Question 1

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Wear weather-appropriate performance apparel:  moisture wicking base layers, wind/rain resistance jackets if necessary.  Hat and sunglasses, depending on need.  Sandals or neoprene booties for footwear.  Jeans, sneakers, cotton tees should be avoided.

Question 2

Do I need any equipment?

Accepted Answer

Paddles and life jackets are available to borrow.  Water bottles/hydration systems are recommended.

Question 3

I’m new, what can I expect at the first practice?

Accepted Answer

BBOP practices from the Community Boating Center, (https://www.boatingcenter.org/)a small-boat recreation center in Fairhaven.  You can park in the gravel just outside of the fenced boatyard.  We store our canoes in the boatyard and have a large locked shed inside where we keep our smaller gear such as club paddles and PFDs.  The boatyard is a busy place with sailing clinics, kayak owners, SUP lessons, etc.  Lots of people moving their equipment around, plus fishing boats pulling onto the same boat ramp we use.  BBOP takes up a lot of room with our big long canoes and large membership so help us be respectful of sharing the space!
 
When you arrive you’ll see us milling around the canoes chatting.  The coach will identify new paddlers and make sure you have proper equipment (paddles, PFD’s).  Coach will then set line ups (announce who will sit in which seat number in each canoe) and then ask everyone to get the canoes to the water.  This can be a little chaotic and will take a little time to know where to stand! The official launching protocol can be found here.(https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GBq0Gn8S8rYV4xIcAOPGgOV1QtqAcUgQ/view)

OC-6’s are heavy and awkward to move because of the outrigger attached to the side of it ("ama").  They must be lifted off their racks by about 6 people simultaneously and set onto a sturdy 2-wheeled cart.  A steerer or other experienced person will lead the lift process (1,2,3, lift!”).  The group can then begin rolling the canoe to the boat ramp.  Once it is floating, we lift the boat off the cart and one person removes the cart and stores it.   Then everyone can climb into the boat in sequence, beginning with the person assigned to seat 1.  The reverse process happens when you pull off the water after practice.

Definitely! Our coaches work hard with paddlers of all experience levels on technique and fitness.

Question 4

Can I try paddling with you before joining the club?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Please contact the BBOP New Paddler Coordinator at bbopmembership@gmail.com (http://gmail.com/)to arrange a free 1:1 orientation. Most new paddlers begin practicing with the Recreational Crew, although everyone is welcome to join competitive practices for a more vigorous workout.

Question 5

What if I can't make all the practices?

Accepted Answer

That’s OK.  In the Recreational Program,  you may attend as many or as few practices as you’d like.   Paddlers in the competitive program are expected to attend practices regularly, particularly before a race.

Question 6

What if I can't swim?

Accepted Answer

Safety is critical and swimming skills can definitely come into play.   A Personal Floatation Device (PFD) must be worn or nearby at all times in case of a capsize ("huli").

Question 7

Will I get wet?

Accepted Answer

Probably.  Rain, waves, perspiration can all be factors.

Question 8

Is it safe?

Accepted Answer

BBOP takes safety seriously. Our coaches and safety officers have decades of paddling experience in extreme conditions on Bellingham and all over the world.
 
We require all paddlers to wear good-fitting PFD’s (life jackets, Personal Flotation Devices) and we have our own to lend if members don’t have one.  Board, coaches and steerers meet regularly to review club safety protocols. We carry liability insurance for every member provided by Paddlesport Risk Management, LLC.

Question 9

What facilities are available on the site?

Accepted Answer

There are 6 Restrooms - 2 ADA accessible and 4 standard all equipped with showers.  A locking shed for gear, and a water fountain for drinking and filling water bottles.  There are hoses to rinse gear and large rinse barrels with an enzyme solution to rinse neoprene booties, gloves, PFD's if you choose.

Question 10

Can you give me some paddling basics?

Accepted Answer

On your first day, the coaches will cover everything you need to know.

An OC6 canoe has 6 paddlers. The steersperson sits in the back (seat 6). Paddlers in seats 1, 3, and 5 start paddling on the left side of the canoe, while those in seats 2 and 4 start on the right. Every 10-12 strokes, seat 3 will call "hut," prompting everyone to paddle one more time before switching sides.

For paddling basics and stroke techniques, check out here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=691Mpc5ZSqQ)

Question 11

Will I get to race?  Do I have to race?

Accepted Answer

BBOP offers two adult paddling programs: recreational and competitive.  Those interested in racing OC6's and undergoing race training will join the competitive crew, with race line-ups determined by the Head Coach. BBOP primarily competes against other clubs in the PNWORCA (https://pnworca.org/)paddling association. You do not have to race to be a BBOP member.  Recreational practices are another option for those who choose not to race but still enjoying practicing outrigger canoe paddling.