Paddle club hits the water

Some locals dipped their paddles into Rainy Lake as the Fort Frances Kayak and Canoe Association took its inaugural trip out on the water last Wednesday evening.
“I’m as novice as it gets,” revealed Dawn Olson, who, while an experienced canoeist, was out for her first time in a kayak.
“I just do it to get away from everything–to let go of what you shouldn’t be carrying with you anyway,” she explained.
“I haven’t been kayaking much. I just bought [a kayak] from Eric [Fagerdahl] two weeks ago and now I get out as much as I can,” echoed John Terpstra.
“I’ve done a bit of canoeing but it’s hard to do it by yourself,” he added. “Even though most people are paddling their own boats, this is a great social experience.”
More than a recreational club, the FFKCA already has gelled into a group of 15 with a lot in common.
“[They’re] a great bunch of folks,” remarked Terpstra, who also said Rainy Lake offered a perfect place to paddle.
“Kayaks and Rainy Lake go together ideally. It’s easy to travel on, and kayaks handle rough water a lot better than a canoe,” he noted.
The FFKCA was organized by Mark Kowalchuk, Owen Johnston, and Eric and Caren Fagerdahl, who own Rainy Lake Boatworks together.
But more than just a way to promote their boats, the association was a chance to push the sport in the area, related Caren Fagerdahl after the first two-hour outing on Sand Bay.
“I like the fellowship behind it–and to have the opportunity to teach others,” she remarked. “Those who haven’t paddled before seemed to have an easy go of it, and, hopefully, may just try it out again.”
The Fagerdahls also noted first-timers shouldn’t be afraid to try kayaking.
“We want to dispel the myth that kayaks are dangerous, with the boater being strapped in and unable to get out if [it] capsizes,” Caren Fagerdahl noted.
“Between the design of the kayak and the life jacket you wear, you’re likely to be ‘spit out’ if it tips.
“We haven’t had anyone tip accidentally yet,” she added. “With the low-centre of gravity, they’re not as tipsy as people think.”
But she also noted experienced kayakers can give anyone tips on how to recover from tipping over should that situation arise.
Although the FFKCA already has attracted a fair number of members, it’s never too late to join. Those interested in kayaking or canoeing can contact the Fagerdahls (274-6387) or Kowalchuk (274-9118).
Those who don’t have their own kayaks or canoes can rent them from the Fagerdahls, with FFKCA members getting a discount rate.