A letter from the President
Posted October, 2007

Dear Fellow Kayakers,

Our club has been paddling for eight years now. Some of us have been around for since the first meeting, some for several years, and some for shorter periods of time. Unfortunately, we have lost many members over the years. Some have moved out of the area, some have had job changes that prevent them from attending meetings or outings, and unfortunately some have lost interest in our club and/or kayaking. If you fit into this last category we invite you to attend a meeting and get those spider webs out of the cockpit and get back into the water. Fall and winter are great times to kayak and our meetings are "user friendly".

This month's meeting, October 1st, features a video presentation by Jack McBroom & Doug Marshall who paddled 1,000 miles on the MacKenzie River in Canada, coming out in the Artic Circle. We have a 'white board" for members to use for buying or selling kayaks or equipment. We have many vendors and guides speak at our meetings. Most meetings have equipment on display that can be examined or purchased.
(continued below)

"Kathy Hakala explores Black Canyon Cave"

Got ideas? We always welcome input from members and, in fact, have openings for new board members to help the club in a variety of areas. Need a little excitement? Join us this winter for rescue practice in the open ocean. Rusty on your kayaking skills? Come to one of our monthly trainings. Review your assisted and self rescue skills at no cost.

Come out to a meeting and get back on the water, life is short and we miss ya.

Gary Hakala
President Valley Wide Kayak Club
(951) 929-1371

"Gary and his kayak gang at Lake Perris Sail Cove"