We're not just a whitewater kayaking posse

This past summer (August 2013) Leanne and I (pictured above) had an opportunity to paddle the Broken Group Islands in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. The Broken Group are a network of approximately 100 islands off West Coast Vancouver Island. The network of small islands allows for sheltered sea kayak touring on an otherwise exposed coastal region. West coast Vancouver Island is, in general, a rich ecological and cultural area. It is home to five different first nations and tribes, many of whom live in isolated coastal areas. Most noticeable during our visit was the fact that we were recreating in a temperate rainforest. In nearby Port Alberni (100kms West of Ucluelet) the weather was as dry or drier than the Okanagan. The Ucluelet, Tofino, and Pacific Rim regions were lush this past August. This was an advantage we revelled in to enjoy midsummer, beachside campfires (campfire bans restricted opportunities for fires in most southern part of the province for most of the summer months). 

We opted for a guided day kayak tour with Majestic Ocean Kayaking for our adventure. A torn left rotator cuff injury was a factor in seeking ways to avoid long crossings from Vancouver Island to the Broken Group. Options for manageable crossings do exist. I found a great resource in a superb guide book authored by John Kimantas. In preparation for our trip I purchased his book "The BC Coast Explorer." The book offers great trip advice, invaluable info on the cultural and ecological significance of many areas, and detailed, kayak touring specific maps that aid in trip planning. However, local knowledge for any paddling trip should never be underestimated. The assistant guide on our trip described an easy, efficient, launch and route for reaching the Broken Group not described in the most recent guide books.

Majestic Ocean Kayaking provided a sea taxi to the Broken Group. Two proficient guides led us through a maze of islands and calm, and sheltered waters. They interpreted the sea life below us, and allowed us to leisurely enjoy the rugged landscape that revealed itself around each point we navigated. Despite the constant rain throughout our tour, we enjoyed our experience. The taxi operator had recently taken an interest in crafting traditional Greenland-style touring kayak paddles and had offered his prototype to the assistant guide to try for our tour. The guide subsequently offered the paddle to me. After a few awkward strokes, I couldn't put it down. I initially doubted it's ability to efficiently propel me through the water. However, after paddling with it for five minutes I was amazed by the single piece of cedar's ability to "pop" out of the water, and the effortlessness involved with each stroke. The smell of of the cedar paddle was also a reprieve from the carbon fibre contraption and over-used/under laundered gear I was accustomed to.

Leanne and I used a combination of Bed and Breakfasts and campgrounds for accommodations during our trip. The B&B's were "hit and miss." We had an exceptional experience at the tour operator's accommodations http://www.majesticoceanbb.ca/. Private accommodations and a much needed soak in the seaside hot tub awaited us there, along with a comfortable room and a great breakfast the next day. For supper in Ucluelet we recommend Hank's http://www.hanksucluelet.com/. They serve great local fare on a menu that is constantly evolving. We also stayed at Wya Point Campground during our time on West Coast Vancouver Island. Although somewhat dysfunctional as an operation, this is probably the best private campground camping available in the country simply due to it's location. We camped beachside, with crashing surf and the smell of the ocean outside our vestibule. We relaxed evenings with a campfire and the sound of crashing surf as we nursed craft brews from Tofino Brewing Co. (Leanne's fav was Reign in Blonde while mine was Tuff Sessions).

We had a great time on the West Coast of the Island. Expect rain even if it's bone dry for the rest of the province. The advantage is that you'll still be able to have a campfire and you'll enjoy lush scenery wherever you go. A sea kayaking course is recommended if you intend to navigate coastal waters on your own (Paddle Canada Level 2 skills award recommended). Otherwise, guided trips are the way to go.

Whitewater SUP Shuvit

2013... Yup it is in full swing! Summer post and Spring recap including PG Paddlefest!

Well paddling season is in full swing 

Photo Norno

After taking boats on the road to find access to open water the local runs are pumpin’

With high levels come big changes, the dinosaur bones that Al watched Jesus put in the Bowron to provide local boaters with eddy service have been swept away. 

