Club Locarno upcoming events

Kayaking Lesson: Kayak Basic + Checkout (09 May 2026)

Sat, 09 May 2026 16:00:00 GMT

This weekend course will teach all of the skills required to get on the water and more. This course is ideal for beginners or lapsed paddlers who need a refresher. Amongst things you will learn are different paddle strokes, how to do a wet exit & self-rescue and local trip options. It will be delivered by a certified Paddle Canada instructor. This course qualifies as Paddle Canada Basic Kayak Skills.

This class also doubles up as your checkout for the Club Locarno Kayak Fleet, so on successful completion of this class you'll be able signout and start paddling the club kayaks.

Lessons will start on the hour - please arrive a bit early. We will start on land and have an opportunity to change into wetsuits before we launch.

Please read the attached Kayak Fleet Guidelines before attending the lesson. Club Locarno Kayak Fleet Guide.pdf

Course is $150. Club Locarno kayak lessons are available to club members only.

Course Goal

To be able to move the kayak efficiently and effectively in all directions, and confidently do a paddle-float re-entry and assisted re-entry, in calm water.

Suitable for:

beginners
experienced kayakers who are rusty
experienced kayakers who want to learn to be more efficient and avoid injury

There will be a lot of personal feedback, so whatever your level, you will be challenged and learn ways to refine your skills.

Skills

The goal is to have every stroke effective, efficient, and safe, so that the kayak moves exactly where you want it to go, quickly, with a minimum amount of effort, and without risking injury or long-term strain.

Strokes: forward, reverse, forward sweep, reverse sweep, pivot turn, stopping, pulling draw, sculling draw. Depending on the time and interest, we may start looking at rudder strokes.

Safety skills: wet exit, solo (paddle float) re-entry and assisted rescue re-entry. If there's time and interest we may try a cowboy scramble or other rescue skills.

Other skills: Introduction to edging and bracing.

Trip planning: Intro to risk assessment, assessing the current conditions, marine weather, tides and currents, planning a day paddle, potential hazards, local knowledge of English Bay.

Assessment

Pass: We want to know that you can be safe on the water, so you will need to demonstrate a basic ability to control your kayak with paddle strokes, be able to do a wet exit, and do a paddle float re-entry. In order to get guest privileges, you need to demonstrate an ability to do an assisted rescue.

If you pass, this lesson will also act as your Club Locarno Kayak Fleet Checkout and you will be free to take out the fleet kayaks and bring a guest.

What to Bring

Mandatory:

Wetsuit or Drysuit: A 3mm 3/4 sleeveless wetsuit (farmer john/jane) is ideal for kayaking, with a jacket and insulation layers on top. I prefer getting it in 2 pieces - neoprene pants and a vest, it's more versatile and comfortable. If you have a full body wetsuit, it's fine for the course, but you may find it uncomfortable and too hot for regular paddling. A shorty is not acceptable - not warm enough for our ocean water temperatures. You can rent wetsuits from Jericho Kayak Centre, Mac Sailing, or Windsure. Please book it with them in advance to make sure that they're open and can accommodate you.

Footwear: For warmth, and protection from cuts, scrapes, and blisters. A 3mm neoprene high top bootie with no zipper is ideal, but any neoprene bootie, water shoe, sport sandal, or old runners will do for the course.

Food: The Galley is too slow for our lunch break, so please bring your own food, including on-water snacks. This is a physical course, so it's important to stay fueled and hydrated

Water: Have a bottle that you can bring on the water with you. There is a filtered water dispenser for filling bottles on site.

Recommended:

Sunglasses: Highly recommend having a strap, and either floating sunglasses or a floating strap. Polarized is better. The sea gods of English Bay demand occasional tribute of sunglasses, so avoid bringing expensive designer glasses.

Glasses strap: If you wear prescription glasses, a floating strap is a good investment

Sunscreen: There is no shade on the water, and the sun reflects of the surface, so the sun exposure is much higher than on land. Mineral-based (zinc or titanium oxide) sunscreens are more effective and less damaging to sea life.

