Washago Black River on Sunday

Submitted by NessBill on Thu, 05/16/2019 - 07:32

Whitewater

Our wet spring has handed us a bonus canoeing gift for the upcoming long weekend. We have optimal paddling levels and warm weather. Perfect for a day's relaxed paddle or a good whitewater skills workout. Highly recommended for new paddlers looking to get into moving water paddling.

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 a number of 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.

The Basics

Event Location:

Black River, south of Washago

Date(s) & Time:

Sunday, May 19, 2019 - 11:00

Event Duration:

1 day

Difficulty Rating:

Novice

Itinerary

Itinerary description:

See above.

Required Items to Bring:

Whitewater boat with float bags.
Bring a lunch as we will eat lunch on the river.

Recommended Items to Bring:

While the water and weather have warmed up, a wet suit or dry suit would make any unexpected swims more pleasant.

I'd also recommend bringing bug dope in case the beasties are out.

How to Get There

Event Directions:

Those coming from the eastern GAT will take HWY 48 north to HWY 12. Then north on 12 to just past the village of Brechin, where you exit right onto HWY 169. Follow HWY 169 north for about 10 minutes to where the Black River goes under the highway.
Those coming from the west GTA will go north on HWY 400 to Barrie, and then continue north on HWY 11 to the exit for Washago at the north end of Lake Couchiching. Exit right onto HWY 169 and follow it south to the river.
We put in on the northwest side of the bridge. Then, we do a quick 5 minute car shuttle to the bridge at the first concession road to the west.

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information

Contact (Name):

Bill Ness

Phone:

4163213005

Email:

wness@rogers.com