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Clubs and Organizations

There are a number of local and national organizations of which the paddler should be aware. We have listed those groups that we know are active in the surrounding area.

Most local clubs have as their main objectives training members to canoe more safely and preserving the streams on which they paddle. Generally they have regularly scheduled trips throughout most of the year and periodically publish newsletters, which are a valuable source of information for the canoeist.

For those who wish to improve their skills in a boat, it is almost a necessity to paddle with those having greater experience. In many areas the local club will be the only source of such experience.

Many of us begin paddling to get away from today’s busy life; to get back to nature; to see things that few others see; or to engage in an activity that few people do. For these reasons joining a club and participating in organized trips might seem alien to us. However, the fact remains, without organizations that are willing to work and fight to preserve our free-flowing streams, there may be none to enjoy in the future. We don’t care to see our rivers become the L.A. freeway at rush hour, but can we afford to be so selfish as to want to keep our favorite streams all to ourselves? How much weight will a handful carry when the Corps begins surveying for the best dam site? Your interest may be an occasional quiet float trip down your favorite stream with one or two close friends, but we hope you will see fit to support an organization in your area that may help you save that stream someday. We can save our rivers only if our numbers are large and we are well organized. Not quantity alone, but quantity with quality is needed. A good source for determining whether or not there is a club in your area might be your canoeing outfitter.