Dry Warm Clothes: Expect to be cold when we get off the water. You will appreciate having some dry warm clothes (and possibly a towel) waiting for you.

Phone and Case: When you bring your phone on the water, keep it in a waterproof case.

Gloves: For warmth and to prevent blisters. Fingerless gloves are best

Hat: A wide brim, floating hat with a chin strap is ideal.

Nose & Ear plugs: if you are not comfortable being under water, nose and ear plugs might help.

The places to get paddling gear are Coast Outdoors in North Vancouver, Western Canoe and Kayak, Sky View Outdoors an MEC.

Notes:

We try to finish on time, but it's not guaranteed, so please don't book anything immediately following the course.
It can be a physically challenging course, so take care of yourself, and plan to get sufficient rest, sleep, and nutrition on Saturday night.

Cancellation Policy: There is no refund. Cancellation will only be accepted up to 3 days in advance of the course. Prior to 3 days you can register for a difference course.

Surfski Fitness Training Sessions (11 May 2026)

Tue, 12 May 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Surfski training sessions

The focus of these sessions is on fitness and training. The sessions will involve a variety of speed and strength based sets to improve your paddling fitness. All fitness levels welcome but you need to be comfortable on a surfski and checked out for the surfski fleet.

Please... be ready to start paddling on the water at 6pm sharp.

Maximum of 6 participants.

Kayak Checkout (12 May 2026)

Wed, 13 May 2026 01:00:00 GMT

All new members of the kayak fleet are required to take a kayak lesson, or demonstrate their existing skills in a Kayak Checkout, before they can sign out club boats.

This checkout is for paddlers who can demonstrate basic kayak skills:

wet exit
a competent solo recovery or self rescue with a paddle float
an assisted rescue

Also, we ask members to use a floating launch and landing to reduce wear and tear on the kayaks. If you don't already have these skills, or haven't been in a kayak for a while and feel a bit rusty, we recommend that you sign up for one of our beginner/refresher lessons instead.

Please register as space is limited, and so we can email you more details.

Checkout sessions take approximately 3hrs and is a great way to meet other new members of the Club Locarno Kayak Fleet.

You must wear a wetsuit or dry suit for the checkout. Wetsuits can be rented at Windsure, also on the JSCA compound.

Please read through the Kayak/Surfski guide before attending the checkout: Club Locarno Kayak Fleet Guide.pdf

Surfski Checkout (12 May 2026)

Wed, 13 May 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Come and checkout on the surfski fleet and try out the fastest kayaks on the water!

This is a requirement for anyone who wants to use the surfski fleet. It is not a lesson and you should have previous experience on surfskis or be an experienced kayaker with good balance. This not suitable for kayaking beginners.

The check out is done in two parts. A dry land section where we discuss storage and care of the gear (will also review the rescues) and the in-water self-rescues.

Arrive promptly and bring a wetsuit or drysuit - everyone swims!

Please review the following links with instructions and tips about how to remount a surfski:

https://youtu.be/Jxk126VDtNM

https://youtu.be/lhXhTVnhA58

Please read through the Kayak/Surfski guide before attending the checkout: Club Locarno Kayak Fleet Guide.pdf

Social Kayak (12 May 2026)

Wed, 13 May 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Social Paddle. Watch the #kayak Slack channel for changes to the schedule or cancellation.

We'll meet at 6pm for a 6:30pm launch.

This is a member run, weekly kayak and a chance to meet other paddlers - perhaps plan future excursions. The socials will vary depending on the weather and the group, from just a nice easy paddle to slightly more strenuous. The group will stay together for the social.

Guests & new members: NEW MEMBERS ARE WELCOME (provided you have kayaking experience)! Check with the Kayak Director to see if someone might be able to sign you out as a guest and that you have suitable skills to join the social paddle. You may also bring a guest who has kayak paddling experience (remember you are responsible for guests & equipment you sign out).

Please register for the event, and cancel if you can't make it so others know if they will have company. Please check if others are registered before turning up, unless you're happy to paddle alone.

