Kawkawa Lake will once again be the scene of BC’s biggest canoe conference. The Recreational Canoeing Association of British Columbia (RCABC) is hosting their Annual General Meeting here on April 8 to 10th, attracting over 100 paddlers to Camp Kawkawa for a weekend of skills training and celebration.
The event draws expert canoeists from across BC and Hope’s geography plays a key role in locating the event here. Event organizer Kari-Ann Thor says she noticed an upswing in attendance when she moved the AGM to Hope last year, and that’s why they’re back in 2011. Paddlers came from as far away as Vancouver Island, the Kootenays, and Northern BC, and many were pleased with the staff and facilities at Camp Kawkawa and the scenic beauty of Kawkawa Lake.
Hope area residents have a chance to learn from expert paddlers by enrolling in a paddle skills workshop on Friday, April 8 (12:30 to 3pm). Co-hosted by Hope Mountain Centre and the RCABC, the workshop teaches handy paddle strokes and safety tips for canoe travel.
The cost is $20 per person, which includes canoe, paddles, life jackets, and safety gear --- all provided by RCABC. Pre-register at www.hopemountain.org or phone 604-869-1274.