Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club ParentÕs Guide

WELCOME TO LCKC

 

Welcome to the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club!  At LCKC we aim to offer the sport of canoeing, kayaking and dragon boat and with it the opportunity for lifelong friendships to all participants.  LCKC has a history of competitive excellence in which the whole family has the opportunity to take part. 

 

LCKC is focused on providing an opportunity for everyone to paddle.  Programs are designed to promote an active, healthy lifestyle for all participants.  This can be seen through our Programming Flow Chart.

 

 

Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club uses the ASPIRE philosophy behind the teaching of skills.

*      Teach and demonstrate a positive healthy ATTITUDE.

*      Show and develop the qualities of good SPORTSMANSHIP.

*      Instil in the participants the importance of PERSEVERENCE when learning new skills and in achieving their goals.

*      Work with the needs of each INDIVIDUAL and help them develop a positive understanding towards other individuals and their needs and talents.

*      RESPECT for themselves, for equipment, for officials, coaches, parents and for their environment.

*      ENJOYMENT and EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT through teamwork, group activities and various social activities.

 

LCKC is a non-profit organization, managed by a volunteer Board of Directors. As a new member, we suggest that you read the information about the club and upcoming events on our website and in the regular newsletters we distribute throughout the year.  We also suggest that you sign up for the yahoo group, which is one of our major forms of communication.

 

We welcome you to contact the Executive Director or a Board member if you would like information or have suggestions to strengthen the operation of our club. We welcome your participation on our committees or any assistance you can offer to keep LCKC running smoothly.

 

A Brief History

 

The Lanier Canoe & Kayak Club began in 1994 when Sergio Orsi, President of the International Canoe Federation, visited Gainesville as part of the official Olympic venue approval process. 

The development of the competitive Sprint Canoe / Kayak program was initiated by ACOG and equipment was provided through the USCKT and Ocean Kayak.  A core group of adults agreed to start Junior Olympic teams.  The league of teamÕs concept provided local competition where none had existed before.  This program is the model for our CODP Middle School Racing League which has become the Richardson Youth Racing league.

 

The enthusiasm became serious after the Olympics.  The club recognized that professional coaching staff would be necessary to continue to develop the program.  Several club members committed personally to raise the money and or develop the program to the level where we could hire our first professional coach. 

 

LCKC is committed to providing quality coaching to our membership.  We have an excellent working relationship with USACK Head Coach and will continue to provide the best possible training and education in the sport of flatwater kayaking and the top levels and continue to develop better support for our membership at every level.

 

Over our short history, LCKC has won numerous National Championships and placed athletes on the Junior and Senior National Teams.  Our venue has been the site for the 96 Olympic Games, 2003 ICF Senior World Championships, multiple National Championships, and many other local competitions.

 

The Boathouse and Boat Bays

The LCKC Boathouse is shared with the Lake Lanier Rowing Club.  Our facilities are some of the best in the United States and it takes all of us to make sure that they are properly taken care of.  The boat bays house the clubÕs canoes and some private boats and kayaks. There is a fee for storing a private boat.  No person under the age of 18 is permitted to use the weight room unless properly supervised.

 

The Office (770-287-7888)

The office is open from 4-6pm Monday through Friday and selected times during the weekday.  This is where you can go if you have any questions or concerns.  The Coaching Staff and Office Administrator all have desks within the office and messages can be left for them there. 

Parent Orientation

SCHEDULES AND PRACTICES

The schedule for the day program is set prior to the beginning of the competitive season.  The frequency and the intensity of the activity may vary according to the age class and level of the paddlers.  Schedules are posted on the LCKC website, and are available through email via the Yahoo Group, or from your coach.

 

DROP OFF AND PICK UP

All LCKC members are to be prepared to begin their sessions at the scheduled times.  Late arrivals should be called in advanced for safety purposes.  Pick up by non-parents should be notified to the program leader or coaches on site.

 

WHAT TO WEAR

Appropriate clothing should accompany the member to the club and should be carried in the gym bag along with plastic bags for wet gear.  Dry gear for home travel avoids potential hypothermia in the cooler months.  Gear is not to be left in the clubhouse.  Lockers are available for rent.  Clothing lost of stolen is not the responsibility of LCKC.  The club area must be free of litter and garbage by dayÕs end.

