Whitewater

The Black River empties into Lake Simcoe south of Washago. There is a fun short section from the HWY 169 bridge crossing to the next concession road crossing to the west where the river loops around through many small rapids separated by flat sections. The section ends with an optional more challenging technical chute, followed by a Class 2 rollercoaster ride. This is an ideal spot for budding moving water paddlers to get some experience, and practice ferries and eddy turns. I'm happy do give informal pointers, and we're in no rush. The section of river is short enough that if you get cold or wet, you can quickly paddle out. However, if you want to work the section, you can play all afternoon. As a bonus, we meet at 11:00 so you don't have to haul yourself out of bed early to get there. We'll also finish around 3:00, so plenty of time to get back to the family dinner. Bring a lunch and we'll eat on the river. As the water will still be cold, you will need a dry suit or wet suit. This is a relaxed day of paddling play & practice on a fun, forgiving stretch of river.

Optimal water flow is around 40-60 CMS. If it gets much above 60 CMS, the river gets washed out and is not much fun. In that case, we can move the date to the following Saturday. The river does come down relatively quickly. You can check the online gauge to see how things are shaping up as our trip date approaches.

https://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/report/real_time_e.html?stn=02EC002

As this is one of the best sections of easy moving water for learning whitewater paddling skills that is convenient to the GTA, if people want to come back at a later date when it's warmer for a day of skills drills, we can arrange that.

On a spring day, the Moira River north of Belleville provides a fun paddling trip from Lost Channel to Latta.

The river provides a great opportunity for good novice moving water paddlers to move up to an intermediate level river. We'll meet at Chisholm's Mill at 9:30, do a car shuttle, and then warm up on the easier lower section down to Latta. The rapids are not difficult, just a fun rollercoaster ride, with some surfing waves along the way. We'll go back to Chisholm's for lunch at the cars, and then do a shuttle to run the more technical and challenging Lost Channel section. We should finish up around 4:00, and then we traditionally hit the nearby Maple Dale Cheese store along the highway for ice cream and cheese. (Real Canucks can buy cheese curds here for homemade poutine.)
 

All canoes must have full flotation, and you are required to have a full wetsuit or drysuit as the water will be cold. If you arrive without these, you will not be able to participate.

Please note that as at the time of posting the river levels and weather cannot be predicted, the date could be changed if levels are not suitable, or the weather is inclement. I like to play, and float along chatting with people. My idea of a fun outing isn't paddling in freezing rain muttering to each other "don't worry, we'll soon be finished if we hurry." So if you sign up, you needn't worry that you are committing to a survival exercise-just a fun day.

NOTE DATE CHANGE TO SUNDAY MARCH 26

Join me on this classic early spring favourite of Toronto area paddlers. We’ll catch the Credit in Streetsville and run down to the mouth at Port Credit. The river is a delightful continuous Class 1 to 2 with lots big bouncy wave trains and play spots.There are loads of opportunities to practice easy ferries and eddy turns as we work our way down the river. However, downed trees over the winter can create sweepers, and participants need to be able to manoeuvre a canoe in moving water to avoid them. As well, the water will be cold. You need solid basic moving water skills. A full wetsuit or a drysuit is required to participate (no exceptions). Boats should have air bags in them. We'll have lunch on the river at a park near Dundas Street, so bring something to eat. We usually finish the trip around 3 PM.

At this time of year, weather is unpredictable. As the weather is unfavourable on Saturday, we've re-schedule the trip for the Sunday. 

Build a solid foundation of skills and knowledge for paddling and traveling on rivers. Gain the confidence to perform rescues and make smart decisions.

Take this course and achieve international certification that’s valid for 3 years. During that time, you can upgrade to the ‘technician’ level with the 3-day Whitewater Rescue Technician Bridge course.

