23rd annual Paddle the Don River – Weir Watchers wanted for Sunday May 1, 2016

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 01/28/2016 - 16:09

Whitewater

We are looking for volunteers to help as Weir watchers. Register here, first on the WCA site and then let Mary Perkins and I know directly. We are looking for about 40 members to help us, help the public, in and out of their canoes. Also to operate a WCA booth at the end. The Scouts will once again be helping us too. A white water canoe is preferred on this moving water river. Now, I want everyone wish for lots of that white stuff and liquid to fall from the sky and fill up the reservoir for the event;-)

Options and required information.
If you have a preference of which weir you would like to be at let us know asap.
If you have a partner, need a partner or want a partner to canoe with, let us know asap.
If you are walking or biking in, let us know asap.
If you would just like to drive to the take-out and operate the WCA booth.
We will need your home and cell phone numbers and email address.
Please let us know asap if you have any other requirements or questions.

Check out http://paddlethedon.ca/ and https://www.facebook.com/PaddleTheDon for more information. Do not forget to click on the “Get Notified At Launch” button to be kept up to date on the event. DO NOT register to canoe the event on-line, just with the WCA.

See the other postings below about further training opportunities.

PLEASE NOTE: by signing up
1. you agree to the terms and conditions of the WCA waiver (this site: Club Activities, Outings, Guidelines, scroll to bottom for WCA Waiver)
2. you will be required to complete the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) on-line training (about 45 min.) at http://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/serve-ability/01.aspx

Thank you Gary James and Mary Perkins

The Basics

Event Location:

People paddle the Don River from Ernest Thompson Seton Park to the mouth at the Keating Channel

Date(s) & Time:

Sunday, May 1, 2016 - 07:00

Registration Cut Off:

first 40 people

Event Duration:

one long full day of fun

Difficulty Rating:

Novice

Participant Info

Who's Invited:

all WCA members

Maximum Group Size:

Itinerary

Itinerary description:

We meet very early in the am, at Ernest Thompson Seton Park. Last year we were able to bring our canoes in the day before. We will submit our waiver forms and set-up our canoes ready to go. There will be hot drinks and snacks. We will have a last minute safety meeting while waiting for the water to come. We will launch in order of weirs first before the public. At each weir we will stop and set-up and have a safety meeting. When the public arrive we will assist them out and in the canoes. At the end of the day we will also canoe to the mouth at the Keating Channel. There we will join in the take-out party. Pack-up and head home.

Required Items to Bring:

The Don River will have moving water, swifts and class one rapids. Last year we had a crazy tight s-turn to get around. Some parts of the river are shallow and have channels. You might have to get out and walk in some spots if you go wrong. Therefore, a white water canoe and water boots are recommended. The usual canoe safety stuff is also required by law. There are inspectors at the launch site checking. Bring the usual personal gear and food for a long day trip too. More information to come out later. Water gloves to protect yourself from the Don River are also a good idea.