All children need to wear water shoes or sport sandals for foot protection and bring sneakers for dry land activities.  Brimmed hats, sun block, bug spray and an ample supply of drinking water is also required.

 

PERSONAL FLOATATION DEVICES

All children under the age of 12 are required to wear an approved life vest (PFD) while on the water.  There are no exceptions to this rule.  We suggest that the names of the athlete be placed clearly and with permanent ink on the vest and any other clothing.

 

EQUIPMENT

Paddles and boats are provided.  Diligent care of equipment is a necessity due to the high cost of equipment.  If athletes act with neglect Coaches reserve the right to refuse access to Club equipment.

 

DICISPLINE

LCKC utilizes a progressive discipline policy.  Failure to comply with safety rules will result in a first warning; second incident will result in a temporary suspension.  Third incident means permanent suspension without refund.  Please refer to the discipline policy in the Membership Handbook. 

The coaches will discuss inappropriate behavior with the athletes as it arises.  Parents will be notified at the end of the day.  Inappropriate behavior that persists will result in the Executive Committee being notified. 

POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE

The Board of Director, coaches and athletes of LCKC wish to build a strong, positive team spirit within the club.  To accomplish this, we must be assured that all members of the organization feel comfortable belonging to it and we must ensure that a positive training environment does exist for all.

The coaches will be working to ensure that a positive atmosphere exists at the boathouse, on the water and at regattas.  To achieve this goal, the following behaviors will not be tolerated:

COMPLAINTS

No program is perfect, just as no person is perfect.  Throughout the summer there may be times where you have concerns or complaints.  Complaints are best dealt with in the following manner:

1)    Deal with complaints or concerns in private, little people have big ears and may not fully understand the nature of the complaint.

2)    Handle small issues quickly before they become big issues.  The coaches and Board Members are available to hear your concerns and will try to solve the problem as best they can.  Contact numbers can be found on the website.

3)    Deal with big complaints following the Ò24 hourÓ practice.  If you are very upset, chances are, the complaint will not be dealt with to your satisfaction.  Take some time, remove yourself from the emotions of the situation and form your complaint with a clear head.  Regatta sites are not the place to deal with issues.

4)    If you have a complaint, please offer a solution as well.  All of our coaches and volunteers work very hard to provide the best program available but would be open to suggestions for improvement.

 

REGATTAS

Competing is a very important way of learning new skills and meeting new people.  As such, LCKC hosts many local regattas and time controls.  Travel is a large part of competing and as such LCKC encourages most of their paddlers to travel with the team to larger competitions.  The regatta schedule is posted on the website.

Regattas tend to be days that require a lot of patience and understanding.  The focus is on maximum participation that requires a maximum or work for coaches, parents and participants.

Early arrival (1 hour prior to first race) is a must, as races require set up and coordination for coaches.  Coaches will inform the athletes when their first race is.  You may want to touch base with the coach during the week before the competition to make sure you have the correct times.  The regatta schedule for this year is in the back of this manual.

Attendance is not mandatory, however, as LCKCÕs focus is a competitive racing program we hope that most children will attempt to compete and benefit from the fun as well as the physical activity.  Crew boats and relay teams depend on persons committing to team members.  Working and cooperating with others assists in the social development and confidence building of our youth.

 

RACE DAY FOR PADDLERS

PARENT RESPONSIBLILTIES

The club depends on you to do a great variety of work.  Make your talents known, as the LCKC Òto do listÓ is never ending.  Our goal is for each parent to sign up for one activity per year so that we all share the load and no one person is overwhelmed.

 

ON RACE DAY

The coach is in control.  The parents are spectators! 

While our coaches are very approachable and are always available to talk with parents about the childÕs progress, race day is not the time for discussions.  There are many children that need to be attended to and while your child might not be in the boat they would like to be, be assured that the coaches are selecting crews to the best of their abilities and are following the clubÕs criteria for selection.  If you would like to discuss your childÕs specific needs, please do so on a non-race day.  Once the crews are selected, the coaches are not able to make changes.

 

CHEERING!

Cheer on your child and all the otherÕs as well.  The kids can hear a commotion on the shore and whether they are first, last or in the middle, they are doing their best they can and appreciate the support.  Feel free to leave your chair, go down to the shore and yell as loud as you can!

