AUGUST 2020: CORA COVID update for outrigger clubs and paddlers

As we head into the fall and winter months, clubs and paddlers are preparing for unique versions of solo winter training from coast to coast. From east to west, this may involve variations on a transition of OC1 to dryland fitness as temperatures edge to zero and below. Each jurisdiction and province will be illustrating important approaches to C0V2 and associated cold-and-flu mitigation over the 2020/2021 winter. Please continue to follow the guidance of local health authorities as they pertain to our sport and to how facilities are managed at this time.

In British Columbia, many coastal communities have the option of on-water training year-round. BC’s provincial health authority is in the process of considering proposals for “phase 3” fitness and training activities. In the case of outrigger, this may include the safe and staggered re-introduction of crew boat training. Over the coming weeks, CORA will be working with viaSport and other authorities to provide BC’s CORA clubs and paddlers with guidance about the potential for the safe re-introduction of crew boat training. In light of this potential transition, CORA is committed to communicating with its member clubs promptly and transparently as we engage in the review process over the coming weeks. We will be providing CORA member clubs under BC’s upcoming phase 3 provisions with direct guidance — delivered to club representatives — as it pertains to any new club adaptations, insurance compatibility and specific CoV2 requirements in the event that crew training is permitted to resume. During this investigative and application period, BC member clubs and solo paddlers should continue to adhere to solo guidelines presently in place. We’re working carefully on this potential change, and will keep BC paddlers informed.

The CORA board salutes club and team captains across Canada for taking a unified, respectful and safe approach to the challenges of CoV2 over the 2020 and 2021 years. Although health authorities and associated jurisdictions across the country differ on some details, the outrigger community has navigated the “high road” in league with other organized sports across Canada. Thank you.

CORA members and clubs: Contagion Exclusion Endorsement

IMPORTANT NOTE to all CORA members and member clubs: CORA has been informed by its insurance agent that its insurance underwriter has invoked a Contagion Exclusion Endorsement which was unilaterally added to CORA’s insurance policy at the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. The notice provided to CORA by SBC Insurance and the specific wording of the Contagion Exclusion Endorsement are provided at the following links:

  1. Insurance Update (PLEASE READ) – COVID-19
  2. Insurance Policy Contagion Exclusion (ENGLISH-FRENCH)

JULY 2020: CORA COVID update for outrigger clubs and paddlers

(26 JUNE 2020) CORA clubs and paddlers enjoy the sport of outrigger in a variety of jurisdictions across Canada. Under mitigation guidelines to reduce COVID infection, paddlers are fortunate to rely on Canadian health authorities that offer consistent guidance and achievable measures from coast to coast. Although different provinces and territories may refer to “stages” and “phases” of caution in response to the COVID pandemic, the country is unified in practice. At this time, two-meter distancing and associated mitigation measures apply across Canada. For paddling clubs and facilities that have been invited to return to outdoor sport by their local authorities, two-meter distancing requires that outrigger paddlers focus on independent small boat training. 

Crew boat programming does not comply with pre-vaccine and pre-therapeutic protocols as they relate to water sports regulated by national sport organizations. CORA anticipates that small boat access and programming will carry most Canadian jurisdictions through “phase two” and “phase three” restrictions (or regional equivalents) for the duration of the summer and early fall.

The efforts of Canadians, including members of the paddling community, are limiting the spread of COVID. This is cause for optimism. It also highlights the importance of our commitment to public health guidelines as they relate to recreation and fitness activities over the months to come. Regardless of which mitigation phases communities may face over the summer and fall, paddlers and clubs are doing their part by refining accountable measures that comply with phase 1, 2 and 3 mitigation protocols. For detailed information, please review CORA’s consolidated COVID resources and guidelines, available HERE.