Weather permitting - we'll probably cancel if its raining or winds higher than 20km/h. Please watch the #kayak channel on Club Locarno Slack for last minute changes.

If you'd like to sponsor a social kayak join the #kayak-social-paddle-leaders slack channel.

Kayak Rental: One Double (16 May 2026)

Sat, 16 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Kayaks must be rented in order to use them overnight or for trips that don't originate at the JSCA. Please confirm rental availability by contacting the Kayak Director at kayaking@clublocarno.com or on the Club Locarno slack channel.

A craft can be rented for up to ten days, and rentals are limited to one per member and four boats at any one time. Double kayaks are available to one member and a guest. You take full responsibility for loss and damage when you rent gear from the club. More details on rentals can be found here.
Rentals are on a first-come, first served basis according to registration date. Lessons and other club events have priority over rentals, so please check the calendar for scheduled lessons and checkouts when planning your trip.

Boats cannot be reserved ahead of time so you should plan on picking up the boat(s) of choice either at dusk of the evening prior to rental or early on the day of the rental (particularly important if you are relying on a double). Ensure you have appropriate gear to transport the boats safely. There are some foam blocks and straps in the kayak shed. Ask if you need help with strapping kayaks on cars.

Craft signout: When you pickup your rental boat, you must sign out the boat under Rentals on the Craft Signout including the date and estimated time of return. Please do NOT sign out a rental craft until you pick it up.

Once the Kayak Director has confirmed your rental you will be you will be given a rental code to complete your booking.

We encourage all kayak renters to participate in the BC Marine Trails Coastal Caretakers program for site cleaning and reporting. We also recommend reviewing the Respectful Recreation video produced by the Nanwakolas Council in the event you land on any unceded first nations territories.

Social Kayak (19 May 2026)

Wed, 20 May 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Social Paddle. Watch the #kayak Slack channel for changes to the schedule or cancellation.

We'll meet at 6pm for a 6:30pm launch.

Weather permitting - we'll probably cancel if its raining or winds higher than 20km/h. Please watch the #kayak channel on Club Locarno Slack for last minute changes.

If you'd like to sponsor a social kayak join the #kayak-social-paddle-leaders slack channel.

Kayak Rental: One Single (22 May 2026)

Fri, 22 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Once the Kayak Director has confirmed your rental you will be you will be given a rental code to complete your booking.

Kayak Rental: One Single (22 May 2026)

Fri, 22 May 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Once the Kayak Director has confirmed your rental you will be you will be given a rental code to complete your booking.

Kayak Checkout (22 May 2026)

Fri, 22 May 2026 17:30:00 GMT

All new members of the kayak fleet are required to take a kayak lesson, or demonstrate their existing skills in a Kayak Checkout, before they can sign out club boats.

This checkout is for paddlers who can demonstrate basic kayak skills:

wet exit
a competent solo recovery or self rescue with a paddle float
an assisted rescue

Please register as space is limited, and so we can email you more details.

Checkout sessions take approximately 3hrs and is a great way to meet other new members of the Club Locarno Kayak Fleet.

You must wear a wetsuit or dry suit for the checkout. Wetsuits can be rented at Windsure, also on the JSCA compound.

Please read through the Kayak/Surfski guide before attending the checkout: Club Locarno Kayak Fleet Guide.pdf

Surfski Fitness Training Sessions (25 May 2026)

Tue, 26 May 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Surfski training sessions

Please... be ready to start paddling on the water at 6pm sharp.

Maximum of 6 participants.

Social Kayak (26 May 2026)

Wed, 27 May 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Social Paddle. Watch the #kayak Slack channel for changes to the schedule or cancellation.

We'll meet at 6pm for a 6:30pm launch.

Weather permitting - we'll probably cancel if its raining or winds higher than 20km/h. Please watch the #kayak channel on Club Locarno Slack for last minute changes.

If you'd like to sponsor a social kayak join the #kayak-social-paddle-leaders slack channel.

