Sydenham Lake Canoe Club

May 31, 2012

Photo: Long time SLCC member and competitive paddler Cia Myles-Gonzalez with new young paddlers Preston, Hudson, Colby and Courtney at the the SLCC on May 26

Judging by the turnout at their May 26 open house and registration, the Sydenham Lake Canoe Club (SLCC) is attracting new paddlers young and old who are hoping to learn a thing or two about paddling. The club is once again offering both youngsters and adults a wide range of classes in both recreational and competitive paddling. Along with their regular canoe and kayaking programs, this year the club is offering something new for adults - a one-week stand up paddling (SUP) class for adults that will be taught by Jack Chubaty.

For the kids the club offers fun, fitness and skills training at various levels at a lakeside environment that encourages friendship, skills development and adventure and fun. The club’s scenic site is located on Sydenham Lake just behind Trousdale’s Foodland. On Saturday Leslie Myles and her daughter Cia Myles-Gonzalez, both long-time members with the club, were busy signing up new youngsters, whose parents were thrilled to be having their kids participate in a summer program located so close to home.

Meredith Prikker, mom of 10-year-old Colby and eight-year-old Courtney, signed both up for the one-week full day camp program in July. “We as a family really want to paddle together so we signed the kids up so that they can learn the basic skills. This will be a great introduction for them and if they really like it I can foresee them getting involved in the more competitive aspects that the club has to offer, “ she said.

Brad Moon signed up his sons, Preston and Hudson, for two weeks in the competitive kayak paddling program. Both boys have their own kayaks and are experienced paddlers. They are looking to improve their skills and to compete in races. Moon sees kayaking as one sport that his sons might continue into adulthood.

That was definitely the case for Cia Myles-Gonzales who has spent years paddling and competing with the SLCC and who just returned home after three weeks of intensive training in Florida with the Ontario Canoe and Sprint Racing Association. Cia, who is returning to the SLCC this summer to instruct the masters classes, will be competing again this year in a number of canoeing events and is proof that paddling can indeed become a passion.

The club’s next open house and registration will take place on Saturday June 9 from 10am-1pm. There will be a registration table set up in the Foodland parking lot and visitors can visit the club site, which is located just beyond the entrance to the Cataraqui Trail just behind the beer store. For more information or to register on line visit sydenhamlakecanoeclub.com or contact Helen Parfitt at 613-376-6613 or email her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.