THE YUKON PADDLER - YUKON CANOE AND KAYAK CLUB

Youth Program 1999

Planning is under way for this summers Youth Program. The purpose of this program is to introduce adolescents to the exciting sport of whitewater kayaking. This program is run cooperatively with the RCMP.and club members who volunteer their time and energy.

Teenagers eligible for this are from families that would not have easy access to the paddling community. The intent is to give them a fun and rewarding experience in whitewater kayaking. 
Referrals are received from parents or anyone in the community working with youth.

The Youth Program will follow the same format as last year. That is,  a June, July, and August session consisting of three consecutive evenings per session. The program begins with a flat water session at Chadburn Lake and continues the second and third evening at the Intake.

This year the Club is offering Youth Drop-In nights at the Intake for 11 to 18 year olds. These sessions will introduce kayaking basics. They will take place Wednesday evenings through the month of July from 6:30 to 9:00 pm. It will be on a first come first served basis with a maximum of six participants. All equipment provided. Cost is$5.00.

If you would like to be involved with either of these programs please call John Quinsey at 668 -4221.

The Club would gladly accept any used gear you could donate.

Yukon River Quest Canoe Race

730 km (460 mile) downriver canoe race, will be held June 9^th, 1999, beginning in Whitehorse, Yukon and finishing in Dawson City. This is the longest marathon canoe race in North America. There will be a LeMans start to the race, with competitors running/walking from main street, approximately .5 km. to Rotary Park.  At the beginning of the race, competitors will have to load their gear and attach a spray deck, before departing.

Competitors must use recreational canoes and carry the mandatory gear outlined in the rules. There will be a mandatory eight hour rest at Minto, approximately 400 km (260 m.) from Whitehorse. At this location, teams will be able to receive support.

Entry fee is $400 U.S. per team and there is a limit of 60 teams in this year's event. Early deadline is April 15, 1999.  The amount of the cash prizes for the categories will be determined once funding is in place.

For registration forms and information contact one of the following:

Yukon River Quest, Box 5555, Whitehorse, Yukon , Y1A 5H4
Yvonne Harris at 867-668-7874,
or e-mail: [email protected]
John Firth at 867-667-2144,
or e-mail: [email protected]