As the grey drizzle of winter fades and the sun finally finds its way to the North Shore, Deep Cove comes alive with the bright reds, yellows and oranges of kayaks dotting the scenic coast.
The location is particularly suited for kayaking as the natural boundaries provide a bit of protection from the wind for most of the day during the summer.
While other areas can get quite windy, Deep Cove offers calmer water for kayakers, paddle boarders and campers.
This summer, Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak is once again offering its variety of day camps for kids ages seven to 16. Camps are designed for both beginners and those already familiar
with the sport.
"Depending on your age group we've got something that will hopefully suit your needs," says Mike Darbyshire, school director at Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak.
Kayaking is not a difficult activity to learn, notes Darbyshire, and kids are especially good at picking it up quickly.
"Kids are quick learners as it is, and kayaking is pretty straightforward once you get some proper technique taught to you," he explains.
Camp days include instruction in kayak safety and a mix of teaching skills on the water combined with some games. Campers also head out on a longer paddle to explore some nearby islands.
"We mix it up a little bit but most of the stuff we do is on the water," says Darbyshire.
Younger campers use smaller kayaks specifically for kids, while some bigger kids may be able to fit into smaller adult boats.
Darbyshire says ideally kids should have some swimming experience. However, campers wear life jackets at all times and the beginner courses are designed for kids with little to no experience around water.
Unless children have a fear of water, almost any child would be suited to give kayaking a try, notes Darbyshire. The Level 1 camps are designed for total beginners.
Along with kayaking, the club also offers summer camps for paddle boarding. Kids have to be at least 10 years old for these camps.
"It helps to be a little bit bigger with the boards otherwise the wind just kind of just blows you away," says Darbyshire.
The water never really warms up in Deep Cove even in the summer, but Darbyshire says the campers don't seem to notice the temperature at all or mind an occasional dunk.
"Usually we have trouble keeping the kids out of the water," he reports with a laugh.
This story originally appeared in the North Shore News special section called Summer Camps, which focuses on local camps for kids.
