Message of Welcome from the Commodore

Welcome to Banook Canoe Club! I am pleased to welcome all of the new and returning paddlers and their families to Banook Canoe Club. You’ve just become an important part of the oldest canoe club in Atlantic Canada. At BCC, we stress family recreational atmosphere and a competitive canoeing and kayaking environment. We take pride in our historic clubhouse and are pleased that you’ve joined us in the preservation of this facility and the stewardship of the lake.

Banook is a non-profit organization, managed by a volunteer Board of Directors. As a new member we suggest that you read the information about the club and upcoming events on our website and in the regular newsletters we distribute throughout the year. We have been very busy in the off‐season and have made numerous changes to help grow and improve our programs. In additional to the commencement of the new head coach at the end of last summer, we have also hired a new club manager Krista Melanson. Krista Melanson brings many years of experience in managing her own business to assisting BCC in the volunteer capacity. We welcome you to contact the club manager or a Board member if you would like information or have suggestions to strengthen the operation of our club.

We welcome your participation on hour committees or any assistance you can offer to keep Banook running smoothly.

I wish you a happy, active and safe summer at the club.

Ian Lezama

President, Banook Canoe Club

Vision Statement

To be recognized as the preferred community club for recreational and competitive paddling in HRM.

Our success will be measured by the pride our members take in the club and the role models we produce within our community.

In the Mi’kmaq dialect, Banook means “First Lake”. The Mi’kmaq were the first to navigate Lake Banook and the Dartmouth lake system as they traveled across the province. In 1828, the first ice hockey game in Canada was played on Lake Banook by officers of the British army. In 1929, a seaplane carrying the first airmail shipment from Ottawa to Halifax landed on Lake Banook.

The lake is one of the finest natural flat-water canoe kayak racing courses in Canada, and one of the best in the world. Lake Banook has hosted national and international event for the past 20 years and hundreds of local regatta since the late 1800’s.

Banook was the site of the world Junior Canoe Championships in 1989, the first time the event was held outside Europe. In 1997 and 2009, Lake Banook hosted the Senior World Championships, and in 2001, the World Marathon Championship.

BCC was Nova Scotia’s first canoe club, established in 1903. We pride ourselves on our long history and long list of awards and records held by the present and past members of our club.

BCC consist of two building attached by the breezeway. The “old building” was built in 1904. It has a large hall, small Senior Room, (adults only), bar, kitchen and washroom.

The “new building” was built in 1971, It has a gymnasium, a canteen, which opens during July and August, washrooms and change rooms. The Manager’s office, the paddling staff office and the boat bays are downstairs.

The gym is open for use by all our members. The club sometimes uses it for dances for the junior members and for fundraising dinners. Otherwise no food or drinks are allowed in the gym.

Hall Rentals

Banook’s ideal location and scenery provides excellent facilities for parties, dances and weddings.

The hall, which seats 120 and the Senior Room, which seats 50, can be rented out, so we try to keep them in top-notch shape. Hall rentals are open to the public, and to our members.

These rental create a large portion of the club’s revenue. Areas of the club are off-limits to members when the hall is booked.

These dates will be posted well in advance. To rent the hall call 464-1740

The Boat Bays

The boat bays house is the cub’s canoes and some private boats and kayaks. There is a fee for storing a private boat at Banook.

The weight room is form members only. Anyone under 15 years of age mush be supervised by and adult or coach.

Parking in front of the clubhouse is limited and for members only. There is one handicapped parking space near the entrance, and it is marked. If you have to double park, please leave a note with your name and where you can be found on the dash or windshield. Extra parking is available across the lake at the Lion’s Beach area. The entrance is foo Nolan Street.

The odd looking building in the water on the club beach side is called the David Jones Memorial Judges Tower. It is owned by the Atlantic Division of the Canadian Canoe Association. It’s where judges from various canoe clubs officiate during regattas. The tower also has rooms for the computer and video technologies. David Jones was a member of BCC during the 70’s and his facility is still active today.