Kayak Checkout (30 May 2026)

Sat, 30 May 2026 17:30:00 GMT

All new members of the kayak fleet are required to take a kayak lesson, or demonstrate their existing skills in a Kayak Checkout, before they can sign out club boats.

This checkout is for paddlers who can demonstrate basic kayak skills:

wet exit
a competent solo recovery or self rescue with a paddle float
an assisted rescue

Please register as space is limited, and so we can email you more details.

Checkout sessions take approximately 3hrs and is a great way to meet other new members of the Club Locarno Kayak Fleet.

You must wear a wetsuit or dry suit for the checkout. Wetsuits can be rented at Windsure, also on the JSCA compound.

Please read through the Kayak/Surfski guide before attending the checkout: Club Locarno Kayak Fleet Guide.pdf

Social Kayak (02 Jun 2026)

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Social Paddle. Watch the #kayak Slack channel for changes to the schedule or cancellation.

We'll meet at 6pm for a 6:30pm launch.

Weather permitting - we'll probably cancel if its raining or winds higher than 20km/h. Please watch the #kayak channel on Club Locarno Slack for last minute changes.

If you'd like to sponsor a social kayak join the #kayak-social-paddle-leaders slack channel.

Social Kayak (09 Jun 2026)

Wed, 10 Jun 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Social Paddle. Watch the #kayak Slack channel for changes to the schedule or cancellation.

We'll meet at 6pm for a 6:30pm launch.

Weather permitting - we'll probably cancel if its raining or winds higher than 20km/h. Please watch the #kayak channel on Club Locarno Slack for last minute changes.

If you'd like to sponsor a social kayak join the #kayak-social-paddle-leaders slack channel.

Kayak Checkout (16 Jun 2026)

Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:30:00 GMT

All new members of the kayak fleet are required to take a kayak lesson, or demonstrate their existing skills in a Kayak Checkout, before they can sign out club boats.

This checkout is for paddlers who can demonstrate basic kayak skills:

wet exit
a competent solo recovery or self rescue with a paddle float
an assisted rescue

Please register as space is limited, and so we can email you more details.

Checkout sessions take approximately 3hrs and is a great way to meet other new members of the Club Locarno Kayak Fleet.

You must wear a wetsuit or dry suit for the checkout. Wetsuits can be rented at Windsure, also on the JSCA compound.

Please read through the Kayak/Surfski guide before attending the checkout: Club Locarno Kayak Fleet Guide.pdf

Social Kayak (16 Jun 2026)

Wed, 17 Jun 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Social Paddle. Watch the #kayak Slack channel for changes to the schedule or cancellation.

We'll meet at 6pm for a 6:30pm launch.

Weather permitting - we'll probably cancel if its raining or winds higher than 20km/h. Please watch the #kayak channel on Club Locarno Slack for last minute changes.

If you'd like to sponsor a social kayak join the #kayak-social-paddle-leaders slack channel.

Kayaking Lesson: Kayak Basic + Checkout (20 Jun 2026)

Sat, 20 Jun 2026 16:00:00 GMT

This class also doubles up as your checkout for the Club Locarno Kayak Fleet, so on successful completion of this class you'll be able signout and start paddling the club kayaks.

Lessons will start on the hour - please arrive a bit early. We will start on land and have an opportunity to change into wetsuits before we launch.

Please read the attached Kayak Fleet Guidelines before attending the lesson. Club Locarno Kayak Fleet Guide.pdf

Cost: $150. Club Locarno kayak lessons are available to club members only.

Course Goal

To be able to move the kayak efficiently and effectively in all directions, and confidently do a paddle-float re-entry and assisted re-entry, in calm water.

Suitable for:

beginners
experienced kayakers who are rusty
experienced kayakers who want to learn to be more efficient and avoid injury

There will be a lot of personal feedback, so whatever your level, you will be challenged and learn ways to refine your skills.

Skills

Strokes: forward, reverse, forward sweep, reverse sweep, pivot turn, stopping, pulling draw, sculling draw. Depending on the time and interest, we may start looking at rudder strokes.

