Prince George PaddleFest 2011

This past weekend marked the NW Brigades annual paddlefest, which was again graciously hosted by Wayne and Carol at their property in Loos. Apparently the word is spreading about our fantastic paddle parties, as we had newcomers this year, all the way from Vancouver and New Zealand (by way of Dawson Creek). Saturday was spent on the Morkill River (class I through IV) which has something for everyone.

The always impressive Morkill Falls.

After a quick sight seeing trip to the 30m, awe-inspiring Morkill Falls, we hit the river. Two canoes did the lower Morkill, while the rest of the group paddled the middle Morkill (class II+), completing the first swim-free middle Morkill run in all of PaddleFest history - hooray!

Good times on the middle Morkill.

Water levels were slightly higher than last year, yielding big bouncy waves. After the middle section, Mike and Cameron ran the upper Morkill, and not only successfully completed this class III-IV section, but also ran Horseshoe falls. The evenings festivities included the usual delicious BBQ, beverages and hernia-inducing laughter (well - almost). Sunday brought sunshine, fantastic mountain vistas and an amazing breakfast spread (thanks Chef Wayne).

No bugs (or hangovers) here.

The big kids headed off on a Forgetmenot Creek mission, but the plan changed due to some issues with water levels and wood, so they did a second run of the upper Morkill instead. The rest of the group headed to the Holmes River, which is "located about 5 minutes east of town up the Holmes River Forest Service Road. As you drive along the FSR, you'll soon see Beaver Falls which isn't really a waterfall, just a big short rapid. The normal put-in is at the 15 km bridge. The Holmes is a fast river with several long continuous rapids (grade III+). The run finishes off with Beaver Falls (grade III+ to IV) pictured below, before the take-out near the highway". Read more about McBride area whitewater here:

Beaver falls - there was wood.

Beaver Falls had some logs in it, so that last section was not an option, and take out at the rec site upstream was necessary.

PaddleFest = CattleFest!

And, just our luck, there happened to be a cattle drive, taking 150 head up the Holmes FSR - so PaddleFest became CattleFest for a few moments. Fortunately Ricks previous life experience as a cowboy allowed us to get around them doggies in no time.

Right below the put in - seems serene now, but this river becomes full-on very quickly!

The Holmes was quite high (highest those that had previously run it had seen it) and was a full-on exhilarating ride. Everyone had a fantastic time! Another year - another successful PaddleFest - Thanks again to Wayne and Carol for hosting, and to all the shuttle drivers. Hope you can make it next year!

The Flood of 2011

The Willow River went into flood this spring reaching the third highest water level ever recorded with a peak flow measured Friday May 13, of 440 cubic meters per second (cms). This all happened within the span of a week when a few days of rain, warm weather, and melting snow caused a dramatic spike in runoff. The view of the river from the highway bridge as shown above, was an unrecognizable maelstrom of huge boils, surging diagonals, and exploding waves all moving at the speed of a train. The picture below is what House Rock looked like.

There were a few that considered running it, but unfortunately two enormous logs stuck themselves in the canyon. This made the margin of error on an already difficult run extremely slim. Too bad but for mere mortals like myself, I guess we don't have to prove anything now. Here's a pic looking upstream where Freak My Beak would be. Hopefully the logs flush otherwise we'll have to do some covert river habitat alterations...

For the record, data collection on the Willow River began in 1976 (Environment Canada Water Office, Historical Data). The highest level ever recorded was on May 19, 1982 at 611 cms. That would have been pretty amazing to see. I wonder what Killer Canyon looked like then? Here's a shot below of some manky bits in the canyon taken during this years flood, and here's a short vid of it: Killer Canyon (be sure to watch in highest quality). 

Further east of the Willow the runoff has also been pumping on the Bowron River. The Portage Canyon section near flood water levels (class III) is a fast and bouncy good time. In fact the river is moving so quickly that during an unexpected rescue situation, it took about 200 meters to get the swimmer and his gear to shore safely. No worries though, he was dressed warmly! 