 

PITCHING IN TO MAKE IT HAPPEN

Listed below are the volunteers required to run a successful regatta;

1)    Volunteers are required one half hour prior to their time slot to run over the specific task they are required to fill.

2)    Line Judges- record finishes for each boat that crosses the line.

3)    Timer- Passes time information to the Chief Official.

4)    Safety boat drivers- operates safety boat in a prudent manner in accordance with LCKC safety policy.

5)    Site area coordinator- assist paddlers and boats up from docks and keep paddles and equipment organized in safe fashion.

6)    Canteen workers and BBQ ÒchefsÓ

7)    Boat loaders- loading and un-loading club boats on the trailer for transportation)

You may be asked to take on one of these tasks from time to time.  Some of these volunteer positions are ÒofficialÓ regatta positions and may require orientation by certified officials.

 

VOLUNTEERISM

The best way to feel part of the Club is to get involved.  All parents and children were new to the club at one point.  We try very hard to make sure no one person takes on too much.  While it may seem to the newcomer that everyone else knows everyone, this is not true.  There are new people each year, new kids and new parents.  Having a diverse group of parents with varying skills and abilities is as important to the club as having a great crop of new paddlers each year.   Many friends are made as we struggle to keep the boats floating!

By volunteering you are:

From time to time you may be called on to volunteer your services, whether itÕs making phone calls, helping out at the canteen during LCKC regattas, or cleaning up around the boathouse and grounds.  Please make every effort to participate as itÕs only through the efforts of all involved that the club continues to be the success that is.  Remember, it takes all of us!

 

Glossary of Canoe/Kayak Terms

AGE DIVISIONS: At a regatta all paddlers are divided into the following age categories. All are eligible to earn points for the club:

            BANTAM: 14 years of age and under as of the 1st of January of the year of competition.

            JUVENILE: 16 years of age and under as of the 1st of January of the year of competition.

            JUNIOR: 18 years of age and under as of the 1st of January of the year of competition.

            INTERMEDIATE: 18 years of age or older as of the 1st of January of the year of competition

            provided he/she has not qualified for Senior status.

            SENIOR: a competitor who has placed top three in the Intermediate category at the USACK National Championships.

            A competitor classes as Senior in a specific event.

            MASTER: 25 years or older if female and 30 years or older if male.

BACK NUMBER: Number worn to distinguish lanes during a competition. In crew boats the person at the back of the boat wears it.

ÔDUSEN/VANDUSEN: A top of the line high performance honeycomb carbon fiber kayak.

BLOCK: Contoured foam block on which a sprint canoer kneels.

BOATMAN: Anyone who works on the docks, at the club or at regattas.

BUN: Small cork filled cloth sac used for kneeling on in a C-4 and a War Canoe.

BUNGEE: Elasticized rope used to secure boats for transport.

BURGEE: A paddling championship typically in the shape of a nautical flag.

C-BOATS: Specially designed flat water canoes designed to be paddled in an upright position. They come in the C-1 (single person boat), C-2 (two person boat) and C-4 (four person boat.

CHIEF OFFICAL: The top official at a regatta. He/she is a member of the Competition Committee. Among their duties are: Receive and resolve any protests that may be filed. Verify and approve all crew substitutions. In the event of inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances, which makes it impossible to carry out the competition, postpone the competition and decide on another time when it may be held.

DECK NUMBER: A number placed on the deck of the boat indicating the lane drawn by the competitor or crew for a race.

DIVING: Submerging the nose of the boat with each stroke.

DNF: Did not finish the race.

DNS: Did not start the race.

FLAT BLADE: Easy to use kayak paddle for beginners.

FOOTBOARD/FOOTREST: An apparatus in a kayak used to push off for greater stroke strength.

HACK: To chop at the boat with the paddle while paddling thus damaging the boat.

K-BOATS: Specially designed flat-water kayak. They come in the K-1 (one person boat), K-2 (two person boat), and the K-4 (four person boat).

LIFE JACKETS: (Personal Flotation Device) safety vest must be worn by anyone under the age of 12 years of age.

LOCAL CLUBS:

            Southeast Paddlers, GA

            Georgia Tech, GA

POGIES: Specially designed outerwear to cover the hands while allowing the paddler to paddle without hindrance in cold conditions. There are canoe pogies and kayak pogies.

