Canoe Kayak Nova Scotia (CKNS) is a Provincial Association involved in the promotion of safe recreational canoeing and kayaking. It is a non-for-profit volunteer organization offering information, training, and products. Our members include families, white water paddlers, flat water paddlers, coastal paddlers, and kayakers.

CKNS is recognized by the Provincial Government's Department of Health Promotion and Protection and Paddle Canada (PC) formerly the Canadian Recreational Canoeing Association as the official voice for Nova Scotian recreational paddlers at the Provincial and National levels.

CKNS represents all paddlers in Nova Scotia, and includes members in local, affiliate clubs located around the province.

CKNS had its beginnings on November 28, 1973,(formally Canoe Nova Scotia) when the Nova Scotia Department of Recreation organized a meeting of "canoeing enthusiasts" to explore the need for establishing an organization that would be responsible for developing all aspects of canoeing and making programs and information available to interested people. Represented at this meeting were the Canadian Canoe Association, Canadian Hostelling Association, Canadian Whitewater Association, Canadian Camping Association, Dalhousie University, Physical Education Department of Halifax Schools, and the Canadian Red Cross. The result of this and subsequent meetings was the incorporation of the Canoe Nova Scotia Association in 1976.

Many members embraced the new sports of whitewater and sea kayaking in the province in the 1990's and CNS began to provide limited support for these sports. The organization changed its name in 2000 to Canoe Kayak Nova Scotia to reflect its changed role, as it began to offer additional services to kayakers as well as canoeists.

Membership

CKNS is the official voice of paddling for the province. In order to effectively lobby for paddlers we need to know who you are. Please consider becoming a member as a way of making sure our voice is taken seriously.

Canoe Kayak Nova Scotia Services include:

• Instructor Courses - We train canoe and kayak instructors to Paddle Canada national standards. As an instructor you can offer skill level clinics to members and the public.
• Newsletter - Published a minimum of four times a year, it keeps you up to date with what's happening in CKNS. Included are schedules of events, reviews of books and equipment, and memorable articles by our members.
• Discounts - Available from selected retailers, outfitters, and adventure companies. For list Click Here
• Paddling Clinics - Skill level clinics from novice to advanced are offered by CKNS trained instructors.
• Workshops, Seminars, and Exhibits.
• Information on Canoe Kayak Routes, Equipment, and Accessories.
• National and International Contacts.
• Film and Book Loans. Click on Resources for a list of VCR tapes and books available on paddling and the environment.