1. sports
2. canoeing and kayaking

Paddle Newfoundland and Labrador
Presents
The
Annual Paddlers’ Retreat:
Terra Nova
th
May 15 to the 18th, 2015
14th
Sponsored by:
Greetings from Paddle Newfoundland and Labrador!
Winter is dragging on, however in about two months it will be Retreat time….The 14th annual retreat. Last year we
showcased one of our own, the Honorable James Price. This year we have two for the price of one…another James;
James Roberts of Ontario and Kevin Redmond of Portugal Cove St. Philips. As you will read in this package James is an
award winning film maker, kayaker and owner of a kayak school. Kevin Redmond is a teacher; canoeist, kayaker,
photographer, author, researcher and avid fly fisherman…we are so lucky that both of these gentlemen have accepted
our invitations to be co guest instructors at the Retreat. Now, all we need is you!
The Guest Instructors
James Roberts
Since James Roberts immigrated to Canada from the Isle of
Wight at the age of 19, to say he has been a busy man in the
paddling world is an understatement! In the past 12 years he
and his wife have established the Ontario Sea Kayak Centre and
has won awards at the Reel Paddling Film Festival, National
Paddling Film Festival and the Waterwalker film festival for a
documentary of a paddling trip to Greenland. James has
paddled throughout Canada, the USA, and Great Britain. And in
2015 will lead a kayak tour to Norway!
In addition to his love of sea kayaking, he has a passion for the
excitement of kayak surfing and for just playing around with a
traditional styles of kayaking….in one of the three skin on frame
kayaks which he has built! James' website states a desire to
paddle in Newfoundland in consideration of the tremendous
paddling environment, the possibility of paddling "in vicinity" of
icebergs and meeting Newfoundlanders whom he describes as
some of the nicest people he has met.
paddling environment, the possibility of paddling "in vicinity" of icebergs and meeting Newfoundlanders whom he
describes as some of the nicest people he has met.
James is looking forward to meeting everyone at the Retreat. Whether it's helping new paddlers, demonstrating his
capabilities with the Greenland paddle, surfing the coastline or regaling us with his reports of his many adventures. We
look forward to the premier of the award winning film "Paddlers Pilgrimage". Interested in learning how to make an award
winning movie…join us at the Retreat.
This spring James and Welsh super paddler Justine Curgenven will travel through the USA and Canada showing and
discussing their films. It will be interesting to hear James’ take on what should be for him an amazing week.
Kevin Redmond
Kevin Redmond could be considered the Dean of paddling in our
Province. Kevin has paddled the rivers, lakes and coastline of this
Province, along with travels which have taken him to locations
throughout Canada and beyond.
In addition to paddling kayaks and canoes, in places which many of
us can only dream, he has taken the time to photograph and write
about his experiences. Kevin has written seven books, contributed
75 magazine covers and articles and published over 1000
photographs!
Kevin is a master canoe instructor and has chaired CRCA/Paddle
Canada program development and technical committees. He is also
past president of the Newfoundland Canoe Association, now Paddle
NL.
Kevin is currently completing his PhD exploring the realm of
Dis-placed communities: Mis-placed educational opportunities. The genesis of his PhD study emerged from his moving
encounters with resettled communities while paddling.
Upon viewing a number of the resettlement images in Kevin’s upcoming Keynote Paddle NL presentation Avis Lang,
research associate at the Hayden Planetarium NYC commented:
“The images have such a poignancy and beauty -- and how distant they feel from the crush and crowding and noise and
endless destruction-building-renovation cycle that one encounters everywhere in a huge city. Not that there is no evidence
of abandonment here, too, but it shows up in fragments and in very occasional corners. You're very lucky that your life
brings you in such close contact with the smaller, simpler, more hidden and more nature-driven places of our
hemisphere.”
Avis Lang's comments were in response to my piece in this link (video starts at 11:55 minute mark).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LwG3w1uxtqs
So come to the Retreat and listen to Kevin talk about this special place …our Province. Sharing his experiences through
both words and photos, will motivate us to explore this place…it will be a special evening!
So, please register as soon as possible. Early bird date for registrations is April 25, 2015.
Something for Everyone!

Skills improvement or river running challenges for whitewater boaters

Clinics and day paddles for sea kayakers

Clinics and river running trips for canoeists.
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Exciting dry land events for everybody -- the icebreaker, pub night presentations and a banquet with lots of prizes

Wonderful food -- the banquet dinner and breakfasts, including the famous PNL pancake feast.
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Be an Early Bird!