Wayne's World Wave ...Before with logs and dinosaurs bones at high water (photo Matt D. paddler De-Cline)

Now not so much now at really high water. Good by eddy service. (Photo Fraser)

But that didn't keep boats off the river as the Bowron’s boulder run is one of the good close to town runs for knocking the cobwebs off early season.

The Willow on the other hand was a freight train with levels that are cleaning out the wood that since the last big flow have been perched above the heads of boaters for most of the season.

Members of the brigade also hit the Quesnel while waiting for PG’s local runs to either have access or get to levels that are fun.  An early season trip to hi the lower Q (and get a local boater back acquainted with Lucky) washed a few cobwebs off.

The upper Quesnel provided some early season play on the wave at Likely

Surf is up in Likely (Photo: Norno)

Best Drop on the upper Quesnel (Photo: Norno)

 And a solid run through “the eyebrow” with Norno shooting pics and leading the charge.

The Gnarchako has seen boats as well.  With low levels it has been great for beginners looking to hit moving water and test the rolls they worked on during the clubs annual pool session; which were a great success. 

The Quesnel crew has also been out and boating, hitting up a wave on the Necosli, running the lower Q and even getting some PG folks out for the Cottonwood.

Richard getting ready to put in at "Kickoff" on the Cottonwood. Photo: Hank "no show" Snow

Paddle Fest! (aka Loos-er-fest)

I had said that I would update the blog long before the annual PG Paddle Fest, but I didn't.  So for those that couldn't or just didn't make it out here is the post trip report.
Once again we headed out to the spectacular Robson Valley for Paddlefest! Wayne and Carol have yet to get sick of our company and provided the venue out at Loos.

Unfortunatly this year a washout on the Morkil FSR prevented access to the run below the falls but that didn't slow us down.  A good sized group managed to get out on the lower run and six of us paddled the canoe run (there was even a canoe!).

Most of the paddlefest crew from the Morkil

After the Morkil both the Holmes and the Dore saw some action and a slightly delayed mission went off on the Goat.

Al dropping into Beaver Falls (Photo R. Brine)

Post Holmes spancership pic, thanks Beer...

Just starting to Fire it up in Loos(Photo: Norno)

Summer!

Well now that the catchin' up is kinda over it is Summer in PG!

Play came and went on the Willow in some what quickly, but when it was in almost everyone came out.

Eddy Jam at Surf City (Photo:  DelongTime)

And our local SUP Guru, after notching up a bunch of SUP firsts in PG last season, managed to stick a shoveit... ya spancers ya'll best be lining up.

SUP with Andrew Cline (Photo: Kim Astra)

Paddling is on in PG, new boaters and old(er) boaters... make that more experienced boaters... have been getting out in kayaks and canoes, SUP on the river is happening and summer has only just begun!

Now it is off to check out the Clearwater...
  

See ya on the river (and check us out on the Facebook – that’s where the irreverent banter and stuff happens)

2012 Fall Update

The NWBPC experienced some great fall paddling. Late August and early September trips to Likely included some fantastic runs on the Lower Cariboo and Upper Quesnel rivers. Likely fest was a great time (as usual), even if the organized party scene was a bit more low key (couldn't have been that bad if one NWBPC club member flew all the way from the UK just to be there). Pictured above are club members Duncan McColl and Matt DeLong at the bouillon pit.

Kayakers weren't the only paddlesport enthusiasts to shred Likely. New to PG and club member wannabe Andrew Cline made multiple first descents in the Central Interior this season as a stand-up-paddler. AC had some great surfs on the Lower 'boo on this spectacular day of sunshine and green glassy waves.

September also saw a small contingent of NWBPC members head east for Mini Fraser fest. Although the temps were cool, and the levels were low, it was a good intro to the Upper Fraser for new club members. Vet Ian Norn showed us the ropes and styled Overlander and Rearguard Falls in the process. Here's Ian hitting the cleanest line of the day on Overlander, making it look way too easy.

