Nanaimo Paddlers is a group of over 200 recreational kayakers
05/24/2026
What’s the News with Nanaimo Paddlers? The latest newsletter is out. Read all about it. 📣
May 2026 Newsletter Come one, come all to this marquee event for the club. Bring your children, grandchildren, neighbours and friends for a fun weekend in this beautiful setting. You can come for a day, or stay for the two nights; it’s all the same price.
Nanaimo Paddlers were out Thursday evening playing in the standing wave. Host Gary was joined by Tracy, Rhonda, Martin & Claudia. Bonus was when a vessel went by leaving a large wake to play in.
05/14/2026
Did you know there now somewhere mid island where you can have kayak repairs done, custom outfitting and foam seats made. Check out West Coast Kayak Works website.
West Coast Kayak Works | Professional Kayak Repair & Custom Outfitting West Coast Kayak Works (Nanaimo & Nanoose) — professional kayak repair, fiberglass restoration, custom fitting, drysuit service, and foam seat fabrication. Browse our gallery and contact us for reliable, expert care.
05/14/2026
Have questions, ask our experts or just drop by and say hi. Check out what VPO has in stock.
Thinking about getting out on the water this summer?🌊
Join us at VPO Nanaimo this Saturday from 1–3pm as we host the Nanaimo Paddlers for an in-store pop-up!
They’ll be hanging out to chat about membership perks, local paddling opportunities, events, and answer any questions you might have about getting involved in the paddling community around Nanaimo.
Whether you’re brand new to paddling or already spend every spare weekend on the water, come say hi 👋
Nanaimo Paddlers had their first P3 of the season. They paddled around Westwood Lake, focused on various paddle strokes, then it was wet exits and every type of rescue you can imagine. Lots of laughter on the water under sunny blue skies. Can’t ask for much more.
www.nanaimopaddlers.org
05/02/2026
Nanaimo Paddlers gear swap is taking place today at 10:00 at Westwood Lake.
04/30/2026
Nanaimo Paddlers will be at MEC this Saturday and Sunday. Stop by and say hello.
Amber Champion of Champion Coaching and Adventures spent the day with the paddle hosts of Nanaimo Paddlers. These paddle hosts were coached on scenarios that tested their skills as they had to navigate through several mock paddles. One where the fog rolled in with only 5 m visibility. Crossing the lake by ded reckoning while keeping the paddlers close. Another challenge was when a paddler capsized, then during a rescue attempt, a second paddler capsized. Then one of our capsized paddlers injured his shoulder. Our hosts were coached on scoop rescues, then once our paddler was upright, his kayak had to be pumped out before he could be towed back to shore. Then it was dealing with an annoying paddler. There were some pretty good actors in the group, which made for a real comedy show while the hosts remained cool, calm and in control. The last scenario was getting an injured paddler back by doing an inline tow. This involved a tow that included several paddlers, where they were switched in and out to avoid fatigue and keeping the tow line strong. The day ended with some wet exits and rescues and even a few rolls.
These scenarios challenged the management skills of our hosts with a focus on group management, rescue skills & prioritization, conflict resolution, and towing.
Our hosts are looking forward to hosting members of Nanaimo Paddlers! See you on the water 💦
04/19/2026
Hear ye, hear ye, hear ye … the lastest Newsletter is out!
Anita has once again compiled the on going news for Nanaimo Paddlers. Read and see what’s happening.
April 2026 Newsletter Join in the paddle around the lake, maybe try other people’s boats, learn or improve your strokes with members of the Skills team, and lots more fun.