The stretch of whitewater near the highway bridge that crosses the Bowron is the Boulder section (class II). In terms of difficulty, it doesn't change much with the water level even at flood. This makes it a great run for guided novice boaters wanting to pick up their game. The Boulder section ends at Wayne's World, one of the best surf waves in the region. As of this blog post, the wave is flushed out but we expect it in once things drop a bit. 

During the first trip to the Bowron this spring, we found the road to the put-in washed-out. In our attempt to cross things almost ended in disaster. After watching Al expertly navigate the crossing as shown above, I gave er' guns and ended up hung up on the far bank nearly rolling my truck in the middle of the creek. Thankfully Al was there to save my ass and winch me to safety. Now that the water has subsided it's a little easier getting through. Until they fix the road however, you will need a 4X4 to get to the put-in for the Bowron-boulder run.

Another river near Prince George that has also been flooding this spring is the Cottonwood. The picture above was taken from the bridge for the middle section take-out. Not sure if this is a record flood but it's certainly a lot of water. I'd guess that upstream in the canyon it's pretty crazy. Recently there was some media attention on the Lower Cottonwood because of the homes that were at risk of falling into the river. Gotta wonder about the sense of building on a flood plain, check out this vid:

That's all for now. Hopefully I'll get some shots of people actually kayaking for the next blog update. Not the easiest thing to do in a flooded river, that is, bust out the camera and snap the action while sitting in a boiling eddy with no shoreline. No matter, let's enjoy the high water while it's here. Oh yeah, and what's that bright yellow thing shining up in the sky? Nice! See you on the water...

Postscript (July 5, 2011): Water levels have simmered around PG to near-normal levels for most rivers, but the Nechako, Fraser, and Quesnel are still very high. A couple of us got out on the Isle Pierre section of the Nechako River at 940 cms, about 200 cms more than the normal "high" level for the run. Nothing to write home about, but some bouncy good times in the first rapid and a very fast run. Check out the pic below...

Spring? No really.

Most of the locals I've talked to around Prince George can't remember a spring season that has been this cool. While the melt is certainly underway, there's lots of snow in the bush and the mountain snowpack is still increasing. Things could get interesting once runoff begins in earnest, but that doesn't look like any time soon as the forecasters have called for a cool wet spring. Chalk it up to La Niña I guess.

Despite the slow start, a few of us have managed to get out on the water recently. The Nechako and Willow Rivers are open and flowing although access might be limited due to snowbound roads (nothing a little hike can't get around though). Be sure to check the forum for information on runs that might be happening around PG. If you're curious about the snowpack and the runoff forecast check out the BC Government's River Forecast Centre here: runoff. For information on river levels on many of our local runs you can check Environment Canada's Wateroffice. You'll find the Nechako, Willow, and many other rivers on the list.

Our run last Saturday on the Willow turned out to be the first run of the year for most of us, and levels were surprisingly perfect for playboating (~3.9 m on the online gauge). The water was cold but the sunshine was warm enough even in the canyon to keep things warm. The day was capped off with good times around the bonfire at Al's place up on Cranbrook Hill. Amazingly the northern lights even put in an appearance later that evening. Thanks for the good eats and fun times Leighton! The season has started Prince George --- see you on the water!!

SPRING paddling!!

Paddling season has officially kicked off in Prince George with the start of our club pool sessions. For all the information about how to get involved, check out this LINK . Keep in mind that pool play is just practice for the real thing --- whitewater rivers! But you can take it as far as you like as really it's just about having fun.

For the newbies, there is a gracious learning period before you'll be able to safely navigate whitewater rivers. It definitely starts in the pool where you get used to being in a kayak and develop the most basic skills like the roll. Following this, we often head to a lake for awhile to get used to paddling with all the gear. Then to a very mellow river like the Nechako to understand moving water, eddy turns and ferries. What are these terms eddy and ferry? Indeed...

Eddy- a river feature formed by an obstacle in the downstream flow. A well formed eddy will have a defined eddy line and a calm pool behind the obstacle. They can be located on the side of rivers or in the middle or rivers. Being able to "catch" or stop in these calm pools is one of the keystones of whitewater paddling. You can use an eddy to slow you down and rest, wait for your friends, look around and scout what is coming next, navigate hazards, and/or to access different river features like surf waves. Eddies are also where you get in and out of a river.

