Saturday was National Canoe Day across Canada.The Yorkton Canoe and Kayak Club celebrated by holding an open house at York Lake.
For only $2, the public was welcome to test out a kayak or canoe, and their upper arm strength.This is their first time celebrating National Canoe Day, but head coach Jessica Riley says the club is more than happy to promote the sport.
The club is in their second full season since a shut down two and a half years ago. Riley took the club over at that time, and there are currently 17 members.
Last season ended with 26 members, so Riley is optimistic that they can beat that number this year.
"(The members) are here, they're dedicated, and that's just awesome to us," Riley said.
Already this season, the group has competed in the provincial season opener at Pike Lake - the first time attending the event in 6 years.
On July 2, 3 and 4, seven club members will be travelling to compete in the Canada Day Regatta in Regina - the biggest competition for the club this season.
But Riley is more excited about the regatta to be held here in Yorkton during the August 14 weekend. This will be the second year that the club will host this competition.Last year's regatta attracted 20 paddlers.
This small competition is what Riley referred to as a "developmental regatta." It gives first and second-year paddlers an introduction to competition before facing bigger events.
Saturday's open house attracted 16 paddlers throughout the afternoon. The club is always looking for new members, and welcome kids as young as eight.
"We like them to be eight and up just because of physical size and our boats we like them to be able to swim a bit, or at least be comfortable in the water," Riley explained.
The club wants to be able to offer memberships to kids no matter what their financial situation is. That's why the group is trying to reach out to local businesses.
"We're trying to do more partnerships (with community businesses)," Riley said, "or just support to help us purchase new equipment, or just to sponsor kids, because it does get expensive and we'd love to have more kids involved."
The public is welcome to come watch the August regatta, and volunteers are needed. All information about the club or the regatta can be found on their website www.yorktoncanoekayakclub.com.
