**PAST EVENT** (ON) Sea Kayaking Mentorship 2024

Event Details

This event will be held on the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, the Mississauga, the Ho-de-no-sau-nee-ga (Haudenosaunee), Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, and  Wendake-Nionwentsïo, as well as the Attiwonderonk (Neutral) (at Chippewa Creek Conservation Area). We recreate and learn on these lands in deep gratitude and commitment to reconciliation.

We love our allies, but due to limited space, this event is for BIPoC individuals only. 

Colour the Trails Kayaking Mentorship Program is a two month program that aims at supporting Black, Indigenous and Racialized folks to become confident kayakers realising their full potential. 

Who can apply: We are currently running the program for folks in proximity to the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area. You must be 18+, and part of the BIPOC community to apply. You do not need to know how to swim, but you must be comfortable falling in the water and keeping calm with a life jacket on.

The program provides 3 subsidized courses: Intro to Kayaking (4hrs, June 22nd), Paddle Canada Basic Kayaking Course (8 hrs, July 20th), and Paddle Canada Level 1 Certification (August 10-11, 16 hrs), after which you will be able to:

• Understand the basics of Sea Kayaking. 
• Control your kayak in level 1 (out of 4) conditions.
• Learn the following paddling strokes: Forward and backward strokes, Bracing, Edging, Turning
• Safely recover in case of a capsize. (What would you do if you fell in the water?): Wet exit, Various re-entry techniques (self and assisted)
• Receive a Paddle Canada Level 1 or Basic Certification based on successful demonstration of relevant skills.

The locations for introduction and Basic are still to be confirmed. We are hoping for Cherry Beach and if not it will be somewhere in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton area. Level 1 will be at Chippewa Creek Conservation Area. Participants are encouraged to carpool together to make locations accessible.

The program also provides you with the following resources:

• 1:1 pairing with a mentor 
• Program support/check ins with CTT Team
• Bilge Pump and Paddle Float (required at L1 level)
• Discounted access to clinics from Kayak Ontario and gear from Level Six.
• Guidance on any other necessary or optional gear
• Exclusive discounts on kayak rentals at Toronto SUP & Kayak and Kayak Ontario 
• Access to Slack Channel to organise or join paddles with CTT community
• Support in understanding what to look for and where to look when buying a kayak

The program will be run on an application basis. We are prioritising individuals who are interested in and committed to building BIPoC community in the kayaking world, and would like to prioritise Black and Indigenous registration especially. We encourage you to reflect on your personal experiences and use that to guide open and honest responses. Your responses will only be shared with the team responsible for pairing participants. Experienced kayakers interested in mentoring are also welcome to apply here. 

Deadline to Apply: Applications for both mentees and mentors close on June 10th at 9am ET. Applications may close earlier for mentees if we reach a cohort of 6 strong applicants before June 10th, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Selection Process: We’ll be in touch via email between June 11-15th if you are selected for a spot in the event. Please do not contact us to ask if there’s a spot. Please add [email protected] to your safe sender list, otherwise our email may end up in your spam folder. 

Details: 

Cost: While the retail cost for the lessons and included gear would be $895.50 + tax, we are charging only $448 + tax ($506.24 total) as we are able to subsidize the program through partnership with Arc’teryx Toronto, Kayak Ontario and Toronto SUP and Kayak. There are additional savings from discounted access to rentals, clinics, and gear with our partners at Kayak Ontario and Toronto SUP and Kayak. 

Transportation: Please note: each participant will be responsible for getting to this event. You can organize carpooling through our Private Facebook Group. If you are carpooling with someone, please make sure to chip in for gas/parking. For mentee/mentor kayaking sessions, you are welcome to coordinate transportation together.

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Policies:

Inclusion Policy: 

At Colour the Trails, we are dedicated to fostering an environment that champions inclusivity, respect, and equality. We want to make it clear that we will not tolerate any form of anti-Blackness, anti-Indigenous attitudes, racism, homophobia, ableism or transphobia within our organization or community. We firmly stand against discrimination and prejudice, and we are committed to creating a safe and affirming space for individuals of all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, abilities, and gender identities. Together, we strive to promote unity, understanding, and support for all trail enthusiasts, regardless of their background or identity. As a Black owned and Black led business, we recognize the greater prevalence of anti-Blackness and anti-Indigeneity and will always prioritize support and protection for Black and Indigenous communities.

Mentorships Cancellation Policy

There will be no full or partial refunds once the participation in the program is confirmed. Most of our work is done during planning and preparation stages. If a mentee needs to withdraw from the mentoring program early, there will be no fee adjustments. This includes in the case of injury as we still need to pay the instructor and cover the cost of operating the program, without a replacement participant. 

Photo & Video Release Consent:

By purchasing a ticket you grant permission for Colour the Trails and sponsors to use any of the photos or videos from this event that have been taken by Colour the Trails videographers and photographers. They will be used for the purpose of sharing experiences with the community and encouraging future participation in events, which can include but is not limited to, print or digital versions, social media and websites without compensation or recognition given. Colour the Trails will not use the photographs in a manner that would exploit or cause malicious representation toward you. Photos will be shared at the discretion of the event organizers. Please be prepared to take your own photos and videos if you want to ensure that you capture memories of your experience. If you post or share photos, we ask and encourage participants to tag Colour the Trails so that others in the community can learn about our work and get the chance to participate. 

Please contact [email protected] BEFORE the event if you do not want to be photographed or on video during an event.

Content Creation Statement

We ask to respect our work and not create content to promote any brands or organizations during our events. Our team is putting a lot of energy and time into creating community spaces with little support and unrelated organizations should not benefit from our hard labour. You are encouraged to share about Colour the Trails work as it shows the welcoming and safe space we are creating and word of mouth helps our community to grow!

Full list of policies here.