Frequently Asked Questions
How old does my child have to be to paddle at Senobe?
For 2026 Summer programs, paddlers must be born in 2019 or earlier in order to be registered in a paddling program. For younger siblings of registered paddlers, we offer a free "Kiddie Kayak" session a few times per week, where younger children can go out in boat with an experienced coach.
Paddlers in the Summer Program who were born in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 or 2019 must either 1) be supervised by a parent/guardian or a privately-arranged caregiver while at the Club or 2) be enrolled in the ClubCare Babysitting program as an add-on to the Summer Program.
Does my child need to know how to swim to join Senobe?
Paddlers in the Summer Program are required to do a short swim test prior to using boats to assess basic water-safety skills. Paddlers will perform the swim test while wearing their lifejacket. The swim test varies depending on age, but generally consists of swimming a short distance, treading water for a short time and rolling into the water from a tipped boat. Swim tests are conducted by the coaches, either on orientation day or at the start of the summer program. We aim to keep swim tests fun and low-stress.
We have lifeguards on duty on the beach on days that the Summer Program is operating.
Senobe does not offer swimming lessons.
What is the difference between the Summer Paddling Program and the ClubCare Babysitting Program?
The Summer Program is not a child-care program. Parents are responsible for ensuring that children under 11 are supervised while at the Club (for 2026, this applies to children born in 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 or 2019). Parents may make private arrangements for supervision or may enroll their registered paddler in the ClubCare babysitting as an add-on to Summer Program registration.
What is Senobe's refund policy for the Summer Program?
On or before July 20, 2026, first-time paddlers can request a pro-rated refund of Summer Program fees (and ClubCare babysitting fees, if applicable). Refunds will not be issued for returning summer paddlers unless the paddler is unable to continue for documented medical reasons.
What should my child bring with them for a day at Senobe?
All paddlers in the age group U16 or under must wear a lifejacket. Paddlers are responsible for bringing their own lifejacket to Senobe.
Other things to bring: lunch and snacks, water bottle, sunscreen, hat, beach towel, bathing suit, dry clothes. Paddling programs operate in all sorts of weather, so plan to bring clothes suitable for the weather conditions.
Please label all belongings with your child’s name.
We recommend leaving electronics, cash and other valuables at home. Senobe takes no responsibility for valuables lost or damaged at the club. Our canteen operates on an electronic tab system and does not accept cash.
What should I expect on the first day?
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 your paddler is enrolled in the ClubCare babysitting program, make your way to the ClubCare tent to meet the leaders and sign your child in.
If you are not using the ClubCare program, please go to the lower deck and introduce yourself and your paddler to Coach Rob and the other coaches.
Is paddling cancelled if the weather is bad? Does ClubCare babysitting operate if the weather is bad?
Paddling practices generally run “rain or shine”. However coaches have the discretion to cancel practices if conditions are unsafe (for example, if there are 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.
ClubCare babysitting will continue to operate even if paddling practices are cancelled. If the weather conditions do not allow for outside activities, paddlers will be brought into the Club building.
Does my child have to participate in regattas (racing events)?
Registered paddlers in U10 and above will have the opportunity to participate in regattas (racing events with other clubs). Participation in regattas is not required, but we strongly encourage that paddlers give racing a try! Regattas are a lot of fun and are designed to allow paddlers of all abilities to have a good experience. For more information about regattas, see our Regatta Information page.
If your chilid has signed up for a regatta but later decides not participate, please let your coach know so other crew boat paddlers aren’t surprised with an empty spot.
If my child does not participate in regattas, do I still have to pay the ADCKC membership fee?
Yes, all Summer Program paddlers in U10 and above must pay the ADCKC (Atlantic Division Canoe & Kayak Canada) competitive fee with their registration. This money is used to cover the cost of insurance, sport, athletic and coaching development. For more information on this fee, see the ADCKC website.
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 at the canteen work?
Parents can set up a tab for their child by visiting the canteen. When the paddler makes a purchase, the canteen deducts the amount from the prepaid tab.and prepay a paddler’s tab at the canteen.
To add money to a 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.
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.
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 Instagram and FaceBook page.
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!
Can I store my boat at the club?
Boat storage for privately-owned racing boats is available for $90 per year. Boat storage is an optional an add-on to registration. The type, brand and color of the boat is required.
We do not offer storage for recreational boats or storage for boats belonging to non-members.