Register by April 25th and your name will be entered for a draw for the following prizes:
1. $250 MEC Gift certificate
2. $50 MEC Gift certificate
3. $50 MEC Gift certificate
The Weekend Program
The full weekend itinerary is included below and has also been posted on the PNL website www.paddlenl.ca .
When to Register and the Cost
Once again, we are promoting Early Bird registration to enable the club to better plan for the large number of people that
typically attend. The deadline for the Early Bird registration fee is April 25. Register on or before then and get a reduced
fee.
Early Bird (on or before April 25 deadline)
PNL MEMBERS: ACTIVITIES $25*
NON-MEMBERS: ACTIVITIES $45
* Family with 3 or more members pays for 2 members
After April 25 - Higher price
PNL MEMBERS: ACTIVITIES $30*
NON-MEMBERS: ACTIVITIES $50
* Family with 3 or more members pays for 2 members
See page 10 for how and where to register.
What the Registration Cost includes
All events outlined in the attached itinerary are included with your registration fee. The only additional fees are for the
Sunday night dinner guest speaker event and for breakfast on Saturday and Sunday mornings, should you choose to
participate (see below).
The Sunday MEC Dinner Deal
The Sunday dinner will be catered at the Splash-N-Putt Conference Centre this year. Prices are unchanged from last year
and your $20 will include Roast Beef with potatoes, carrot, turnip and gravy or a vegetarian entrée. All of the meals
include a homemade dessert. Since there is limited seating, it is important that you register early. PNL does not
promote drinking and driving. Please make transportation arrangements if you are not staying at the Splash-N-Putt
Cabins.
With regards to the dinner, please indicate on the registration form whether or not you:
a) Plan to partake and include the appropriate amount with your registration, and
b) If so, whether you prefer Roast Beef Diner or the Vegetarian choice.
Saturday & Sunday Breakfasts
Since there are no nearby restaurants open for breakfast, on Saturday and Sunday we will be offering a full breakfast
(juice, bacon, eggs and hash browns with tea or coffee, etc.) in the Conference Centre. The cost is $8 per person. Please
indicate on the registration form if you wish to include breakfast.
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Monday morning, of course, is the always delicious PNL pancake breakfast! A lot more than pancakes and it is included in
the registration fee.
There will be Whitewater, Sea Kayaking and Canoeing Trips
Due to the large number of people we are expecting, it will be necessary to pre-register for all clinics, so that we can have
an efficient teacher-student ratio, and enough safety boaters on the water. Do not plan on just showing up hoping for
some instruction.
Whitewater Clinics:
Saturday at the Ruins
Sea Kayaking Clinic:
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or brand new to the sport, this clinic is not to be missed! There will be a series of
stations for you to work on various paddling skills, ranging from turning to Greenland paddling to towing and other rescue
techniques – all designed to make you a better, more efficient and safer paddler.
Sea Kayaking Day Trips:
There is a relaxed recreational paddle for families, beginners and experts alike, and a somewhat more strenuous paddle
for those advanced paddlers in the crowd. The alternatives will be discussed with the participants on the day of the
paddle.
Day Trip 1
Day Trip 2
Relaxed/Less strenuous ~ 8 nm or 15 km
Longer/More strenuous ~ 14 nm or 26 km
Canoe Clinic:
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or brand new to the sport, this clinic is not to be missed! There will be a series of
stations for you to work on various tandem paddling skills, solo paddling; poling and rescue techniques are some of the
topics.
Canoe Day Trip:
An enjoyable flat water group day trip to Dunphy’s Island [20+ km) within Terra Nova Park. Canoes; water great
camaraderie and a boil up…it doesn’t get any better than that!
PLEASE NOTE: Sea kayaking, and canoeing, Day Trips will be held on the “best weather” day and the Clinics on the
“other” day.
Friday Night Check-In & Icebreaker Event
Please remember to check-in! Check-in will be offered at the Splash-N-Putt Conference Centre from 7:30 to 10:30 pm on
Friday night. This is where you can confirm your registration and waiver signing, pick-up your weekend schedule, earlybird goodies, dinner tickets and other materials. Limited registration and PNL membership renewal will also be available
although we encourage you to do this beforehand.
PNL and our guest instructors look forward to meeting everyone at Friday Evening’s Icebreaker event. The Icebreaker
will start at 8:00, in the same room as the Registration. The food is always great and will be served till about 11:30. It’s a
great opportunity to socialize with fellow paddlers and to get excited about the weekend. Please drop by, unwind with
what we believe is the official start of the paddling season
Event Central
The Conference Centre at Splash-N-Putt Cabins is the place to go! It’s where you will find the Calendar and Notice Board
for information on what’s going on and for updates, registration for paddles, and so forth. Check it frequently.