Ferry-the act of crossing a section of river without going downstream, or with going downstream as little as possible. While usually thought of as crossing the entire river, a ferry may simply involve moving out into the current a certain distance before allowing the boat to move downstream. Useful for navigating sections of the river and going from point A to B safely.

Once you develop your skills on flatwater rivers, you can start paddling some mellow whitewater. If you're keen, having fun, and feeling confident you'll continue to progress. Here's an example of a logical progression for aspiring whitewater paddlers in Prince George and where you would be going:

1. POOL: PG aquatic centre
2. LAKE: West Lake
3. Grade I: Nechako River in town
4. Grade I+: Upper Willow River
5. Grade II: Boulder Section of the Bowron River
6. Grade II-II+: Stellako River
7. Grade II-III: Isle Pierre Section on the Nechako River
8. Grade II-III: Portage Canyon on the Bowron River
9. Grade II-III: Lower Willow

(NOTE: the gradings listed here are based on medium river levels. Most rivers are more difficult in higher water and easier in low water. Some of the narrow canyon-type rivers like the Lower Willow are strongly effected by water level. In the low water of August it's usually a grade I-II run but in the flood waters of May it can be grade IV+. Having a good idea what the river level is before putting on is essential and experience plays a big part here. For a detailed assessment of river grades check this link: grade).

Most of the veteran boaters in the club probably took one or two full seasons to get through the above list. It should be made clear that throughout these steps you would have experienced paddlers guiding and assisting you. Sometimes it's worthwhile to head back to the pool, lake or easy river to work specifically on certain skills like the roll. I know for the first couple years kayaking I had to constantly go back to the lake or pool to work on my roll. It's takes a while to get it down solidly --- and it is the single MOST critical skill to learn. Confidence on the water has everything to do with how good your roll is. If you know you can roll it makes a huge difference for trying something on a river cuz no worries if you flip --- you're going to roll back up! And once you're on a real river trying stuff you will flip --- all the time. So beginners and novices should be practicing their roll constantly. Once you learn it in the pool, KEEP PRACTICING!! Don't stop. I can't stress the importance of this enough. Like do 10 in a row and flip over every which way. Then do 10 more. And again. Seriously. On a river it is often the difference between having fun and not.

Whitewater kayaking is without question one of the most ridiculously fun sports there are, and the reward is simple --- the biggest grin on your face ever!! Either from the sense of accomplishment from making a move on a river, running a rapid, or just enjoying the amazing setting of the river wilderness with some great people. For a lot of us what makes this sport so great is being a member of a larger paddling community. This is because unlike many other sports, kayaking is unique in how we rely on each other to get down the river. It makes us a pretty tight knit group, even when you travel to other communities to paddle and meet other boaters. Good times and great friendships. 

This spring is looking very promising! And with the melt getting under way we'll be out on the water soon. Can't wait!! Until then see you next Wednesday evening at the pool. If you need more information on kayaking in Prince George, buying gear, upcoming river trips, or anything related to paddling, check out the forum on the right hand menu. You can also find us on Facebook --- please join our club page!! (search under Facebook for Northwest Brigade Paddling Club). 

Brigade Executive for 2011

Last week we held our Annual General Meeting in Prince George and I'm stoked to say we had a great turn out. There was a good discussion about the past year and lots of ideas thrown around about next year's paddling season including club pool sessions, a possible winter trip to Tofino, paddlefest, and swiftwater safety seminars. We also voted in our Club Executive for 2011. Here they are:

Club President Deanna Danskin (aka doubleD)

Deanna has been involved with the club since 2007 and is a regular on river trips and paddling festivals in our area. Anyone that's paddled with her knows how fun she is to have around. Thanks for stepping up Deanna!

Vice-President Fraser Jordan

Having shown a real commitment to the sport in his first season kayaking, there is no question that Fraser has become one of the new leaders in our paddling community. Awesome to have you involved Frase!