RACK/FLOORBOARD: A wooden apparatus used in sprint canoes to raise the paddler to provide a flat surface to paddle on and distribute the body weight throughout the hull.

REFEREE: An Òon waterÓ official who follows a race down the course. He/she has the power to judge the race, stop the race, caution or disqualify any crew or competitor failing to race within the rules.

REGATTA: Competitions in sprint canoe/kayaking. At this competition a competitor may race a maximum of 8 races provided 2 are at the 200m distance.

RIDING WASH/SURFING: Using the wash of another boat to propel forward a boat-like paddling downhill.

RIDING YOUR KNEE: In a sprint canoe, using the front leg instead of the shoulder to push your body back straight thus causing ÒdivingÓ in a sprint canoe.

ROTATION: Using predominantly the muscles of the torso and lower body for the forward acceleration of the boat.

RUDDER: An object, which hangs off the back of a kayak, used to steer with. It is controlled from the front of the boat.

SHOOT THE BOAT: On the last stroke of the race throwing yourself to the back of the boat to shoot the boat forward an extra foot or two. After the ÒshootÓ the boat will come to a stop.

SINGLETS: Approved racing shirts to be worn by a competitor to identify the club to which he/she belongs.

SOCK (Wrap) A BOAT: To put a tube-like protective fabric cover over the boat to help protect it while it is in transit.

SPINNING: Paddling faster than your boatÕs moving; An inefficient stroke.

SPRAY SKIRT: A fabric, usually water repellent cover that fits snuggly around the paddler and over the cock pit of a kayak while paddling.

SPRINT: Short high-tempo, high intensity burst of high speed.

START: A series of different strokes used to accelerate the boat from a stationary position to top speed.

STARTER: An Òon waterÓ official who starts the race. The objective is to give all competitors a dead, even start on the start line. A starter can stop a race and/or disqualify a competitor.

Fartlek: Long continuous paddle. Generally about 10km and 15km for the older paddlers. Used to work on technique and to build endurance.

BOAT RACKS: Sawhorse like apparatus used to place boats on when not in the boathouse.

STROKE RATE: The number of strokes a paddler takes per minute.

TECHNIQUE: Proper application of physiological principals to most efficiently propel the boat.

THE ÒJ-STROKEÓ: A steering stroke used to maintain a straight line in the sprint canoe.

THE STROKE: Person in the front of the boat that controls the pace of the crew during the race.

WASH: Waves that come off the back of a boat.

TO ÒWHIP INÓ: This must be done before a race. The competitor goes to the Whipper In to pick up his/her racing bib and his/her deck number that is fitted onto the deck of the boat.

WING BLADE: A kayak paddle with a specially designed scoop to make the stroke more efficient.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

Does my child have to have their own boat in order to join the Club Competitive programs?

No.  LCKC has numerous boats that are appropriate for every level of paddler.  Paddlers do not need to purchase their own boats until they reach a high performance level.  At which point we strongly encourage our Senior athletes to purchase their own boats. 

Which piece of equipment does it make sense to purchase first for my child?

The most used piece of equipment your child will use will be their paddle.  They use their paddle regardless if they are in a Club team boat, and Club single boat or their own personal boat.  Purchasing your child their own paddle benefits them in that they are able to consistently use the same paddle that has been adjusted perfectly to their needs (size, blade angle, ect).  Please talk to your childÕs coach about what paddle is appropriate for your child.  LCKC does have paddles for sale in the office.

 

What is the difference between all the different paddle brands?

There are only very slight differences between paddle manufacturers.  The paddles generally differ in composition, shape, length, size, durability and esthetic features.  Every coach will have their own preference as to which paddle is the best, but ultimately it comes down to the paddlers preference.  Each paddle feels slightly different to each paddler, and each paddler has slightly different needs.  It is a good idea to try out different paddles when deciding on making a purchase.  See which paddle feels the most comfortable, and then check with your coach to make sure that the paddle is the appropriate size of blade and shaft for you.

 

Will the Bronze Developmental group be too much for my young child?

The Bronze Development group is designed to teach youths the fundamentals of sport.  We focus on developing functional strength and increasing their fitness base.  On water practices focus on developing boat skills, technical knowledge, and fitness.  The Bronze Developmental group does various games and activities that help to build friendships, fitness and lets everyone have fun.  The goal of this program is to develop basic fitness, strength, team work skills that are transferable to other facets of their lives in a fun, positive setting.

