MISSION
Become the primary provider of boating related information to the boating community, local community as well as municipal, provincial and federal authorities.
Develop a relationship with government and become a trusted advisor on lake related governance.
VISION
The vision of the Columbia Valley Boating Association is to foster a thriving and sustainable boating community, while advocating for the environmental, economic and social well-being of the lake community and its surrounding areas. We are committed to promoting responsible boating practices, preserving the health and natural beauty of the lake, supporting local businesses, and actively engaging with stakeholders to ensure the long-term ability for boats to use the lake. Through collaboration, education, and advocacy, we strive to create a vibrant and inclusive community that values the sustainable use and enjoyment of the lake for generations to come.
CORE VALUES
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Educate boaters on driving etiquette, rules and regulations, environmental impacts of boating, and encourage CV Boaters to be respectful and considerate to all lake users and adjacent properties.
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Encourage enforcement of government regulations
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Protect rights and enjoyment for all lake users
JOIN US
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Why should I support the Columbia Valley Boating Association?
A. It's free and its awesome.
B. Currently, boaters do not have a voice in our local governments. Other organizations are persuading our government officials to change the regulations on our lakes so that boaters will no longer have the same freedoms as in the past. Please see the article on page 14 of the June 29, 2023 edition of the Columbia Valley Pioneer newspaper titled "RDEK Requests". (see Education tab) RDEK officials state they "want to talk to the Minister of Environment about the impacts of wake boats ... we request that the minister consider championing the issue and make BC the first province in Canada to put wake wake boat restrictions in place."
Boaters need a voice in government and we need a more balanced approach to determine the real impacts and what can be done before the government takes a one sided approach (aka boats restrictions or bans.) There are always win/win solutions but without a voice to ask or suggest those solutions, the boaters will be left out of decision making. Much of the current information is funded and circulated by environmental organizations. We need to check this information to ensure it is science based and relevant to our lakes. Our lake is unique and we need unique solutions to maintain a balance of the environmental, social, and economic health of our region.
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We must work together to form a united voice to ensure that our right to boat on our lakes remains. We believe that by educating boaters on environmental issues & sensitive areas to avoid, and by teaching better boating practises, we can find a solution to keep boating sustainable. The environmental groups would love to see a moratorium on boats, but instead, let's work together and keep boating sustainable.
C. You will become a more knowledgeable boater and you will also be at least 50% more awesome when you subscribe! PS. It's free!
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What does my subscription get me?
You will be a part of a group of people who love their lake, who love water-sports, who love the freedoms of boating and who care about the lake enough to do something about it. We all have a common goal, to live harmoniously with other boaters and other lake users. Let's play nice in the sandbox together.... our sandbox just happens to be full of water!
What will the CVBA do?
The CVBA will send out communications on all things boating and lake related, from maintenance tips and driving tips, from weather to results of health studies, from funny lake stories to serious incident reports and boating etiquette. We will also host social media pages where you can post lost and found items, questions about the lake or perhaps you post that you need a boat part and the next available part is 3 days away and your neighbour 5 doors down just happens to have one. Maybe you are thinking of buying a new boat and hoping to ski behind someones' of the same model or try out a new surf board. This society is a forum to get to know your fellow boaters. We will keep you in the loop on what's happening in local, provincial and federal governments and we will ask you to speak up when we need your voice and your opinions. We will also be the voice for boaters and advocate for boaters rights when other groups try to take those rights away. "We're gonna fight, for your right, to wake surf!"
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How do I sign up?
CLICK HERE and subscribe for free today! You can unsubscribe anytime but we would be heart broken to see you go :(
How can I help?
Your subscription to CVBA is FREE, however, we will accept donations to help cover the costs of operating the society and to grow membership. Building support is essential to our goal to keep boating sustainable on our local lakes. At this point in time, any funds will be put directly into public relations and marketing efforts to grow our supportors. Our goal is that 80% of boaters in the Columbia Valley will join our mission to make boaters better and will, in turn, allow boating to continue in our region for generations to come.
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If you wish to learn more about volunteering with our society or becoming a member of our board, please email ColumbiaValleyBoating@gmail.com
BECOME A SPONSOR
Businesses in the Columbia Valley rely heavily on the local community, tourism, and second home owners for their continued success. Many of these people are also boaters. If boating were to be restricted in our community, the economic impact on local businesses and the resulting loss of tax revenue to the towns and region would immense. From restaurants, to hotels, to golf courses and retail stores, the boating community is a big driver of economic activity in the valley. Help us protect boater's rights and local businesses by sponsoring the Columbia Valley Boating Association today. For only $250 a year, your business will be displayed prominently on our website, at our events and on all our marketing materials. Let your clients and prospective clients know that you support boating and water-sports in the Valley. Become a sponsor today and have a hand in protecting a key recreational industry in the Valley.