Club Treasurer Rick Brine (aka rollingriot)

Rick has been paddling and actively invovled with the club longer than anyone. His dedication over the years is second to none and we are all very fortunate he continues to be a leading member of the Brigade. The club owes you a beer Rick! That's him on the right in the picture above. Beside is his son Mike and of course Deanna in the background.

Secretary Chad Ridsdale (aka Naughty)

One of the seasoned members of the club, Chad has been instrumental in helping new paddlers get into the sport. This past year he stepped this up big time and organized weekly beginner trips to teach the basics. The fact that many of these beginners have stuck with it is testimony to his skill as a teacher and commitment to the Brigade. Chad you are the real schizzle-rizzle dude!

Director of Safety Ian Norn

Ian is another long time veteran of the Brigade who has also been active in getting new paddlers on the water as well as leading river trips. He is also a certified kayak instructor, qualified in swiftwater rescue, and is a virtual encyclopedia of PG whitewater lore and local river beta.

Director of Pool Sessions Matt DeLong (aka Yellowboater)

Matt is one of the keen new faces in Prince George paddling scene from this past season and has become a regular on our local runs. He started paddling in Eastern Canada before moving here last year. Great to have you on board Matt!

Director of Membership Duncan McColl

Duncan started with the Brigade back in 07. Although he usually has busy summers fighting fires all over BC, when he's able to get out on the water it's good times. He is also the club chainsaw pro and is our resident expert on log jam removal.

Director of Paddlefest Jason McLoy (aka heyfredyourhat)

If regularly driving all the way out from Burns Lake to paddle with the Brigade isn't commitment to the sport than I don't know what is. This guy is all over paddling like a starved dachund on a liverwurst saltine! Straight outta Burns... can't wait for paddlefest this year!! Thanks for helping Jay.

Assistant Director of Paddlefest Rob Webster

From Isle Pierre to the Willow River, if you read the forum this year you knew that Rob and his son Scott had a hoot paddling our local waterways this summer. Thanks for helping out with next season Rob!

Director of Social Events Melanie Madill (aka melanium00)

Melanie is also one of the new paddlers from this past season and was a regular in Chad's beginner nights. Can't think of anyone more qualified to lead up the social events calendar for 2011. Thanks Mel!

Director of Social Media Matt Feagan

That would be me, the guy who does all the talking here. I'm still enjoying writing the blog, newsletter  and all things club media related and keen to do this for next season. I've been with the club since 2005 and I'm super stoked on the all the new paddlers coming out. Let's try to keep this going!

Member at Large Jaylene Parvitzlovokianeresque
Being a mother of 3 and teaching yoga several times a week takes up a lot of time, which explains why most people rarely see Jaylene on the river these days. I'm convinced she'll get out sometime soon but until then thanks for staying involved!

Member at Large Gretchen Prystawik
Another busy mama not seen on the river in some time but no matter. Gretchen manages all our Guidebook sales and shipping. Thanks for the continued help!

That's all for now. The 2010 paddling season is definitely winding its way down so here's to the good times and next season. Cheers!

Late Season PG Paddling

It's that time of year again, when the days get shorter and the leaves turn color before the snow flies. Thankfully, water levels around Prince George have come up recently, and there's some decent boating to be had close to home.The Willow is near playboating levels and all the mountain runs to the east are up. Enjoy some pix taken from visiting New Zealand Andy Thompson and local Duncan McColl. Cheers! And the season's far from over yet so get on the river while it's still good!

UnLikely 2010

Last weekend a bunch of us made the trip down from Prince George and the north to the UnLikely Paddling Festival. This has to be the best paddling get-together I've been to, and having been six years in a row it has never disappointed. Awesome whitewater, great people, and a wicked party. Friday night had Drum and Bell Tower play the Likely Hilton, and Saturday Night Blackberry Wood from Vancouver got the crowd jumping till the wee hours. River trips included runs on the Upper Quesnel and Upper and Lower Cariboo. Levels were a little lower than normal for this time of year, but still good times in a beautiful area and friendly community. Enjoy the pix below! And here's a link to a video of the weekend: UnLikely