NWBPC members also highly benefited from the rediscovery of the Whitemud rapids on the Nechako river. Although the Nechako dropped significantly through the fall, it was by far the warmest water around. The Whitemud rapids provided excellent post-work sessions through the week. Although the features were small, the dropping water levels continually revealed a changing river and new features to discover. Pictured below is newbie paddler Haley Letchford finding her mojo at WM.

Some of the last outings for club members this year included runs on the Lower Quesnel. This is a stellar run. It's short, but the play is endless. Quesnel shred king Richard Dekker led multiple NWBPC paddlers on first time runs on this section of the river in September and October. This is a run that will no doubt be on more paddlers "must paddle" list for 2013. Pictured below is NWBPC paddler Jason McCloy ripping up Roadside.

With winter on it's way and rivers freezing over paddlers have moved into the pool to stay on their game and help newbies develop some skills. Club organized sessions are slated for December 12th, January 16th, February 13th, and then will begin weekly March 6th to April 17th. All sessions are from 9 to 10pm. If you've been thinking about checking out the sport, there's no better place to try it out than in the pool. If you're looking to meet paddlers and make sure they're all not a bunch of weirdos, you can also check out the club Facebook page here http://www.facebook.com/groups/297571726611/ and connect at an upcoming social.

Summertime Update

Summer's winding down but NWB members continue paddling local runs, travelling to paddling festivals, and finding prime features. The season has been marked by a handful of new paddlers who have really made an investment in time and energy to get themselves on rivers, upping their skill sets and confidence. Pictured above is newbie Erin getting a sweet ride at Surf City.

The season began with a handful of runs on the Willow. A bit further East, the Bowron soon came in, forming the local favourite Wayne's World wave. The wave can often come in for a short period of time, before the river level drops again. But this year the river kept rising. Thankfully, the log jam that helps create the eddy service to the wave didn't blow out. It looked like it might on a few occasions.

With the rising water came the formation of a new wave. It quickly became known as the Brown wave, perhaps due to the colour of the water at this time of year. The high water also forced paddlers to be creative with the run through Portage Canyon. Part of the Vama Vama FSR washed out, and paddlers opted to take out at Box Canyon off the Beaver FSR. Pictured below is Jason and Al at the Brown wave.

Nine boaters made an early June run on the Blackwater, a seldom run river an hour Southwest of PG. The run is made challenging by a 27km section of canyon beginning shortly after the put-in. It quickly turned "epic" as a paddler was injured in the first third of the run. This resulted in a five hour hike by the injured paddler and two others. Thankfully, Ross was ok, and all ended well with pizza and beers at the end of the day. In the picture below the road we hiked to is beyond the tree line!

As levels dropped, play came in on the Willow, and some guy with a surfboard showed up to carpool to the river one evening. Most of us didn't know what to think of the guy doing the SUP thing, but he quickly gained respect from everyone. The balance and control required to do everything we do sitting on our butts, standing up, is phenomenal. Andrew later pushed the limits of local SUP with a great run on the Lower Lower Willow.

The summer also saw the rediscovery of a set of rapids, possibly un-run for 10 years. The Whitemud rapids on the Nechako river, which become "prime" at around four on the online gauge, are catch-on-the-fly, but provide lots of entertainment and the feeling of paddling "bigger water." Pictured below is Duncan McColl.

August paddling has been marked by trips by NWB paddlers to Clearwater, Skookumchuck Narrows, the Kananaskis river, and Tatlow fest in Smithers. This weekend paddlers descend on Likely for runs on the Cariboo and Quesnel rivers, in anticipation of Likely fest in mid September. Spirits have been high with the growth of the club over the past year. However, there's also been an explosion of popularity on the club's Facebook page. Although it hasn't been rare to see 10 paddlers out for a run throughout the season, it's a far cry from the 100+ "virtual paddlers" on our Facebook group. So, if you've been following us on FB, send us a message, learn how to roll, and we'll do our best to organize a paddle that matches your ability level. Ciao, and happy paddling!