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PNL RETREAT WEEKEND AGENDA 2015
Friday, May 15
7:30 to 10:30 PM
CHECK-IN, registration, early bird gift and Sunday dinner ticket pick-up, clinic confirmation, membership renewal and
updates at the Conference Centre at Splash-N-Putt Cabins. Come check us out!
8:00 to 11:30 PM
ICEBREAKER / MEET AND GREET SOCIAL EVENT is your opportunity to….socialize and unwind with old and new
paddling friends alike. Help start your weekend off on a high note – more details provided at check-in.
Saturday, May 16
8:30 AM
SEA KAYAKING AND CANOING CLINICS (SANDY POND): Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or brand new to the
sport, this clinic is not to be missed! There will be a series of stations for you to work on various paddling skills, ranging
from turning to Greenland paddling to towing and other rescue techniques,
8:30 AM –Noon:
Flatwater canoeing skills; tandem and solo; canoe rescue techniques solo paddling in a canoe, rescue techniques – all
designed to make you a better, more efficient and safer paddler.
Pre-registration and waivers mandatory.
Snacks and hot beverages will be provided at the cook house at Sandy Pond around lunch time. (Sponsored by McGruer
Agencies)
10:00 AM
BASIC WHITEWATER SKILLS AT THE “RUINS’ Join some of PNL’s more seasoned whitewater paddlers to focus on
developing your basic whitewater skills. Not to be missed! Meeting in the parking lot at the Ruins at 10:00. Check infoboard for the clinic you are slotted into for more information. The clinic runs all day long with a break around the fire for
lunch (Sponsored by McGruer Agencies and members of the PNL Executive.) Pre-registration and waivers
necessary. Contact: Darren McDonald (contact info page 8).
Whitewater canoeing basics with Kevin Redmond and others….1:00 PM – end of day:
Basic whitewater paddling techniques and maneuvers; throw line rescues; basics of river reading and terminology.
Beginners welcome; immersion protection required due to low water temperatures
8:00 PM
Subaru Pub Night and James Roberts presentation: Film making in Greenland and favorite destinations, followed
by the screening of Paddlers Pilgrimage.
Titles:
Greenland and how the documentary was filmed.
Lake Superior, Baja and North Vancouver Island.
Please note this is a licensed facility and you CANNOT bring your own drinks into the bar.
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Sunday May 17
SEA KAYAK DAY TRIP 1: Relaxed/Less strenuous ~ 8 nm or 15 km. Please rendezvous in front of Splash-N-Putt for
the final decision on exact time, location, and confirm launch site, with your gear on and boat ready to put in. Preregistration and waivers mandatory - ensure at check-in that you are registered. Beginners are welcome on this trip,
SEA KAYAK DAY TRIP 2: Longer/More strenuous ~ 14 nm or 26 km. Please rendezvous in front of Splash-N-Putt for
the final decision on exact time, location, and confirm launch site, with your gear on and boat ready to put in. Preregistration and waivers mandatory - ensure at check-in that you are registered. Bring your own lunch. Contact Brent
Smith (contact info listed on page8).
CANOE DAY TRIP: Sandy Pond to Dunphys Island and Return (20 km plus ~ 1 km portage on good trail)
Meet at the conference center for drop in information and destination. All day event so don't forget to pack a lunch......
Beginners welcome – will be paired with a more experienced paddler
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Leaving from Splash-N-Putt Cabins at 9:30.)
10:00 AM
RIVER RUN [Kayak only] (INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED): To be announced….rock hopping or a river run (contact
Darren McDonald). (Info listed on page 8).
7:30 PM
MEC DINNER AND KITCHEN PARTY held at the Conference Centre at Splash-N-Putt Cabins. Dinner will be served
promptly at 7:30, so come early enough for a bit of socializing beforehand. A presentation by Kevin Redmond on Tripping
and Sense of Place....... will follow the meal. Expect a great presentation; spectacular images and the insights that come
from over 30 years of paddling and outdoor activity.
After the dinner, the musical talent of PNL members will surface, as we sing and play instruments for the entertainment of
those who simply wish to watch – and maybe laugh, just a little. Bring any instruments you happen to know how to play,
and take part in the evening’s entertainment!
Monday, May 18
9:00 to 10:00 AM
FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST cooked up by your intrepid PNL Board at the Conference Centre at Splash-N-Putt
Cabins sponsored by PNL as part of your registration. Be kind to the environment, bring your own mug.
11:00 AM
Rock hopping, Ice Berg search, and surfing with James Robert.
Fast water paddling with Kevin Redmond....?