The office in the breezeway is the nerve center of BCC. This is where you go for help or need information. The clubs manager is responsible for day-to-day operations, and the office is open Monday to Friday 9:00 – 5:00 p.m., and usually closed on weekends.

Notice of regatta, dances, BBQs and anything else are posted on the bulletin board in the breezeway. Members also get regular updates and notices through email, and twitter – please sign up when you register. Check out our website at www.banookcaneoclub.com.

Please report lost or found items to the office.

Women’s and men’s washroom is located upstairs just outside the gym. Please report any problems or shortages to the staff immediately.

The canteen is open during July and August from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00p.m., and usually during Regattas. It’s located on the upper deck, and usually offers an assortment of healthy snacks plus, hotdogs, pizza, and cold drinks. Parents can establish and account with the canteen operator at the beginning of the season.

Please refer to the BCC website www.banookcanoeclub.com for details information about our paddling programs. Our Head Coach is Toshko Kalpakov.

The paddling programs run Monday to Friday throughout the summer. The club is generally closed on weekends, except for some adult classes, regattas and swimming at the beach.

Paddling lessons are handled by the Head Coach and his assistant coaches. Each one is a qualified paddler and has been chosen for their leadership skills and their ability to instruct our young paddlers. The day program is supervised by the Head Paddling Coach. Classes will be available for all levels of paddling abilities and will be scheduled during the day depending on the number registered paddlers. Participants are required to pay a paddling fee to take part in these classes and pass a swim test to show their swimming ability and water safety knowledge. The swim tests take place during the Club’s opening week.

All registered paddlers who wish to compete must wear a racing singlet. Buns needed for war canoe can also be purchases in the office.

The paddling coach’s office is located in the weight room next to the Manager’s office

Each summer, children between the ages of 4 – 8 are offered the chance to become familiar with paddling and water safety.

Participants will use war canoes, please canoes and mini kayaks. Life jacket/PFDs must be worn at all times. T-Shirts are available for purchase.

Year-Round Paddling

This program has been developed to provide those paddlers who want to further their paddling skills with appropriate training and conditioning. Training combines style, flexibility, speed, racing and competition. During the winter months, activities include swimming, weights, and pool paddling.

The Masters program at Banook has been active for more than 2 decades, this program is open to any Banook member 25 years and older. Paddlers in this group need not to have any previous paddling experience, and have the choice of being competitive or recreational. There are a number of regattas (races) for Masters throughout the summer, with the final National competition (CANMAS) late August/early September. Banook has participated in the CANMAS almost every year since CANMAS began in the early 1990’s.

This program is very popular within the club for a number of reasons. Our club is not only for young people, and the Masters program caters to adults. Adult practices are in the evening throughout the week and on Saturday morning. It’s an opportunity for people with similar interests but varying backgrounds to come together. Paddling is an incredible work out, no matter what your level of ability. Not only is it great cardiovascular exercise, but also a great form of strength training. Masters paddle in war canoes, kayaks, and smaller canoe for, two, or four paddlers.

Over and above the physical benefits, there are great social benefits. The Masters are an established and active group within the club. We help with various fund-raising efforts and support events happening at the club throughout the year. It’s a wonderful way to meet new people.

New members are always welcome, at any time of the season. Beginners are offered offer tips and advise. If you enjoy the outdoors, challenging yourself, and using muscles you never thought you had, the Masters program is for you.

The program is well recognized among paddling clubs in our area and throughout Canada. We have many crews that are defending National Champions in War Canoe, Kayak and Canoe, in the man’s, women’s and mixed divisions.

Racing boats can only be used by adults who have paid paddling fees, in addition to the Club membership fees, and only with a coach’s permission.

Recreational boats (aluminum canoes and plastic kayaks called piccolos) may be used by all members during Open Wharf and in the evenings. Please ask a coach (they’re available during the day) for permission. Everyone must wear life jackets (PFDs) while on the water. Please make sure all the boats are off the water by 8:30 p.m.

Some adult paddling classes and some senior war canoes practices take place during the evening. Children are not permitted to use any the club boats in the evening.