Safety skills: wet exit, solo (paddle float) re-entry and assisted rescue re-entry. If there's time and interest we may try a cowboy scramble or other rescue skills.

Other skills: Introduction to edging and bracing.

Trip planning: Intro to risk assessment, assessing the current conditions, marine weather, tides and currents, planning a day paddle, potential hazards, local knowledge of English Bay.

Assessment

If you pass, this lesson will also act as your Club Locarno Kayak Fleet Checkout and you will be free to take out the fleet kayaks and bring a guest.

What to Bring

Mandatory:

Food: The Galley is too slow for our lunch break, so please bring your own food, including on-water snacks. This is a physical course, so it's important to stay fueled and hydrated

Water: Have a bottle that you can bring on the water with you. There is a filtered water dispenser for filling bottles on site.

Recommended:

Glasses strap: If you wear prescription glasses, a floating strap is a good investment

Dry Warm Clothes: Expect to be cold when we get off the water. You will appreciate having some dry warm clothes (and possibly a towel) waiting for you.

Phone and Case: When you bring your phone on the water, keep it in a waterproof case.

Gloves: For warmth and to prevent blisters. Fingerless gloves are best

Hat: A wide brim, floating hat with a chin strap is ideal.

Nose & Ear plugs: if you are not comfortable being under water, nose and ear plugs might help.

The places to get paddling gear are Coast Outdoors in North Vancouver, Western Canoe and Kayak, Sky View Outdoors an MEC.

Notes:

We try to finish on time, but it's not guaranteed, so please don't book anything immediately following the course.
It can be a physically challenging course, so take care of yourself, and plan to get sufficient rest, sleep, and nutrition on Saturday night.

Cancellation Policy: There is no refund. Cancellation will only be accepted up to 3 days in advance of the course. Prior to 3 days you can register for a difference course.

Social Kayak (23 Jun 2026)

Wed, 24 Jun 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Social Paddle. Watch the #kayak Slack channel for changes to the schedule or cancellation.

We'll meet at 6pm for a 6:30pm launch.

Weather permitting - we'll probably cancel if its raining or winds higher than 20km/h. Please watch the #kayak channel on Club Locarno Slack for last minute changes.

If you'd like to sponsor a social kayak join the #kayak-social-paddle-leaders slack channel.

Kayak Rental: Two Singles (26 Jun 2026)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Once the Kayak Director has confirmed your rental you will be you will be given a rental code to complete your booking.

Social Kayak (30 Jun 2026)

Wed, 01 Jul 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Social Paddle. Watch the #kayak Slack channel for changes to the schedule or cancellation.

We'll meet at 6pm for a 6:30pm launch.

Weather permitting - we'll probably cancel if its raining or winds higher than 20km/h. Please watch the #kayak channel on Club Locarno Slack for last minute changes.

If you'd like to sponsor a social kayak join the #kayak-social-paddle-leaders slack channel.

Kayaking Lesson: Paddle Canada Level 1 (04 Jul 2026)

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Our Paddle Canada Level 1 lesson provides the skill and knowledge necessary for day-long sea kayaking trips in sheltered waters (non-wilderness areas). Successful completion of Level-1 indicates competence to paddle a sea kayak within a sheltered bay in the company of one or more paddlers with Level-1 or greater skill and knowledge. This class is delivered over a weekend:

Saturday 9am-5pm
Sunday 9am-5pm

Cost: $175

Successful candidates earn a Paddle Canada Level 1 skills certification. The full Paddle Canada course outline is here

Prerequisite: Paddle Canada Basic Kayak skills certification or equivalent skill and knowledge.

Requirements: We provide PFD's, you must bring a wetsuit (either your own or you can rent at Windsure) or a dry suit.

Lessons will start on the hour - please arrive a bit early. We will start on land and have an opportunity to change into wetsuits before we launch.

What to Bring

Mandatory:

Food: The Galley is too slow for our lunch break, so please bring your own food, including on-water snacks. This is a physical course, so it's important to stay fueled and hydrated

Water: Have a bottle that you can bring on the water with you. There is a filtered water dispenser for filling bottles on site.

