Water Safety
Boats & Paddles
Mixed Bag
PFD's
Paddle Destinations
100

True or False: All water crafts must have a flash light at all times.

What is false, all crafts must have a flashlight if recreating before sunrise or after sunset

100

This type of kayak style sits above the hull and is popular for warm-weather recreation.


Sit-On-Top Kayak

100

True or False: 

All dry bags are designed for prolonged underwater submersion.


What is False.

100

This form of Buoyancy uses a CO2 cylinder to inflate a bladder either manually (pull-tab) or automatically when submerged.They are lightweight and comfortable until inflated.

Inflated Buoyancy

100

A premier freshwater destination in Nanaimo for paddling and water recreation.

Westwood Lake

200

What is 1 of the 3 factors that affect your PFD's Buoyancy?

Body Composition, Gear and Clothing & Foam Degradation.

200

True or False: For water safety standards according to Transport Canada, A person recreating on a SUP is not Bailer Exempt.

What is False, SUP's are exempt from the requirement of a bailer.
200

A member asks for a multi-day paddling adventure known as one of Canada's premier canoe routes. While not on Vancouver Island, it is a famous BC paddling destination often discussed in-store.

What is Bowron Lakes?

200

Our most full-featured MEC PFD has a lots of pockets and tow-belt compatibility to make your multi-day trips easier and safer.

MEC Fulcrum Guide

200

Located in Barkley Sound near Ucluelet and Tofino, this archipelago of over 100 islands is a mecca for sea kayakers and experienced paddleboarders.

Broken Group Islands

300

This temperature of water causes cold shock, an involuntary gasp, hyperventilation, and a high risk of drowning within 2 minutes.

What is 7 Degrees Celsius?

300

This Paddle Material is Considered the Lightest and Also The Most Expensive.

What is Carbon

300

This piece of equipment should always remain visible and accessible on a spray skirt.

What is the Grab Loop

300

This quick fit test involves the person lifting their arms while strapped into the PFD.


What is the Shoulder Lift Test?

300

Situated near Campbell River/Courtenay, this is one of the island's premier freshwater spots. It features crystal-clear, glacier-fed waters framed by towering old-growth forests and steep mountain peaks.

Butte Lake

400

What Does UPF stand for, and which UPF level blocks 98% of UV rays or 1/50th of rays to pass through the clothing?

Ultraviolet Protection Factor. UPF 50 Blocks 98% of UV Rays or 1/50th of rays that are allowed to pass through.

400

Name 2 factors that affect paddle sizing that could be applied to all types of paddling.

  • Boat width, Seat height, Paddling style, Intended use, Personal preference
400

You are helping a member sit in a kayak.

Name 2 of the 5 comfort checks.

Leg Room & Footrest, Seat & Backrest, Cockpit Fit, Weight Capacity, Shoulder Width

400

Because the flotation is always active, it provides immediateflotation the moment you enter the water without requiring any manualactivation or inflation.

What is Foam PFD's

400

A local favorite. With warm, calm waters and endless bays and inlets to explore, it is perfect for casual paddleboarding, canoeing, and swimming.

Sproat Lake

500

Name all 4 required safety equipment commonly found in a canoe under Transport Canada regulations.

  • PFD, Sound-signalling device (whistle), Buoyant heaving line (15m), Bailer or bilge pump
500

This type of Kayak is longer and narrower than it's close sibling. It's often considered the best for handling and being more efficient in rougher waters.

What is a Sea Kayak.
500

A member buys a touring kayak. Name four attachment opportunities you could suggest and upsell the member to improve their trip.


  • Paddle, PFD, Dry Bag, Bilge Pump, Whistle, Spray Skirt, Phone Case, Roof Rack, Neoprene Accessories, Heaving Line, Satellite Communicator, Flash Light, NALGENE Bottle
500

Name four paddling situations where you would generally recommend a foam PFD over an inflatable.



  • Whitewater, Pack rafting, Cold water, Children, Beginners, Guided trips, Rough water, River paddling
500

Located off the northwest tip of Vancouver Island, is a remote coastal wilderness celebrated for its thriving sea otter populations, rich Indigenous history, and exceptional sea kayaking.

Nuchatlitz Provincial Marine Park