Frequently Asked Questions
Is a swim test required?
Participants are required to go through a swim test prior to using boats. These will run at the club by coaches. The swim test varies depending on age, but for all levels, the purpose of the test is to assess comfort in the water. All paddlers will perform the swim test using the level of flotation that they will be using while in boats (see next question)
Does my child need a lifejacket or lifebelt to paddle?
All paddlers in the age group U16 or under must wear a personal flotation device (PFD). Paddlers are responsible for purchasing and bringing their own PFD to Senobe. Life belts are no longer accepted.
PaddleALL participants must wear a PFD.
How old does my child have to be to join Senobe?
Our youngest summer paddlers are part of the U7 program, and are typically ages 5-7. Children must pass their swim test (at Senobe, wearing a lifejacket) to participate in the U7 program.
Is practice cancelled if the weather's bad?
Paddling programs run on weekdays and generally run “rain or shine” (coaches have the discretion to cancel practices if conditions are unsafe, e.g. high winds)
We are required to bring all paddlers and swimmers onto land at the first sign of thunder or lightning. Water activities can resume once there has been 30 minutes without thunder of lightning.
What's your refund policy?
For new members only: If you are not satisfied with your Senobe experience after two weeks, you may withdraw from the program, and receive a refund for the remaining 6 weeks of the program. Withdraw date is July 16th. For all others, no refunds will be issued. Refund requests due to medical reasons and other extreme unforeseen events will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Won't my knee get sore when I'm paddling?
Paddlers kneel on a 'Block' or a 'Bun'. A 'Bun' is a soft cushion made from crushed cork and covered in fabric that fits under your knee while paddling a canoe. A 'Block' is a piece of foam that has been scooped out to fit under your knee. Senobe has a limited pool of 'Buns' and 'Blocks' available for use. Some people choose to sew their own buns and stuff them with plastic bags or cork.
What is a singlet?
2023 update: paddlers competing in U14 classes and younger will have the option to wear a blue shirt instead of an official racing singlet. More details to come in the Senobe newsletter this summer.
A singlet is a sleeveless, loose fitting jersey that paddlers wear during the regattas (regattas = race days). U10 paddlers must wear a royal blue Senobe cotton t-shirt during regattas.
Please note that paddlers are not permitted to compete without a singlet or a t-shirt. Singlets and t-shirts are available for sale at the canteen.
Does my child have to participate in the regattas (races)?
Registered paddlers will have the opportunity to participate in regattas (racing events with other clubs). Regattas are not mandatory, but they are a lot of fun! U10 regattas are usually held on weekdays, with regattas for U12 and above happening on weekends. All paddlers are strongly encouraged to participate in the regattas, however, it is recognized that not everyone desires to compete. This is an individual choice that is best made between the child and parent with the input of the Head Coach. If you choose to not compete/attend a regatta, please let your coach know so other crew boat paddlers aren’t surprised with an empty spot.
Paddlers are permitted to race in an older age group, but they can not race in a younger age group.
If my child does not participate in the regattas am I still charged CKC/ADCKC fees?
Yes, all paddlers must pay CKC (Canoe Kayak Canada) and ADCKC (Atlantic Division Canoe & Kayak Canada) fees with their registration. This money is used to cover the cost of insurance, sport, athletic and coaching development. See CKC & ADCKC Fees for the current year fees.
Why do I have to provide supervision for my child?
The Summer Paddling Program is not a child-care program. Parents are responsible for ensuring that children under 11 on January 1 of the current year are supervised while on Club premises (other than when children are on the water under the supervision of a coach). Parents may make private arrangements for supervision or may enroll their registered paddler in the Off-water Supervision program as an add-on to their registration.
Are there lifeguards on the beach?
Yes. Senobe Aquatic Club employs qualified lifeguards who share lifeguarding duties. Senobe is a family club and welcomes children of all ages to enjoy the water. However, children under the age of 11 on January 1 of the current year must be supervised while at the club including their time on the beach and in the water. Parents are encouraged to watch all children while they are swimming.
