General

Please note important message from the MACKfest organizers:

We are sad to report that MACKfest 2025 has been CANCELLED due to hazardous river conditions.

There have been reports of numerous trees and strainers in many of the hwy 7 runs as a result of the ice storm and high water levels.

The MACKfest Organizing Committee is extremely disappointed to make this announcement, but paddler safety is our main priority.

This is a valuable heads-up to all WCA participants in our spring river trips anywhere in southern and central Ontario. Scout rapids for obstructions due to the recent extreme weather. NEVER run a rapid where you cannot see a clear route ahead to the end or to where you can safely eddy out.

WCA Outings Committee

If you are considering a new T-Formex tripping canoe but you have issues with the weight of these boats, have a look at Esquif’s new T-Formex Lite layups. T-Formex Lite - Esquif.

The earlier Royalex boats were heavy beasts with thick plastic laminates over the entire hull. Eventually the canoe builders learned to utilize strategic structural reinforcement. Thick layers are needed on the bow and stern quarters and chines for impact and abrasion resistance. However, carrying it mid-ship and up the sides increases weight without adding a lot to durability. Reading Esquif’s media release for T-Formex Lite, it seems they are using selective reinforcement with T-Formex to achieve an average 20% weight reduction, which is significant.

The big Canyon in the Lite layup is advertised at 65 lb, and the smaller Pocket Canyon at 53 lb. And if you want to cut several more pounds while pumping up the esthetics a notch, take the wood trim.

The most interesting new Esquif boat is the 15’11” Prospector Sport in the Lite version. Bing Videos. Those of us who have been around the canoeing block a few times know that often advertised hull weights can be really optimistic. However, the guys at Paddle.ca in the video put the canoe on the scales and came up with just 55.3 lb. That’s very impressive for a 16 foot plastic boat. It’s almost the same weight as a Nova Craft Prospector 16 in their TuffStuff composite.

The Prospector Sport is also a very different canoe from their original Prospector, and the changes make it much more competitive as a serious river tripper. It has significantly increased volume, being 15.5” deep compared to 14”. The rocker has been upped to 3.5” from the original’s 2.75”. The bottom cross section is also more arched, which is an ideal shape for imparting stiffness to the lighter hull.

So, if I were in the market for a new river tripping canoe, I’d definitely include these new models in my comparison shopping list.

https://www.stickermule.com/ca/e8a3b3b837a8d03/item/16774094?origin=PUBL...

You can now buy WCA T-Shirts online and have them shipped directly to your door for no additional cost. Sizes run from S to 2XL. High quality shirts for $25.

More merchandise coming soon!

FYI that I would like to obtain a copy of the book 'Eastern Ontario White Water Rivers' by Albert Angenent. It appears to have been self-published. There is no urgency, and I am not trying very hard. But I would like to get one someday.

The 2025 Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show

February 21 - 23, 2025 6900 Airport Rd, Mississauga, ON

The International Centre, Hall 5

Please see the attachment for a discounted ticket.

Any equipage favourites or advice (dry suit of course I am procuring shortly) Headwear, hands and feet? For cold water?

Mark has some great gear for sale in the Ottawa Area.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/azR2xPX5zbxp6k1w/

Just a curious topic? If one were injured or needed medivac in Canada are we charged for the air evacuation? I know basic ambulance fees apply in Ontario. Is recue/medivac free in Ontario or other regions territories and provinces?

At the fall gathering I mentioned some gel coat repair videos available on you tube. Lots out there but canoe specific for brand nova craft they offer colour match GEL-COAT, plus a repair instructions kit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQOA4ILZ9Cw&t=8s. Gel-coat when it starts to flake off should have localized patch kits used. Once the Gel-coat colour match is mixed with BONDO brand MEKP hardener following their instructions it can be applied. Surface prep is key. Using a box cutter blade to flick lose the damaged gelcoat away. Some gelcoat canoes experience stress cracks mainly at bow and stern. I avoid repairing those and trust in a good top coat gelcoat sealer. Avoid cutting the aramid fibres or other fibre type. Sand with 500 grit periphery of gel coat edge, clean with IPA. Mask region with painters tape. Squeegee using bondo rubber tool (CTC acquired) then layer wax paper over the GEL-COAT as it must cure in absence of air. Work out bubbles, re-tape edge and let cure for a period defined by manufacturer. Remove wax paper slowly then wet sand as per Nova Craft instructions followed by wax and buff. If you want to avoid the mess try local repair shops like (ottawa Valley canoe and Kayak) near Arnprior does wonderful repairs on all models and materials. I am sure your canoe manufacturer can also repair gel-coat.

This spray is suggested by esquif canoes and is readily available on Amazon and works great. Arrspace 303
https://www.amazon.ca/303-130340-Aerospace-Protectant-473/dp/B00AJVP7T4…