What we’re about
We are VCKC (Villages Canoe and Kayak Club) paddlers in The Villages, Florida, open only for residents of The Villages community. You must have a current Villages ID card to be a member of VCKC.
All club members must complete, sign and submit a digital insurance waiver.
To access the VCKC insurance waiver follow this link:
https://form.jotform.com/Prmwaivers/villages-canoe--kayak-club---liabil
VCKC dues are $15 annually. Your membership is valid for 365 days from date of payment. Club meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month, usually at the Colony Cottage Recreation Center, although we occasionally have meetings off site. We do not meet during June, July, or August. Meetings are open to all Villages residents, as well as their guests with a Villages Guest Pass.
Club paddle trips are held throughout the year and are open to VCKC members only, no guests. We strive for a balance of easy and more challenging trips, shorter and longer trips, leisurely and more vigorous paddling, generally within an hour and a half drive from The Villages. Paddle trips are hosted by a variety of club members. Most of our paddle trips require members to provide their own boats, however we do have a limited number of trips for those who rent their equipment.
VCKC paddle trips are for experienced kayakers. If you’re new to kayaking, or if it’s been a long time, we strongly encourage you to take an introductory kayaking class. Here are some options:
** Discovery Kayak Tours, based in Ocala and serving The Villages area, offers kayaking training courses and guided paddling trips. Visit DiscoveryKayak.com for more info.
** Kayak 101 lessons are also available at Lake Griffin State Park, 3089 US-441, Fruitland Park. For details, visit the Friends of Lake Griffin State Park web site at FLGSP.org.
** Osprey Bay Outdoors, an outfitter located in Clearwater, offers Kayak 101 classes as well as equipment sales. Visit their web site at: OspreyBay.com.
Click the link for more information on using the VCKC MeetUp website:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mxRc2_-bomOOR3Fw95vd9lalWZAmDJy5/view?usp=sharing
For more info on VCKC activities, please contact our officers/managers:
VCKC President: Contact for general questions regarding the club
Charlie Dingman
cjdingman@gmail.com
443-569-1919
VCKC Vice President: Contact for general questions regarding the club
Linda Morrison
LLMorrison99@yahoo.com
865-258-4744
VCKC Treasurer: Contact for questions regarding club finances.
Linda Dingman
lhdingman@gmail.com
443-569-1920
VCKC Secretary: Club documentation and minutes of Board Meetings.
Anne Kusmich
akusmich@hotmail.com
973-229-0389
VCKC Trips Coordinator: For information on paddle trips, or for leading trips
Linda Morrison
LLMorrison99@yahoo.com
865-258-4744
VCKC Membership Coordinator: Contact for information on joining VCKC and membership issues.
Gloria Schreiner
terrysglorias@gmail.com
352-751-5620
VCKC Program Director: Contact for information on club meetings, and suggestions for speakers
Stephanie Darling
stephanie_darling@yahoo.com
630-660-5528
VCKC Safety Officer
Vacant
VCKC Meetup Website: Contact for help using the VCKC MeetUp website.
Charlie Dingman
cjdingman@gmail.com
443-569-1919