Details to follow.
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Additional Information
To ensure you have the most enjoyable experience possible at the Retreat, please inform us of your paddling interests
and experiences. This will help us to plan the final details of the Retreat and to meet your expectations of the Retreat.
Paddling Experience and Interests:
Canoe:
white water
flat water
Kayak:
white water
ocean
“gentle river”
Would you consider yourself as?
New paddler
Intermediate
Well experienced
How many kilometres have you comfortably paddled in a day? __________________.
Type of boat? ____________________________
Paddling Certifications: _______________________________________________________________
First Aid/Safety Certifications:
________________________________________________________
Expectations:
Please explain your expectations of the weekend? For example are there any specific skills you would like to
learn/practice over the weekend?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
A drysuit or neoprene wet suit is mandatory with the exception of the canoe paddle to Dunphys Pond.
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A. Sea Kayaking
Note: For those who do not own their own kayaks and would like to make arrangements to rent a boat for the
weekend, please contact the Outfitters.






Participants are expected to provide all of their own gear (i.e., boat, paddle, life jacket, spray skirt and other
equipment as required by the Canadian Coast Guard).
Participants must accurately identify their level of kayaking skills and experience, so that we can assign them to the
right paddling group during the Retreat. This information needs to be provided to the trip leaders before the Retreat
(for everyone who has registered to that point).
Trip leaders will have the final say on whether or not daily trips are 'a go', and the group to which paddlers are
assigned.
Everyone MUST sign a waiver and send it in with their registration material. Trip leaders will need a list of participants.
Sea kayaking Day Trips will be held on the “best weather” day. Sea kayaking Clinics will be held on the “other” day.
If we are unable to paddle at all on a particular day, everyone is on their own, i.e., there is no substitute sea-kayaking
event planned.
Check out: http://www.paddlenl.ca/Forms/PNL%20Waiver.pdf;
B. Whitewater River Running
All river running is geared towards intermediate to advanced whitewater skill levels and participants must provide their
own equipment. We reserve the right to limit an individual’s participation based on river conditions and skill level. Contact
Darren McDonald (contact info listed on this page 8).
C. Whitewater Clinics
Many people who participate in clinics do not have all of their own gear or are relatively new to the sport. Typically there
are some extra boats and gear available to accommodate your needs. If you have any questions regarding gear,
equipment, etc. please contact Darren McDonald prior to the Retreat (contact info listed on this page).
D. Contact Names and Numbers
General Registration & Retreat Questions
Eugene Forsey
[email protected]
727-3880
Chair Retreat 2014
Reha Orbasli
[email protected]
351-2077
Whitewater Clinics & River Runs
Darren McDonald
[email protected]
727-2352
Sea Kayaking Clinics & Trips
Brent Smith
[email protected]
364-4509
Canoe
Narcissus Walsh
[email protected]
690-2162
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E. Accommodations
This year the Retreat Headquarters is again at Splash-N-Putt Cabins, which is likely to fill up early. Please
mention that you will be there for the PNL Retreat. Alternative places to stay are also listed below. Participants
are responsible for their own accommodations:
Retreat Headquarters
TRANS CANADA HIGHWAY/TRAYTOWN/GLOVERTOWN
Splash 'n' Putt Cabins
(709) 533-2541
[email protected]
(709) 533-2753
*NOTE: The best way to get in touch with Put and Splash cabins is by E mail between the dates of April 7 and May 8, 2015.
Alternative Accommodations
TRAYTOWN
Blue Water Housekeeping Units
(709) 533-2553
Pinetree Lodge
(709) 533-6601
GLOVERTOWN
Lilac Inn Bed & Breakfast
1-877-733-6038
Bayshore Bed & Breakfast Inn
1-877-533-2811
EASTPORT
Almost Home Bed & Breakfast
(709) 677-2010
Eastport Efficiency Units
(709) 677-2458
Eastport Peninsula Sunshine Park
(709) 677-2438
Sandy Cove Beach Housekeeping Cabins
(709) 677-3158
Seaview Cottages
(709) 677-2271
Stay-N-Play Cottages
(709) 677-2729
The Doctor's Inn Bed & Breakfast
1-877-677-3539
White Sails Inn & Cabins
(709) 677-3400
CHARLOTTETOWN
Clode Sound Motel & Restaurant
(709) 664-3146
PARKS (Camping)
Terra Nova National Park
(709) 533-2801
Eastport Peninsula Sunshine Park
(709) 677-2438
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PNL RETREAT REGISTRATION FORM
14th Annual Paddlers' Retreat Traytown
May 15-18, 2015
REGISTRATION DEADLINE: Early Bird Registration ends April 25.
