the canoe club. Parking Enforcement does patrol this area and will ticket you if you are parked improperly.
Equipment & What to Bring
What is supplied?
Paddles and life jackets (PFDs) are supplied for every practice and festival.
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What do I bring?
Paddlers should bring a water bottle, hat, and sunglasses. Please leave phones, purses, backpacks, wallets, etc, at home or hidden in your car (break-ins do happen, please hide your valuables).
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You may also want to consider bringing a towel or change of clothes for your drive home.
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Paddlers who own their own life jacket (PFD) may wear it, as long as it is it is CSA approved. Inflatable PFDs are not permitted. If you own your own paddle, you are welcome to use it, provided it conforms to IDBF regulations.
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What do I wear?
This is a water sport and you will get wet. Wear clothing that does not absorb moisture (no denim or cotton). Wear shoes that can get wet. We recommend sport sandals, like Keen or Teva brand sandals, or water shoes. We do not recommend flip flops.
Fees
What does it cost to participate?
Practice fees are $120 per paddler, per season, due by May 31 annually. This cost covers our boat & equipment rentals for all practices and our Calgary Dragon Boat Society annual membership.
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You get three free "trial practices" to see if this is the sport and team for you before we ask you to commit and pay fees.
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Festival fees vary depending on the festival. Expect about $65 per person, per festival, per team. Festival fees are due approximately one month before each festival.
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Travel costs, accommodations, food, etc. are the responsibility of the individual paddler. We do our best to keep costs down by carpooling and sharing accommodations wherever possible.
Festivals/Competition
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Where do we stay for out of town festivals?
Accommodations for Lethbridge and Penticton have been booked by the team, so you do not need to book your own hotels. Details will be announced closer to the festival dates.
Still Have Questions?
Contact us. We're happy to help!
