Thanks to a generous donor Via has been able to purchase a couple of kayaks and canoes for our staff to enjoy. While all staff are welcome to use these items, there are a few rules that must be followed to ensure proper use and safety.
What is available?
Sit-in Kayak (9.5 ft long—1 person)
Sit-on-top kayak ( long—1 person)
Canoe (up to 3 people)
2 double ended kayak paddles
3 canoe paddles
4 lifejackets: YOUTH (yellow, good for 50-80lbs), Small (blue), X-Large (yellow), Universal size (red)
6 Lashing straps: 4—12ft (blue), 2—15ft (black)
In order to use any of these items, you must first submit a reservation request form. The kayaks and canoe are hooked on to the shed behind the guest house. All paddles, lashing straps and life jackets are inside of the shed. Every individual using the equipment must wear a life jacket at all times.
Keep track of everything. Any lost or damaged items (paddle, life vest, kayak/canoe) will be replaced/repaired from your ministry account. These things aren’t delicate but please take good care of them so that they can last a long time.
Please ensure that all the water is drained out of everything, including storage compartments and that there is no excessive mud, dirt, or gravel caked on the kayak/canoe upon return. Place the kayaks in the racks behind the shed with the cockpit facing away from the shed wall. Place the canoe on the ground supports, face down. Place all other items neatly inside of the shed where you found them.
How to tie down a kayak
You don’t necessarily need roof racks, but they really help. J-racks makes it even easier! You can find example pictures here. You want tie-down /lashing straps with a cam buckle. There are the 6 CMM lashing straps available to use. (These are simpler than ratcheting straps and you don’t have to worry about the metal ratchet eating into the plastic of the kayak/canoe.)
Place the watercraft cockpit DOWN on top of your vehicle. Use 2 straps, one towards the front and one towards the back so that they are on either side of the fattest point of the kayak/canoe. Taking the strap over the top of the kayak/canoe, passing it under the roof rack, and bringing it back over the top of the kayak/canoe to fasten under the roof rack. DO NOT just use one strap diagonally. Due to the curve of the boats, they will wiggle out.
Due to its length, use a bow/stern tie down for the canoe to make sure it won’t shift front/back. Be sure and pause after a few miles of driving to check that everything is still tight and secure.
Facility Use Calendar
Building Reservations show up here as well as the Watercraft Reservations.