One copy per participant please
NO REFUNDS WITHOUT MEDICAL NOTE
NAME: _________________________________________
MEMBER?
Paddle Newfoundland and Labrador: Yes or No (please circle)
Please note: PNL 2015 Memberships are due now. If you wish to join or rejoin now, please go to our website
www.paddlenl.ca for the form. It can be submitted with your Retreat registration.
ADDRESS:____________________________________________________ PROVINCE: _____
POSTAL CODE: _____________ PHONE: _______________ E-MAIL:____________________
ATTENDING FRIDAY NIGHT ICEBREAKER? Yes or No
WAIVER INCLUDED? Yes or No
Please register for events listed below by placing check marks in the appropriate boxes.
White Water Events
Clinics at the Ruins All Day Saturday
Clinics at the Ruins All Day Sunday
River Running – Terra Nova All Day Sunday
Sea Kayaking Events
Day Trip 1- Relaxed/Less strenuous ~ 8 nm or 15 km
Day Trip 2- Longer/More strenuous ~ 13 nm or 24 km
Kayaking/Canoeing Clinic (Sandy Pond) All Day
Sea kayaking and canoeing Day Trips will be held on the “best weather” day. Clinics will be held on the
“other” day.
Canoeing Events
Canoeing-Day –Trip- Dunphy’s Island – All day Event [Best weather day)
Canoeing –Sandy Pond –Saturday or Sunday - AM
Canoeing –Moving Water-Ruins-Saturday or Sunday PM
Canoeing –moving water - Ruins- Monday AM –after Breakfast: TBD – based on interest.
Dinner
Breakfast (please circle all days desired)
Roast Beef Dinner
Saturday
Vegetarian Dinner
Sunday
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Cost Reminder
PLEASE CIRCLE DESIRED ITEMS IN THE APPROPRIATE BOX BELOW. If you are
paying your membership now, add the appropriate fee in the box provided.
Early Bird (April 16th deadline)-includes KNL Nylon Paddling Cap!

Cheques must be made payable to Kayak Newfoundland and Labrador
Before April 25
PNL MEMBERS
ACTIVITIES *
DINNER
BREAKFAST (Saturday)
BREAKFAST (Sunday)
NON-MEMBERS
$25
$20
$8
$8
ACTIVITIES
DINNER
BREAKFAST (Saturday)
BREAKFAST (Sunday)
Membership Fee
TOTAL
$45
$20
$8
$8
Membership Fee
TOTAL
* Family with 3 or more members pays for 2 members
After April 25
PNL MEMBERS
ACTIVITIES *
DINNER
BREAKFAST (Saturday)
BREAKFAST (Sunday)
NON-MEMBERS
$30*
$20
$8
$8
ACTIVITIES
DINNER
BREAKFAST (Saturday)
BREAKFAST (Sunday)
Membership Fee
Membership Fee
TOTAL
TOTAL
$50*
$20
$8
$8
* Family with 3 or more members pays for 2 members
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How and Where to Register
Fill out the enclosed registration form(s) and waiver(s) – 1 each per person and write a cheque made out to Paddle
Newfoundland and Labrador. Extra forms and waivers are available at the PNL website. www.paddlenl.ca.
1) Mail it to us at
Paddle Newfoundland and Labrador Club
P.O. Box 2, Station ‘C’
St. John's, NL, A1C 5H4
OR
2) Bring it along to the PNL talk at the Guv’nor’s on April 15th at Richard Alexander’s presentation on last
summer’s paddling trip in Labrador.
You can also renew your PNL membership.
ARE YOU A MEMBER OF PNL? Members are entitled to lower activity fees. The annual fee for PNL members is due
now, so unless you have very recently joined the Club, you will probably want to sign up now. There is a provision for
PNL membership on the registration form.
Waivers & Children Under 18: Waivers are required to participate in any club event due to the potential for club
liability. We appreciate your co-operation in this manner. The waiver form is included in this package and must be
included with your registration form. You will not be allowed to participate if you have not signed a waiver.
Children under the age of 18 require not only a waiver signed by the parents, but must also be accompanied by either
a parent or a designated guardian over the age of 18 to participate in activities on the water.
If you need a copy of the under 18 waiver or extra copies of the adult waiver, please visit the PNL website.
www.paddlenl.ca.
Please Note:



Early bird registration rates end April 25, 2015 and for a chance to win a prize….
Registration for Sunday dinner cannot be accepted after May 1, 2015.
There will be no refunds without a medical note.
MANY THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
Platinum
Gold
Silver
Bronze
McGruer Agencies
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