Are swimming lessons offered?
We no longer offer swimming lessons. Due to the popularity of our summer paddling program, we do not have the beach space to accommodate swimming lessons.
What is the Off-Season program?
The Off-Season program operates during the non-summer months and is designed for those paddlers who wish to continue to train during the other seasons.
For more information, visit Off-Season Program.
What is available at the canteen?
The canteen is typically open 10:00am - 3:00pm Monday through Friday and during regattas. The canteen is cashless and operates using a tab system.
It offers a variety of fresh made and pre-packaged snack foods and treats including granola bars, chips, chocolate bars, ice cream, candy and beverages including water, gatorade, juice, pop, as well as breakfast and lunch options.
During regattas (race days) we typically serve pasta and other specials.
How does the tab system work?
Parents can set up and prepay a paddler’s tab at the canteen. When the paddler makes a purchase, the canteen deducts the amount from the prepaid tab.
Parents must ensure the paddler understands their expectations of spending. The canteen does not provide spending oversight. Paddlers are expected to spend responsibly.
The canteen cannot give your child money off their tab.
Tabs at Senobe are non refundable.
It’s best to visit the canteen to set up a tab. To top up your tab, email transfer senobecanteen@gmail.com Please include your paddler's name in the memo section of the transfer. The canteen also accepts Square payments.
How do I stay up to date on what's going on at Senobe?
Your primary source of information will come from our Senobe Newsletters (sent periodically in the off-season and 1-2 times per week in the summer) and www.senobe.com. We also aim to email regular updates to members over the course of the summer and post them on the bulletin boards at the club. We also regularly update our FaceBook page, Twitter feed (@SenobeAquatic) and Instagram (Senobe Aquatic Club).
If you can't find what you are looking for, please email membership@senobe.com, for membership questions or senobe.communications@gmail.com, for general information or speak to a coach, camp leaders, or board members. We are here to help!
How do I obtain a receipt?
Our online registration system will email you a detailed invoice for the total amount due.
If you paid using a different method, please email membership@senobe.com for a receipt.
What should I expect on the first day?
Your paddler should bring a bag or backpack with snacks, water, lunch, beach towel, bathing suit, a set of dry clothes, hat, sunscreen. Everything should be labelled with your paddler’s name.
Before leaving the house PLEASE apply a complete coverage of sunscreen. Show your child how to apply and impress upon them the importance of avoiding sunburn and drinking lots of water during the day.
When you arrive, if you are in the off-water supervision program, please follow the signs to meet your Leaders and sign your child in. If you are not using this service, please go to the lower deck and introduce yourself and your paddler to Coach Rob and the other coaches.
Please be sure to arrive in plenty of time to get ready for your paddling lesson. Paddlers should be sitting on the deck ready for their lesson.
Click here for a rundown of a typical day at Senobe
Can I use the locker room and lockers?
Lockers are available to rent for $30 at the time of online registration and will be assigned on a first come, first serve basis. The locker assignment list will be posted in the locker room on the first day. You may only use the lockers, if you paid to rent one.
All members are welcome to use the locker rooms and are required to treat the locker room areas with respect and to take individual responsibility to help keep the locker rooms tidy and clean. Specifically:
- Place all garbage in the garbage cans provided
- Remove all food and used food storage containers at the end of each day as these attract pesky fruit flies.
- All wet clothing, wet foot wear or wet towels need to go home each day - stinky!
- The walls or lockers are not for writing on.
- Personal items should be stored inside the lockers or in kit bags, not left lying around the room. Keep it neat!
Can I store my boat at the club?
Boat storage is available to full members for $80. It is an option included in the online registration. The type, brand and color of the boat is required.
How do I find out how my child is doing with paddling? Is s/he ready to move into a development group?
Please drop by the club and ask to see our Head Coach Rob Baert.