Ottawa/Gatineau Kayakers

This is a group for anyone interested in flat water kayaking in the Ottawa area. 
Our paddles are typically under 20km and the group is of varying speeds. You will need to provide your own kayak and safety gear for the paddles - rentals of course are fine! 
Safety equipment is mandatory. In addition, if you are not an experienced paddler, you should make arrangements to learn about rescues or what to do if your kayak tips - it will make it easier for others to rescue you if you know what to do :-) You can sign up for classes or watch YouTube videos!
We schedule at least a paddle per week typically ... if you'd like to paddle a specific body of water, you'd be welcome to organize a paddle - just reach out to one of the organizers of the group :-)
Looking forward to exploring the outdoors with everybody! Wearing safety gear (ie personal flotation device and a whistle) is required for all members. Provide a profile picture of yourself, otherwise none.
DISCLAIMER/RELEASE OF LIABILITY

IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ BELOW IN ITS ENTIRETY:
Please read the electronic and legally reviewed waiver that protects all members as well as organizers from any coincidental or accidental occurrences which could render liability for creating, participating, or attending a meet-up. Kayaking, as any water sport, has inherent dangers, and as paddlers we need to respect and acknowledge these.

Participation in any Ottawa/Gatineau Kayakers event implies that you have read, understand, and agree with, the group’s entire "About Us" page. By participating in these group activities, you agree to all the terms listed.

The Ottawa/Gatineau Kayakers is a non-professional meet-up group that only provides a way for you to connect with others who enjoy kayaking and associated activities. The Ottawa/Gatineau Kayakers is not a professional adventure organization or outfitter operation.

Kayaking can be physically and mentally demanding. Kayaking can involve significant risks and hazards, such as collision with power boats, hypothermia, joint or trauma injuries and even drowning. Injury, both personal and property, may occur while travelling to or from the Ottawa/Gatineau Kayakers activities. By participation in any Ottawa/Gatineau Kayakers organized activity, you acknowledge awareness of the risks, foreseen and unforeseen, which are inherent in each meet-up's activities and cannot be eliminated without destroying the unique character of the activity. These inherent risks include, but are not limited to, the dangers of serious personal injury, property damage, and death from participation in or travel to and from the activity.

Disclaimer:
The Ottawa/Gatineau Kayakers and its organizers does not, in any way, claim to be professionals or otherwise licensed, certified, trained, etc. to provide any service. Any certifications or training by members, organizer, assistants-organizers, members are solely independent from the group, whether expressed or not; and cannot be held liable through posting events via Meetup. The Ottawa/Gatineau Kayakers activity organizers are not trained in extensive emergency medical procedures. Since most activities occur on the water, by participating in an Ottawa/Gatineau Kayakers activity you are acknowledging that you are aware and understand that in the event of a serious medical emergency, treatment may be multiple hours, up to days, away.

Kayaking, and other posted events as Ottawa/Gatineau Kayakers are inherently dangerous and accidents may happen. By participating in any posted event, you're taking responsibility for your own safety and well-being. By RSVP'ing, signing up for an event, attending, joining the Ottawa/Gatineau Kayakers as a member you are agreeing that you are waiving any and all legal or civil rights for responsibility to the Organizer and any other members within the group. The Ottawa/Gatineau Kayakers and it's organizers, assistant organizers, and other members, are not trained and we do not confirm the qualifications of any of its members to participate in trips. All participants take full responsibility for their own actions. If you choose to sign up and/or participate on any Ottawa/Gatineau Kayakers events, you are releasing Ottawa/Gatineau Kayakers, it's organizers and members from all liability in case of possible injuries. Your personal safety depends on your own judgement and experience.

Mandatory Safety Gear - https://tc.canada.ca/en/marine-transportation/marine-safety/mandatory-safety-equipment