Rapids Riders Meeting

February 11, 2004

 

Old Business

 

  1. For the past few years, Rapids Riders has been paying the ACA dues and the SEIC fees for active instructors (~$45/instructor).  This ensures that all instructors are in compliance with some critical ACA requirements and it is a minor reward for hours volunteered to the club.  This item was brought up last month, but tabled to allow time for comment before a vote.  The general consensus of those present was that there was value in continuing this practice, and that we should build this cost into our course fees.  Dennis Davidson made a motion, “Rapids Riders shall pay ACA dues and SEIC fees for ACA certified instructors actively teaching for the club.”  Dean Reinke seconded.  Motion Passed.

 

  1. Dennis has already been receiving inquiries about Canoe U and the availability of rental boats for classes.  There is a feeling that we need to come up with a reliable, lower-cost of rental boats for classes (primarily kayaks).  Discussion included potential solutions of members donating their older boat to the club for rental, annual loaning of extra boats to the club, and commercial vendors.  Mike Jorgenson has obtained a membership e-mail list and will be polling members about the availability of boats and other gear. 

 

 

  1. David Fawcett asked for a few volunteers to form a small, impromptu committee to quickly put together some promotion and marketing for our 2004 Canoe U classes.  Mike Jorgenson, Mike Manger, and Lanny Freng volunteered. 

 

  1. The Annual Vermillion River Cleanup will remain on the third Sunday of September (9/19) as originally scheduled.  Jeff Bolte indicated that the St. Croix Slalom, which is also scheduled for that date might move to a different date or even a different location.  (Rheinlander?)

 

 

New Business

 

  1. A question was raised as to whether we should pursue grants to help fund club activities.  It was discussed, and the conclusion was that if a member is aware of grant opportunities, and they would like to pursue them, they are welcome to do so.  If anyone is interested, please contact David Fawcett. 

 

  1. The Superior Kayak and Outdoor Activities Club (SKOAC, formerly known as Twin Cities Sea Kayak Club) has expressed interest in adding a few sea kayaking courses to Canoe U.  There is room for them at this year’s location, Camp Heartland. They would meet ACA insurance guidelines.  Mike Jorgenson made a motion, “RR will ask SKOAC to join us at Canoe U to teach sea kayak classes.  Course fees shall be equivalent to RR prices.  Dennis Davidson seconded.  Motion Passed. 

 

 

  1. Dennis Davidson is putting together a promotion at REI for Minnesota paddling.  It will be listed on the REI events calendar.  Along with the MCA, Rapids Riders will be there to show videos, pictures, promo materials to people interested in paddling.  The date will be March 24th. 

 

  1. The MCA has decided to drop all financial support for their hotline.  This costs $600 per year, with Rapids Riders picking up approximately half of that cost.  The MCA asked if Rapids riders would like to take over the financial responsibility for the hotline before they cancel it.  A motion was made, “Rapids Riders will not assume financial responsibility for the MCA hotline.”  The motion passed.  Therefore, the hotline, like the clay tablet and Incan knotted string, disappears into the Museum of Extinct Communication Devices. 

 

  1. The Girl Scouts had requested a second pool session with Rapids Riders.  In discussion, those present felt that we should hold a second session for them.  The March 7 rolling session will be cancelled.  In its place, we will have the Girl Scouts in half of the pool and an ‘open pool’ session in the deep end. 

 

  1. March 28th is the last Sunday pool session.  It will be an open pool session and Demo.  We will solicit local vendors to bring in new boats.  If we can get sponsorship for pool fees, it will be free, otherwise, it will be $5.