OUR SPONSORS
Your generous corporate sponsorship gets your logo displayed here
as well as other member benefits.
EDUCATION
Lake Windermere boating protocol every boater should know
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PLEASE NOTE- This site is new and is under construction. Additional education and resources will be added in the near future!
Lake Windermere is a shallow, narrow lake and therefore boaters need to understand the guidelines and protocols that are necessary for safe, environmentally responsible, and respectful boating practises.
Know the depth
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The number one guideline that is most helpful on a narrow shallow lake is to know the depth on various parts of the lake. Surf boats, when engaged in surf mode should only travel North and South and in the deepest part of the lake which is in the middle. The north end of the lake is the deepest and it gets shallower south of Shadybrook Resort & Marina. This is important because:
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Surf waves lose their energy the longer they travel so by staying away from shores, it gives the wave a longer time to dissipate.
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The West side of the lake consists almost entirely of rip rap on the train tracks and is therefore is less susceptible to erosion. The east side of the lake consists of residential properties, and south of Indian Beach Estates, natural shore lines and reed beds. The effect of waves on properties and undeveloped shorelines, when originating from the middle of the lake, is negligible.
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Know where the lake is deepest, and only surf in those areas, always North/South not East/West. Towing east/west put you path in conflict with the majority of other boats that travel the length of the lake.
Courtesy for others and managing your wake
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Always keep in mind that your wake can affect others and it is your responsibility to manage it. Do not surf in close proximity to other boats, especially smaller craft such as fishing boats and paddle boards.
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Be respectful of other lake users. Travel North-South - not east west. One boat travelling East West will send rollers down the entire length of the lake. When you see early morning water-skiers seeking calm water, don't tube in circles around them. Be courteous and consider how your wake impacts others.
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Friends don't let friends do "power turns". A big arcing turn sends your wake down the entire length of the lake and in every direction. This makes riding conditions deteriorate rapidly. Power turns on a narrow lake like Windermere is just poor form and unappreciated by every other boater. It is one of the least courteous things a boater on the lake can do. If you are pulling someone behind your boat, whether it be on a tube, waterski, wakeboard, kneeboard or surfboard and they fall, simply put the boat in neutral, pause to let your own wake pass you, then do a tight, slow 180 degree turn so that you head straight back the direction that you came. Big power turns may have been cool in the 80's, but just like your fluorescent speedos, they no longer are appreciated on any lake!
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Tubing protocol & safety
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Kids love tubing and it's a sport that anyone at any age can enjoy. But did you know it's also one of the most dangerous things to do behind a boat? The rider has no control whatsoever and is therefore at the mercy of the driver and water conditions. One false move by the driver can result in sending a rider flying off the tube at high speeds with only gravity in control of how hard they land. Easy S turns while you go North or South on the water allows the rider to have the thrill of going over and outside of the wake and back, but rarely results in them being launched off the tube. Drivers doing 360's and watching the riders in the mirror or behind them are an extremely dangerous hazard to other boaters and riders. While tubing it is critical that the driver looks forward and uses the mirror to see the riders.
The type of boat appropriate on Lake Windermere:
Windermere is not a large, deep lake, therefore the size and type of your boat matters. A 23' surf boat is considered a big boat on this lake. Any boat bigger than 23' does not make sense on this lake: it will be harder to put in/take out when water levels are down, and harder to navigate during low water early and late in the season. Wake boats have a larger draft (need more depth) than say a Pontoon boat therefore, a pontoon boat that is longer than 23' feet is not nearly as restrictive and is easier to use/navigate on this lake than a surf boat that is larger than 23'. Houseboats should never operate on lake Windermere nor should any boat with a head (bathroom). When searching to buy a new boat, ask about the draft (depth required) and advise the dealer/seller that 32" is the maximum draft for Lake Windermere.
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Attached are a few better boating articles written by local boating experts Christine and Mike DuBois. The DuBois' owned and operated Shadybrook Resort and Marina, including a water-sports school, for 26 years. They have coached hundreds of students how to ride as WaterSki Wakeboard Canada Coaches. Christine is also a facilitator for WaterSki Wakeboard Canada, teaching future coaches how to how to drive and teach for water sports. As avid lake users they have a lot of expertise they are willing to share with the Columbia Valley Boating Association and members. We look forward to more articles from the DuBois to help us all become better boaters.