https://rescue.borealriver.com/scheduled-course/wwr-magnetawan-may-27-2023/

Please join us for our traditional WCA Canada Day summer weekend at Palmer Rapids on the Madawaska River. You can stay at Jessup's campsite right on the river at the rapids. This is an enjoyable weekend for both novice and experienced white water paddlers and an opportunity to meet WCA members and plan trips. Probably more people have had their first taste of moving water here than in any other spot in Ontario. There are a couple of sets of Class 1-3 rapids almost outside your tent door. Bill Ness and other seasoned WCA members will provide informal paddling pointers to new river runners.
This is a lovely trip for families. There's a sandy beach where the kids can play or swim. For those who aren't into paddling, there are restaurants and shops nearby in Wilno and Barry's Bay.
Most will camp from Friday evening to Sunday but you can come & go at any time.
Bring canoes or kayak suitable for whitewater along with a helmet, PFD and paddle. Canoes and kayaks can be rented nearby at Paddler Co-op (www.paddlerco-op.com), or from Madawaska River Rentals (www.MadRiverRentals.ca). If renting, tell them you want thigh straps in the canoe. If you do not have a canoe you can likely share with other members.
On Sunday, depending on the weather and water levels, those with some experience will likely take a run down the Lower Madawaska.
On Saturday evening for those wanting a break from camp cooking we’ll enjoy the Polish buffet at the famous Wilno Tavern: www.wilnotavern.com
Subsequent to June 14 send your email address directly to tb@beakbane.com so I can give you access to a Google spreadsheet to coordinate shared equipment and carpooling.

This is a solid white water river that tumbles off the Canadian Shield into the Hudson Bay Lowlands, and joins the Moose River about 20 km upstream of Moosonee/Moose Factory. I have excellent maps already prepared and all the logistics already worked out. This will NOT be an expensive trip; the trips costs will be driving up and back to Cochrane, probably two nights in modest hotel, shuttle costs (100$ each at most), the cost of the train returning to Cochrane ($150 each), and of course the food costs. We will be sharing all food and its preparation on the trip. The trip is fairly hard int the beginning as this is not a well traveled trip and the portages are NOT easy and frequently used. We have detailed information from people who have done it in the last few years though. The whitewater we will do is upwards of class 3 at times, and the portages will be challenging themselves. This will be a trip you will not forget easily. The group will need to be prepared to travel light and work together well. We already have 4 people/2 canoes for the trip. We are looking for at least 2 more people/one more boat.

This is an beginner/ intermediate spring run. The sections we will be doing are the two that are best described in the youtube videos prepared by Explore the Backcountry. We will be doing both sections and it does look scenic.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0_kjLznT4g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QrpSyF0njPQ
We will arrange for lodging in Shining Tree for Friday night, paddle Saturday through Monday am, and then the drive home.

Dates: Sept 1 - 4, Labour Day Weekend.
This is a challenging stretch of white water and is more difficult than the Lower Petawawa section. But we will be doing it late in the season, so the water levels will be low and less pushy. There appear to be portages for most sets and we will be scouting any rapids above a class 2.

Looking to do the Wind River late July 21 to  August 5.   You will need to arrive a few days before in Whitehorse (at least July 19, 23) .   Plan on exitting Whitehorse to home a few days later to allow for weather delays.

I did the Snake River years ago and really enjoyed hiking the mountains and paddling the crystal clear water.

The Wind River is one of northern Yukon's true jewels. Starting with a flight into McCluskey Lake, there is a short portage to the Wind.  We plan to exit at Taco Bar for our flight out.  The Wind River is typically described as a class 1 river.   So some basic class 1 whitewater skills are needed.  You will also need to be comfortable with remote camping and share the work load of group activities (setting up camp, cooking, etc.).

The hiking looks great, since the alpine ridges and peaks are close to the river. This is an excellent trip for novice to intermediate whitewater paddler. 

We plan on making the trip for around 16 days on the river.  You will need to arrive and depart Whitehorse with some buffer days on either end.

This will be a self guided trip. It will be a fairly easy going pace.  Expected shared cost will be ~$3500/person. not couting the commerical flight to Whitehorse which is typically ~$1000.  Once accepted on the trip you will have to provide a deposit to solidify your spot on the trip. Balance of trip rental/shuttle/float plane cost due ~6 weeks before trip.

If you have any questions give me a call.

Note; A typical guide trip usually runs around $8500/person plus commerical flights cost in/out of Whitehorse.

THE TRIP HAS 8 PEOPLE AND IS FULL.

You can submit your name if you want to be put on a waiting list if someone has to cancel off.

April fool’s weekend spring paddling in South Western Ontario. March 31, Bayfield River, Clinton to Bayfield. Beautiful run, continual swifts and eddies. Novice run, potential sweepers to negotiate. April 1, Maitland River, Auburn to Benmiller. I love this run, it is only open in the early spring. The kids and I try to get it in a few times each year before it is too low. Beginner, odd C1. April 2, Maitland River, Benmiller to Goderich. Fun run, hopefully big water! Bring Flotation. Intermediate. These are day trips, do one, two or three. All subject to change due to water levels. (If Priceville to Durham on the Saugeen is in a day might be added, otherwise it will be a pop up trip earlier or later on)