The beach and grassed areas are for all members to enjoy. Get your favourite spot on the grass early in the day! Adults must supervise children when they come to the club to swim during un-lifeguarded hours. Please help keep the grass and beach area clean. Use the garbage bins that are provided, and encourage your children to do the same.

The supervised waterfront area consists of one main area, subdivided into three sections. The first is very shallow, and meant for small children, toddlers, waders and Aquatot classes. The second area extends out to the raft. It drops off approximately 10-12 feet so it’s ok the dive from the raft. The third area is between the floating raft and the dock. It is used for recreational swimming and lessons for Qua Quest Levels. 2 – 5.

The swimming lanes between the floating docks are used to teach upper levels of the Aqua quest Learn to Swim program, 5 – 12 and the Bronze Medallion/Bronze Cross class.

Lifeguards are on duty Monday to Friday from 9a.m. to 5p.m. Those hours are extended during regatta and other club events.

Please remember it is your responsibility to ensure your child is wearing sunblock at all times.

Swim lesson are held Monday to Thursday throughout the summer. There are two three-week sessions with a one-week break in between. The average ratio in the swim classes is usually on instructor to every five students. Some of the classes are larger and some classes smaller, but all follow the Red Cross guidelines.

The Banook swim team practices at the Dartmouth Sportsplex, Monday to Thursday during the summer. They are trained by two qualified coaches. The team participates in five or six summer swim meets throughout the province. Check our website for more details.

Banook Shop is a volunteer service that provides a wide selection of paddling clothing and equipment. Items include racing singlets, paddling buns, life-belts, t-shirts, sweatshirts, club jackets, etc. We also have copies of our 100 year anniversary book “voices From The Past” for sale. More information about the Banook Shop will be made available during the summer.

Serious paddlers who are interested in buying boats or other paddling gear should see the Head Coach or Club Manager.

What does that Mean?

Atlantic Division (ADCKC) www.adckc.ca The Atlantic provinces make up this division of the Canadian Canoe Kayak Associate (CKC) www.canoekayak.ca

Boatman Anyone who works on the docks.

Bun Canvas Bag filled with cork, used to kneel on in the boats.

Burgee The official flag of the CKC given to the winning club for an overall Club Championship. Burgees are also given in age categories and CANMAS

C Boats C Boats are canoes, or Canadians (in Europe), as they are sometimes called, and are propelled by the use of a single blade paddle. A paddler’s stroke technique controls ad setter the boat. C boats are raced as single, (C1), pairs (C2), fours (C4), and Wars (C14).

CKC Abbreviation for the Canadian Canoe Association, the sport’s national governing body.

Commodore President of a canoe club.

Cox or Coxswaine Coach of a war canoe.

Flag Officer President of the Atlantic Division of the CKC.

K Boats K boats are kayaks. The kayak is a low profile javelin-like covered craft. Unlike the kneeling position of the canoeist, the kayak paddler balances on a seat in the bottom of the boat and steers by the use of a rudder, propelled by a double bladed paddle. Kayak events are raced in singles (K1), pairs (K2) and fours (K4).

Lake Patrol A boat patrol that in association with the Dartmouth HRM Police helps maintain safety standards on Lake Banook and Lake Micmac and is the chief authority in an emergency situation of the lakes.

Life Belt Safety belt worn by all paddlers under the age of 15

Local Clubs ADCKC

Abenaki – Dartmouth

Banook – Lake Banook, Dartmouth

Cheema – Waverley

Maskwa – Halifax

Mic Mac – Lake Banook, Dartmouth

North Star – Rowing club exclusively – Dartmouth

Orenda – Lake Echo

Pisiquid – Windsor

Sackawa – Lower Sackville

Senobe – Lake Banook, Dartmouth

Open Wharf Scheduled time when children and adults can take out club boats. See boatman for assistance, some racing boats are not permitted.

Paddling Refers to both canoeing and kayaking.

Pogies Glove-like covers that attach to the paddle to protect paddler’s hands from cold water.

