Lakes and rivers offer recreation and relaxation

From lifeguarding and fire fighting to promoting paddling in the region, Danielle Titanich is fond of spending time on the water.

Eight years ago Titanich took the leap from borrowing equipment to purchasing a kayak of her own. This purchase opened up a whole new world of water and adventure.

“Paddling Drayton Valley and Brazeau County lakes and rivers truly is a blessing! It’s such a beautiful area you can paddle the Brazeau Dam and see so many birds and nesting grounds,” said Titanich. Another one of Titanich’s favourite places to spot wildlife is the Pembina River.

Titanich grew up along the Pembina and has pleasant memories of life along its banks.

“I grew up fishing, floating, swimming, and paddling the beautiful river as well as snowmobiling on it in the winter. It’s such a family friendly river as now the past few years I’ve been lucky enough to take my son along on the paddles too and he enjoys it just as much as me,” she said.

The Pembina River, the Brazeau Dam as well as the North Saskatchewan River, Chip Lake and Wolf Lake are some of the day trips the Drayton Valley Paddle Club go on throughout the summer.

“I’ve been a part of the club for about six years. I first started as president and eventually was called to do the events and advertising position about two or three years ago,” said Titanich.

As an events and promotions volunteer for the Drayton Valley Paddle Club, Titanich is not only instrumental in planning the club’s outings she has also helped the club coordinate with Park Valley Pool to offer beginner kayak lessons.

“This year the Drayton Valley Paddle Club sponsored beginner kayak lessons at Park Valley Pool for anyone who wanted to join the paddle club and get some lessons in a safe environment before moving outdoors to the lakes and rivers,” she said.

Titanich said the paddle club is a great place to start your paddle adventures. With a diverse membership ranging from toddlers to seniors; enthusiasm, knowledge and experience abundant. Titanich also says the club has the ability to provide a few boats here or there for people to try before they buy.

With several weeks of summer still in front of us and warm weather in the forecast, Titanich says there’s never been a better time to explore our local waterways.