Recommended:

Glasses strap: If you wear prescription glasses, a floating strap is a good investment

Dry Warm Clothes: Expect to be cold when we get off the water. You will appreciate having some dry warm clothes (and possibly a towel) waiting for you.

Phone and Case: When you bring your phone on the water, keep it in a waterproof case.

Gloves: For warmth and to prevent blisters. Fingerless gloves are best

Hat: A wide brim, floating hat with a chin strap is ideal.

The best places to get paddling gear are Coast Outdoors in North Vancouver and Western Canoe and Kayak

Notes:

We try to finish on time, but it's not guaranteed, so please don't book anything immediately following the course.
It can be a physically challenging course, so take care of yourself, and plan to get sufficient rest, sleep, and nutrition on Saturday night.

Cancellation Policy: There is no refund. Cancellation will only be accepted up to 3 days in advance of the course when you may transfer to another course if one is available.

Kayak & SUP Trip - Saysutshun (Newcastle) Island Marine Provincial Park (10 Jul 2026)

Fri, 10 Jul 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Club trip to Saysutshun (Newcastle Island) Marine Provincial Park just of Naniamo. We have booked group site #4.

This is a joint adventure with SUP fleet. SUP fleet participants can also register here. Guest campers who are not paddlers are also welcome providing there is room.

We have a group campsite for two nights (Friday, Saturday).

Costs: Club Locarno trip fee, ferry, share of camping fee, share of parking fee at Horseshoe Bay.

For SUP: probably need some cars to travel on the ferry to carry the SUPs. But some may be able to walk on carrying camping gear and take the bus/taxi to the Saysutshun ferry.

This trip is open to all in the SUP fleet and ideal for beginner campers. The SUP fleet will plan daily morning or afternoon paddling trips to the surrounding area depending on weather conditions.

For kayakers: this is a roll-on roll-off camping trip. We will transport the kayaks to Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal (and gain experience lashing kayaks onto cars). We will roll onto the ferry, roll-off at Discovery Bay, walk the kayaks to the launching site and paddle to Saysutshun.

This trip is aimed at kayakers who are beginner campers but others are welcome to join us if there is room. Priority will be given to those who want to gain camping experience and test their skills rolling on & off BC Ferries. We'll take up to twelve kayaks (14 people assuming couples in doubles). We also need cars and drivers to transport kayaks to Horseshoe Bay.

For kayakers: the longest day will be up to 20 km of paddling depending on weather conditions and group skills. Depending on numbers, we may split into two groups for day excursions. Day trip destinations will depend on the weather:

Hudsons Rocks / Pipers Lagoon Park
Gabriola (East Coast)
Descanso Bay / Park
Nanaimo River

This is an explorer trip: paddling will be more aimed at exploring the coastline and islands.

Pre-requisite experience: Level 1 skills. Some experience paddling in wind and chop. Ability to paddle at 3-4 km/h for 4-5 hours or 15-20km (with breaks). Competent in self-rescues and assisted rescue.

We will be limited to 14 campers with kayaks, so if more apply to join we will select names based on experience or at random. There will be a trip planning meeting with all participants the week before the trip.

Transportation: we will need cars for transporting kayaks to Horseshoe Bay. We'll book as walk-on passengers (with kayaks) with BC Ferries.

Friday - ferry probably around 12:00pm ferry
Saturday - day trip
Sunday - morning trip
Return - ferry probably around 4pm

Any questions about the trip, please contact Mark at kayaking@clublocarno.com or Gay sup@clublocarno.com

We encourage all kayak campers to participate in the BC Marine Trails Coastal Caretakers program for site cleaning and reporting.

Kayak Rental: Two Singles (16 Jul 2026)

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Once the Kayak Director has confirmed your rental you will be you will be given a rental code to complete your booking.

Kayak Rental: Five Singles (15 Aug 2026)

Sat, 15 Aug 2026 14:00:00 GMT

Once the Kayak Director has confirmed your rental you will be you will be given a rental code to complete your booking.