Our first Rendezvous

by

OUR FIRST RENDEZVOUS

On the beach - Photo by Len Disenhouse
On the beach – Photo by Len Disenhouse

by Beth and Simon Mielniczuk

Spring 2004. Two semi-experienced paddlers become members of a group called GLSKA and join them at Rendezvous, their kick-off to another paddling season celebrated on Georgian Bay. Neither of us really knew what to expect – other than we’d be camping with a lot of people, most of them complete strangers to us. In all honesty, that made me a little bit nervous, but I have to say that GLSKA has a lot of wonderful, friendly and helpful members and that made for a fabulous weekend.

We arrived at check-in on Friday just in time to set up our tent, get changed and join the “Beginner/Refresher” Class with Bill and Keith leading the way. We were taught efficient forward paddling, bracing, sculling, backwards paddling and more. Each time we’ve gone paddling since then we’ve both heard Keith’s voice in our heads telling us to “Rotate! Rotate!” and looked behind us when we stopped! After a great lesson, we pulled up to shore to cook dinner and enjoy a nice campfire in the evening, while others were still arriving and setting up camp. We went to bed early, with the hope that Saturday would provide a perfect day for paddling.

Since we were rookies at Rendezvous, we both decided to take in the morning on-land clinics, thinking we’d save our energy for the Olympics and Orienteering Race in the afternoon. Having just bought my kayak a few months earlier, I took the classes on how to keep it looking new and functioning in tip-top shape. Simon learned about the history of navigation and that an antifreeze jug full of sand can help your paddle go smoothly. We both enjoyed Bill’s amusing presentation on trip planning, and we finally learned what the cow-milking stool is!

Onto the afternoon, and the famous (or is it infamous?) Qayaq Olympics. We were laughing so much that we might have missed some of the action, but we’ll do our best to sum up the events. We were divided into 6 teams. Rules and objectives were handed out and either misunderstood or simply ignored. Sam’s team was off to a strong start as many people expected. Sean’s kayak mysteriously tipped during the first leg of the relay and Simon was part of his first assisted re-entry on a relay course – the first of many assisted re-entries that day. I, on the other hand, didn’t help anyone else get back into a boat, but tipped myself in the last few metres of the “long and short(s) of it”. (For anyone who has not attempted this event, I can say that removing the shorts is much easier than putting them back on!) There were some questionable tactics and a disqualification for some paddling during the towing race. In the end, after some close races, close calls, a lot of laughs and one stray balloon, it was Mike Daly who lead his team to victory with a hilarious round of the Pirate Game.

After the Olympics wound down, the Orienteering Race was scheduled to take place, but was postponed due to high winds. This gave everyone a few hours of free time to go for a paddle, start preparations for the potluck, have a nap or just dry off if you were one of the lucky ones who took an unplanned swim during the Olympics. The potluck was a wonderful event in itself – so many great cooks and a wide variety of dishes from salads and pastas to a delicious assortment of desserts. This dinner gave Rendezvous a close-knit community feel, and was a great part of the weekend for both of us.

After we all indulged in dessert, Dave Hadfield and his band put on a terrific show. They braved the cold temperatures and high winds to entertain us with such songs as Wilderness Waltz, Victor’s Cabin and Canadian Tire, one we can all relate to judging by the reaction of the audience that night. It was a great concert and a fabulous venue, overlooking Georgian Bay and the setting sun.

Sunday morning we awoke to strong winds again, and we were relieved that we had signed up for the A-1 paddle, though it did seem quite challenging at certain points. Keith did a wonderful job making sure no one got left behind and Hart found a great lunch spot on the beach, around the corner from the carp that we intruded on after our picnic. This 4 hour trip was the perfect way to wind-down the weekend.

While many of us were out paddling, Dave Hadfield and his band performed an intimate concert on the beach for those who stayed on land. We heard reports that this impromptu, unplugged performance was absolutely fabulous!

We all had a safe paddle back to shore, said our goodbyes and we were on our way. The nervousness of camping with a bunch of strangers had disappeared. I now felt like I had been camping with friends.

A big thank-you to the organizing committee for a wonderful event. We really enjoyed meeting new people, making new friends and we’re already looking forward to next year’s Rendezvous. Until then, see you on the water!

Leave a comment

GLSKA Waiver

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

DEFINITION

In this Release Agreement, the term Sea Kayaking Activities shall include but is not limited to: all activities, events or services provided, arranged, organized, conducted, sponsored or authorized by the Releasees and shall including moving water, still water, lake and ocean kayaking; loan or rental of kayaks (hereinafter "the boats") and other equipment; orientational and instructional courses, seminars and sessions; all travel, transportation, and accommodation; food, beverage including water supply, use of equipment, and multi-day camping or overnight stays in the outdoors.

In this Release Agreement, the term "Negligence" includes the failure by the Releasees to use such care as a reasonably prudent and careful guide, instructor, trip organizer or sea kayaking operator would use under similar circumstances, or breach of any other duty of care imposed by law.

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS

Participation in Sea Kayaking Activities involves various risks, dangers and hazards including the risk of serious injury, paralysis or death. Sea Kayaking Activities often take place in remote wilderness locations, where assistance, medical and first aid services and evacuation may not be readily available, and communication may be difficult or not possible. The risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered include, but are not limited to: accidents which occur during transportation or travel to and from the departure point; slips and falls while getting into or out of the boats; overturning of the boats; loss of balance; impact or collision with objects; cold water immersion; repetitive strain injuries; dislocated shoulders; hypothermia; drowning; changing and inclement weather conditions including storms, high wind, high waves, and lightning; encounters with domestic or wild animals; infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact; negligence on the part of other participants; and NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES.

Please refer to the GLSKA Risk Management Strategy section of their website for further information regarding the risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered during Sea Kayaking Activities.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES AND I FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING THEREFROM.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

In consideration of the Releasees allowing me to participate in Sea Kayaking Activities as defined in this Release Agreement, I hereby agree as follows:

  1. TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS that I have or may in the future have against the Releasees and TO RELEASE THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expenseor injury including death that I may suffer, or that my next of kin may suffer as a result of my participation in Sea Kayaking Activities, DUE TO ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR BREACH OF ANY STATUTORY OR OTHER DUTY OF CARE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES REFERRED TO ABOVE;
  1. TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any property damage or personal injury to any third party resulting from my participation in Sea Kayaking Activities;
  2. This Release Agreement shall be effective and binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns and representatives, in the event of my death or incapacity;
  3. This Release Agreement and any rights, duties and obligations as between the parties to this Release Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted solely in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and no other jurisdiction; and
  4. Any litigation involving the parties to this Release Agreement shall be brought solely within the Province of Ontario and shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario.

In entering into this Release Agreement I am not relying on any oral or written representations or statements made by the Releasees with respect to the safety of Sea Kayaking Activities, other than what is set forth in this Release Agreement.

I CONFIRM THAT I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT, AND I AM AWARE THAT BY ACCEPTING THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT I AM WAIVING CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH I OR MY HEIRS, NEXT OF KIN, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, ASSIGNS AND REPRESENTATIVES MAY HAVE AGAINST THE RELEASEES.