Winter Paddling Rules

​Winter rules are in effect from October 15 th to April 15 th .

• ALL PADDLERS USING CVCRC BOATS MUST WEAR Transport Canada APPROVED
• PFDs during daylight and evening hours.
• Paddlers venturing beyond Courtenay River estuary must stay within 1.5 km of
  shore at all times.
• All OC6 outrigger crews must participate in a documented Wet Huli Drill while observed by a CVCRCs Safety Officer at least once each year.
• All crews going beyond Goose Spit are required to have at least one GPS-enabled emergency VHF radio on board
  
• There is no paddling when the temperature is below 0˚C (including wind-chill)or/and when there is ice on the boat ramp. Personal risks of slips and falls because of ice on ramp and risks of damage to equipment because of extended cold periods are considerably higher now than normal.
  
• River discharge levels around 80 m 3 /s will be the upper limit for most OC paddlers. Carefully assess your ability to negotiate the river during flood
  events or releases from the Comox Lake Dam
  
• Novice Paddlers
  
  • ​Must paddle in pairs at all times; and
    
  • May not venture upstream of the Tsolum River confluence and seaward of Goose Spit, unless accompanied by a CVCRC coach or another paddler
    with confidence in capsize/recovery techniques
    

ADDITIONAL RULES FOR PADDLING IN THE DARK

• Experienced crews only 
  
• Use a navigation light (at minimum a stern light visible 360˚)