It was a perfect day to host an open house at a lake on Saturday.

The weather cooperated, the beach was packed, and the Ridge Canoe and Kayak Club held a

successful day of free paddling at Whonnock Lake Park.

"It's been so exciting, there have been lots of first timers," said club commodore Sean Franklin.

"Our goal for the day was to get 200 people to give paddling a try," Franklin added.

"Basically, if they're big enough to fit into a life jacket, than they can go in the water," the commodore said.

"Our insurance company All Sport donated all of the day's insurance, so we are able to offer all of this paddling for free," Franklin said.

The idea is to bring in new customers for the paddling program.

"We are here to show what our club is all about and hope to sign up as many people as we can," he added.

Spring programs have already started and registration for summer is now open through Maple Ridge parks and leisure services at www.recreg4u.ca.

smclaren@mrtimes.com