With more than 100,000 lakes, Saskatchewan is one of the world’s premier wilderness canoeing destinations. For thousands of years these waterways have been closely tied to the culture of First Nations’ people, which continues to this day. European explorers and fur traders later traveled them for commerce and discovery. The traditions of our earlier ancestors live on with today’s canoeists and kayakers.
To help better under-stand the water sport the Town of Preeceville recreation department scheduled a two-day canoe and kayak clinic at Annie Laurie Lake. The clinic was instructed by Chris Laplante, a Saskatchewan provincial development coach from Regina, on September 3 and September 4.
Students from Preeceville School in grades 7 to 10 took advantage of the clinic to learn the basics set out by Transport Canada and the basics in canoeing, paddling, different types of paddles and techniques. They had the opportunity to try paddling in kayaks as well. There were six adults that also had the chance to learn the same instructional material as the students earlier in the day.
Saskatchewan’s water-ways are home to abundant wildlife, picturesque campsites and excellent fishing opportunities. Many of the routes are heavily used so everyone is asked to minimize their impact on the land by ap-plying the principles of “Leave no Trace.” In this way, the province’s wilderness will continue to provide wonderful experiences for many generations to come.
“On the water, we practice the entry technique, ease of balance, steering and paddle strokes. Once everyone is comfortable, the group gets divided into groups of two per canoe and are given the opportunity to paddle a canoe on the water,” said Laplante.
