Kayaking Beginner Level One Certification - Shediac, NB

Soldier On will be partnering with Paddle Canada Instructors from Sea Kayak Moncton to offer members in the Shediac Area a chance to get a Level One Certification in Kayaking over the 2 day period of 24-25 August 2022. During this opportunity participants will learn On-water Safety, basic paddling strokes, equipment and clothing, trip planning, navigation and route selection, rescues and so much more.

This activity will bring together both serving and retired ill/injured CAF members, allowing participants to connect through peer support and encourage a healthy and active lifestyle.
 
The objective of this activity is to give participants the opportunity to learn about proper paddle techniques, water safety, and excursion planning and gain confidence to pursue kayaking safely on their own once the event is over. All instruction will take place near the Shediac Bridge Area.

This event serves as a beginner-moderate friendly option, where participants can learn all required safety and paddling skills to continue kayaking at their leisure.
 
Rental equipment (Life jacket, kayak and paddle) will be provided to the participants the day of the event.
 
Assistance throughout the event will be provided courtesy of Sea Kayak Moncton, info can be found on their Facebook page.

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 12.
 
Minimum eligibility criteria:
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) within a 2 hour drive of Shediac Bridge Area who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.
 
Serving Members:
Medical clearance may be required by your chain of command.
 
Mental & Physical Requirements
Participants must weigh under 250lbs (As per regulations from the Sport Provider for the equipment recommendations)
Participants must be able to tolerate 6-8 hours of light-medium paced activities for 2 days in a row. Applicants must have a limited requirement for rest throughout the day and must be able to tolerate sitting in a kayak, being in the water with a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) on, and paddling without being in violation of their MELs.  
 
Participants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment. 
 

• Be familiar with, and adhere to current PHM regulations and guidance;
• Complete the respective provincial / territorial or federal government COVID-19 self-assessment tool before attending the event;
• Refrain from participating in a Soldier On event if they have tested positive for COVID-19, have come in contact with someone that has tested positive for COVID-19 and/or are experiencing symptoms of the virus;
• Practice physical distancing during activity, including the use of non-medical mask when appropriate;
• Follow all safety precautions provided by Soldier On and its sport service providers;
• Adhere to a stringent use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and perform rigorous hand hygiene;
• Inform Soldier On immediately if you are not feeling well.

• Ensure that the event is conducted following the current PHM regulations and guidelines of the location in question;
• Ensure that all staff and participants are using PPE properly and following necessary protocols;
• Soldier On will cease the event if participants do not respect any of the health and safety protocols that are in place;
• Ensure PPE, hand sanitizer and disinfectant supplies are available and are being used;
• Continue to monitor the further provincial lifting of or changes in restrictions which may affect their operations;
• Track physical interactions (time/date/attendees/location) on physical activity log.