Family Day / Whitewater 101 at Washago
Sunday, May 14, 2006
route:
length: 4.0km, 1 day
difficulty: beginner
participants: Karonne Lansel, Keith Nunn, Laurent Tauveron, Liam Nunn, Mark Hopson, Michael Kreinin, Morgan Baskin, Patrick Wong, Peter Farr, Stephen Farr,
report:
Although the weather forecast was not good we had a solid turnout for this combined event, including non-paddling spouses, relatives and a pack of small children. The afternoon turned out to be warm and partly sunny with no rain as well.
Everyone met at the Black River Wilderness Park, a private campground just south of Washago on highway 169. Laurent and his two boys were already there, having come up the day before and camped overnight through a heavy thunder storm and downpour.
Because of the recent rain the river was at a good level. After making sure everyone was present and sorting out the gear, Keith led a mixed group of tandems, solo boats and a c1 to the second chute and worked on eddy turns, ferrying and surfing. I didn’t see a single gunwale-grab by anyone.
After the initial sessions we broke for lunch in the picnic area. This was when the sun broke through the clouds, and the breeze kept the bugs down so we all had a very pleasant lunch.
After lunch it was back to the river for a session on river reading, followed by a run from the campgrounds all the way down to Pinky’s, the last rapid on this section of river, to practice their skills. Most canoes then paddled back up the river to the campground, leaving our lone c1 behind to be collected by car.
Thanks to everyone who turned up, and especially to Keith for leading the sessions despite some scheduling conflicts.
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