Regatta A day-long paddling competition.

War Canoe A large canoe which carries 14 paddlers and a cox. Each paddler has a single blade paddle. The cox stands in the back of the boat and steers by using his/her blade as a rudder.

Wash Riding When a competitor gains advantage by drafting the wake of another competitor.

Wing Blade A type of paddle used by competitive paddlers.

BCC House Rules

1. 
   All BCC members shall leave the premises by 9 p.m. unless participating in an organized program authorized by the Board of Directors. Members 14 and under are only permitted on the premises until 6:00 p.m. unless accompanied by an adult, or are participating in an organized program.
   
2. 
   Members under 12 year of age must be accompanied by a parent or designated baby-sitter.
   
3. 
   Animals are not permitted anywhere on the Club premises, with an exception of service animals.
   
4. 
   Smoking is not permitted anywhere at the Club
   
5. 
   . Club staff is responsible for order and discipline while maintaining the safe operation of programs and the facilities. All members are to respect and follow their orders. Please do not interfere with their duties. Members should conduct themselves in a manner that does not endanger themselves or others.
   
6. 
   All members are to respect the personal property of any members. All personal property is left on the club premises at the owner’s risk. Personal insurance is required for all boats and a storage fee is required. All personal boats should be locked up while in storage.
   
7. 
   All members are to respect the club equipment and facilities. Authorization to use club equipment or property must come from staff.
   
8. 
   Please return all equipment to the club in a tidy fashion after use.
   
9. 
   Use of alcohol by minors is strictly prohibited. Alcohol may be consumed by those 19 years and over on club premises during events sanctioned by the Board and must be purchases from the club bar.
   
10. 
    Profanity will not be tolerated.
    

There are regattas held throughout the summer, most of them on weekends. If you are unable to attend a regatta or choose not to race, please speak to the coach early in the season as your name will have to be removed from the draw (schedule of races and paddlers). Paddling is a team sport. An athlete who signs up to race and doesn’t come to the regatta will be disappointing his or her crew members; as they are taking away others’ opportunities to compete. If you are unable to take your son or daughter to a regatta please speak to the coach in advance and take advantage of carpooling with other paddlers.

Paddlers are asked to arrive 1 hour in advance of their first race. It is wise to bring lots of extra clothes in case the wind picks up or it starts to rain. It is also important to bring sun block and a chair to sit on.

There is usually a canteen to provide drinks, snacks and a BBQ for hot dogs and hamburgers. We suggest you pack lots of food for the paddlers, as they tend to eat all day long.

While the coaches try to be very approachable and are always available to talk with parents about their child’s progress, race day is not the time for discussions. There are many children that need to be attended to and while your child might not be in the boat they would like to be, be assured that the coaches are selecting crews to the best of their abilities and are following the club’s criteria for selection. If you would like to discuss your child’s specific needs, please do so on a non‐race day. Once the crews are selected, the coaches are not able to make changes. Remember that parents are spectators only and should not be on the docks.

Plan to be in attendance for the whole day. Races are sometimes pushed back due to weather or other delays. If your child is racing, try to keep the whole day open. Other paddlers may be depending on your child for a crew boat and leaving before a race affects many kids and coaches. Bring a book or help out, cheer on the other kids and enjoy the fresh atmosphere and excitement.

For most weekend regattas, the boat trailer will be loaded on Friday afternoon to transport the boats to the upcoming regatta. All paddlers are required to help out with the loading and unloading of the boats at the regatta site.

Parents please note that a draw may be printed in advance of the regatta. The draw is often 100 pages long ‐ so you may want to print only a portion of the draw. This will help you to follow the racing schedule and record race results. The draw and results will also be posted on a bulletin board in the area where the paddlers are seated. The coaches will be on hand to make sure all paddlers prepare in advance for their race. A life belt/jacket and singlet must be worn in the boat. If a paddler falls out of the canoe or kayak, a rescue boat will pick them up and bring them back to the dock, unless the distance is very short and the paddler can swim the boat and paddle back on their own.