 

When should my child advance into the Silver or Gold Squad?

Each child or youth develops at a different rate, and therefore their progress will be monitored on an individual basis.  Decisions as to when or if a youth should be moved up into a higher group will ultimately depend on the CoachÕs decision as to what is appropriate for that youth.  For an idea of the criteria that coaches use to determine when a child/youth is able to move up please check out the Group Requirements in the Membership Handbook.

How are team boats and other boats allocated within the Club?

Equipment in the sport of canoe and kayak is very expensive.  As such, we need to ensure that all equipment is being taken care of appropriately.  Some equipment is more appropriate for older athletes while some equipment is better for younger athletes.  Typically, high performance team boats will be paddled by members of the Gold High Performance and Silver Competitive Groups.  Boat preference is determined by the coach, and usually is given to the athletes that display the most competency and greatest care for the boat.  Athletes are allowed to paddle the boats for which they have the appropriate skill development to paddle.  As their skills increase, they are then allowed to paddle the high skill, high performance boats.

 

How are crew boats determined for race day?

Crew boats are determined by the coaches.  The coaches will determine team boats based on age, skill and fitness levels.  Attitude is also important in determining who will paddle with whom.  Ultimately, the coaches will decide team boats on what is best for each child/youth and the Club.

 

My child really loves to paddle, but is involved in other sports.  Do they have to choose?  What if they want to do both?

Athletic youths who participate in other sports do not have to quit their other sports in order to paddle. We would encourage any youth who wanted to do both, to go ahead and try to do so. If you are participating in another sport you are getting the benefits of that sport which transfer to paddling.  It is important that you discuss your other sports with your coach, and develop a plan as to how you are going to combine both sports so that you can be successful in both.

 

How do I find out about important information and events happening at the Club?

The quickest and easiest way is to sign up for the Yahoo Group.  All announcements will be emailed out through this group in a timely fashion.  The Club also has a monthly newsletter which has information about upcoming events and such to watch for.  You can look for postings on the LCKC website (www.lckc.org), check the bulletin board downstairs in the weight room, or call the office.  Another useful tool is to quiz your child.  Often the coach has explained information to them in detail, but they are not often good at communicating that information to you the parent. 

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

For more information about the Lanier Canoe and Kayak Club and itÕs bylaws and regulations please take a look at the Membership Handbook.  The Membership Handbook is posted on the LCKC website, (www.lckc.org) or can be acquired from the office.

 

Regatta Schedule 2008                                      

 

Feb Training Camp                                          Feb 14-19                    Tarpon Springs, FL

Weeki Wachee Race                                         Feb 15-17                    Tarpon Springs, FL

Lulu Bridge Race (LRS #1)                              March 22                     Gainesville, GA

USACK National/Olympic Trials                      April 18-20                  Oklahoma City, OK

RRL Fun Race                                                April 26                       Gainesville, GA

RRL Spring Fungatta                                       May 17                        Gainesville, GA

Southern Invitational (LRS #2)                         May 31                        Gainesville, GA

Summer Sprints 1 (LRS #3)                             June 21                        Gainesville, GA

LCKC Canada/NY Summer Trip                      June 27-July 7               Lake Placid, Ottawa

Summer Sprints II (LRS #4)                            July 26                         Gainesville, GA

USACK National Championships                     Aug 5-9                        Oklahoma City, OK

Atlanta Dragonboat Festival                             Sept 13                         Gainesville, GA

RRL Fun Race                                                Sept 20                         Gainesville, GA

Splash and Dash (LRS #5)                               Sept 21                         Gainesville, GA

RRL Fall Fungatta                                          Oct 4                            Gainesville, GA

           

Other international Competitions:

(athletes must qualify at National Team Trials Junior/Senior)

 

Pan Am Championships, Continental Qualifier             May 16-19       Montreal, Canada

World Cup #1                                                           June 6-8           Szeged, HUN

World Cup #2                                                           June 13-15       Duisburg, Germany

World Cup #3                                                           June 27-29       Poznan, Poland

2008 Summer Olympic Games                                    Aug 18-23       Beijing, China

Pre-Junior Worlds Regatta                                          Sept 1-7           Moscow, Russia