Spring, finally

With a number of river runs in the last week and the last of a very successful set of pool sessions, paddling season is well under way in Prince George.

Early in the year Brigade members travelled to several world-class paddling venues within BC, looking for warmer temperatures and decent boating. A trip to Tofino on Vancouver Island was definitely a departure for me personally, I'd never tried board surfing before so ocean waves were a new challenge. 

On a couple of days the wind was off the hook and it made paddling out past the breaking surf difficult. I quickly developed a good deal of respect for the raw power of ocean surf, getting it wrong would occasionally result in my short boat being tumbled end-over-end. River waves generally don't do that :) How Matt managed standing up on his surfboard was beyond me. Judging by the number of waves Rebecca and I caught in our kayaks, boat surfing seems much simpler.

By the end of the week I was on my own paddling, but I managed to hook up with some Vancouver Kayak Club boaters and was impressed to see they had some novices riding the whitewater closer to the beach. They looked like they were having a complete blast.

I'm resolved to organise another winter trip to Tofino, it's a beautiful chilled out little town with some awesome surf. Roll on next winter (did I really just say that??). Thanks to Matto for organising the trip, and to Luke for accommodations and sick surf videos.

Over the Easter weekend, Rebecca and I paddled the Chilliwack River near Chilliwack in BC. The canyon section was at very low water but made for a technical (and sometimes thrilling) start to paddling rivers this season. We also managed a run from Slesse Creek to Tamahi rapid, which was a much more relaxed paddle in glorious sunshine.

After Easter the rivers around PG were open enough for paddling to begin in earnest. Beginner runs down the Nechako in town and runs down Isle Pierre and the Lower Willow for the more experienced have all been fun, with the Willow already well on its way to a very high level. Prime Willow canyon play levels occurred around mid April.

In the next few weeks we will be organising lake sessions to introduce interested beginners to paddle strokes as well as rolling in cold water. Keep an eye on the club's Facebook page or the club blog for updates on this.

That's it for now, apart from a big thanks to Matt DeLong for organising the pool sessions. Thanks also to everyone that took part, especially those that brought boats and gear and gave up their pool time to help out new paddlers.

Frase.

Pool sessions 2012

If recent weather is anything to go by then Winter is pretty much over. Time then to begin thinking about long evenings paddling on a lake, or drifting between rapids in the warm sun. The paddling season in Prince George traditionally begins with sessions in the pool to prepare for the year ahead, and this year is no different. We will be renting the shallow pool at the Prince George Aquatic Centre from 9-10pm every Monday evening starting on March 5th and running into the start of the outdoor paddling season in April.

Pool sessions are a great way to dust off your skills and equipment for the rivers and we hope to see many existing paddlers there, especially if you haven't managed to get to any of the informal sessions that have been going on over winter.

If you are a novice or have never been in a kayak before but have any sort of interest in paddling, whether it's taking on some of the many local rapids, touring on lakes, or simply floating down the Nechako then learning to roll is a key skill that will bolster your confidence enormously on the water. Club pool sessions are a great way to learn the roll since seasoned paddlers will be on hand to offer the benefits of their experience.

No previous experience or equipment is required, there should be spare boats and paddles available. However these will be assigned on a first come, first served basis. If you wish to guarantee the availability of a boat then contact Rick at Backwater Paddling via phone or email to discuss a rental. Rick's website is http://members.shaw.ca/backwater/

Costs for pool sessions this year are $25 for the first session which includes club membership for the year and insurance for club events, and $5 per subsequent session. Please note when you attend the pool DO NOT pay the pool entrance fee, just mention the kayak club and pay your fees to the eager-looking gentleman with the kayaks.

That's all for now, see you in the pool!

Frase.