Most of our river courses run from early/mid April to mid May (before high water) and resume again in September after canoe tripping season is over. If you have any questions that are not answered here, please get in touch! For Lake course information, please see our lake water page.
Where and when do we meet?
On both on-water days we will be meeting at 8:30AM either in Enderby in the large dirt lot near the Visitor Centre at 700 Railway street, OR in Lumby by the Super A (Freshmart) Grocery Store at 2040 Vernon Street. A week before the course starts, we will confirm which of these two locations to meet at. Depending on water levels, your course will be either on the Lower and/or Middle Shuswap rivers, near Enderby and/or Cherryville, respectively. If the course will be held at another river location, you will be notified in advance.
What time does the course finish?
We aim to be back in Enderby or Lumby between 5:00 and 5:30 pm each day.
Does my course have an evening session?
Our Level I (basic) tandem course, and all of our river rescue courses include an on-land evening theory session from 6-8PM the night before the two on-water days. The theory session is held at our Operations Facility (aka. the Kanu Haus) on Charles’ family farm at 104 Dure Meadow Road, Lumby, BC – 20 min East of Vernon (Right on Dure Meadow Road, Right onto the 1.6km dirt driveway, Left at the canoe). We will also use this time here to issue everyone their rental equipment. Please dress for the weather as we’ll be outside.
Solo canoeing courses have a lake-water theory session on the evening prior to the course. For meeting location, please refer to the course information that will be sent to you the week prior to your course.
Can I join a tandem course without a partner?
Yes! Absolutely. You do not need a partner to attend a tandem canoeing course. In fact, we encourage couples to spend the first part of a course paddling with others so they can learn the strokes for themselves without worrying about their partner. It is very helpful to your learning to paddle with different partners, and communication is improved as a result.
Where do I stay?
It is best to stay somewhere near Vernon, which is equidistant (~45 min) between the two rivers that we may use for the course. For the most part, most river courses taking place in the spring will be held near Enderby. Otherwise, the instructors select river sections in the week prior to the course. Here is some information about camping during warmer months. Please ask us for recommendations if you need assistance.
Is transportation provided to the river?
We will paddle on either the Lower and/or the Middle Shuswap Rivers, which are 40-50 minutes drive from Vernon. Transportation to the river may be available from Vernon depending on which river section we will paddle. Get in touch with us the week before the course and if it works, we can make arrangements to pick you up from a central location in Vernon. For courses with an evening theory session, you will need a vehicle to get to Lumby. Ridesharing with other course participants may be possible, but not guaranteed, Please ensure that your personal vehicle is fueled up in advance.
I’ve booked my course, now what?
Once you have paid your deposit, each participant will receive an email with an additional registration form and waiver to complete their registration. After that, you can expect a course information email a week or 2 prior to your course that will include a packing list, homework and specifics about where you will meet. If you have any questions beforehand, please get in touch!
What do I bring?
If you are bringing your own canoe, please read our Equipment Rentals page for details on how it needs to be be outfitted. For your safety and that of the group, boats that do not meet the requirements will not be admitted on the course. If you have any questions about boat outfitting or gear, please get in touch! If you do not have your own canoe/gear, we have rentals available.
A packing list will be sent out to each participant prior to your course. Drybags are available for free so you can pack your extra clothes/lunch for the day.
How do I pay by e-transfer?
As a small business, we appreciate payment by e-transfer instead of by credit card whenever possible! To pay by e-transfer, simply choose the ‘Pay Later’ option on the booking page, and send an e-transfer to charles@elementsadventures.com.
Do you have any other dates available?
If you have a group and are looking for an alternative course date, get in touch!
Are discounts available?
Yes!
Keep an eye out on our facebook and Instagram pages for any specials and annual sale announcement. Or be notified right in your inbox by joining our mailing list.
There are a few ways to save!
Group Discounts
Groups of 3-5 receive 10% off tuition & rentals*
Groups of 6+ receive 15% off tuition & rentals*
*rental excluding drysuits
Multiple courses in the same season
- 10% off for participants attending a different course in the same season
- 50% off repeat course in the same season (dependent upon course availability)
Pre-trip discounts on courses
- 10% off a course prior to a 4 Rivers in 4 Days trip
- 10% off a course prior to a Kootenay River Expedition
- 50% off a course prior to a Northern BC Wilderness Expedition (including Upper Stikine & Turnagain)