Whitewater

GATFEST - Aug 25-26

GatFest is a challenging C3+ Festival for WhitewATer Fanatics. There is always lotza huge water in the Gatineau and there will be hundreds of paddlers having tons of fun.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Near Maniwaki
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, August 25, 2012 - 09:00
Event Duration: 
1-2 days
Difficulty Rating: 
Advanced
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

GatFest website now has videos of all the wonderful rapids at www.gatineau.org/en
We will camp at Bonnet Rouge at the GatFest Take-out to avoid waiting for shuttle buses and to avoid crushing in with hundreds of tents enjoying the all night band at Maniwaki high school. GatFest does not provide rescue so itz nice to paddle with friends! There are portages for most of the rapids.

Camping at Bonnet Rouge is $20. We can enjoy our own campfire, visit the Festival at Maniwaki, and sleep in a quiet scenic location, instead of paying the GatFest Fees for shuttle and dinner ($70). We plan to RAFT the Gatineau on Friday for only $60, a real fun rafting day. Rafting is also available during GatFest - but book early.

Required Items to Bring: 

Fully air-bagged boat

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Directions and Info: www.bonnetrougerafting.com

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Jay Neilson & Frank Knaapen
Phone: 
613-687-6037

Ottawa River Center Channel - Jly 29

Enjoy big waves, surfing and ferrying where there is always lotza water. McCoy's Rapid at level -2.5 is awesome. Swimming the Ottawa River Center Channel Chutes is also big water fun, even for 6 year olds. Recovery pools and chutes are fun to swim in during hot summer weather.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Ottawa River Center Channel
Date(s) & Time: 
Sunday, July 29, 2012 - 10:30
Event Duration: 
1 day until 4:30 p.m.
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

We will meet at Owl Put-In on McCoy's Rd at 10:30 a.m.
We recommend rafting with River Run on Saturday.

Required Items to Bring: 

Full airbags and a helmet

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Personal First Aid and Lunch. We carry lotza first aid in our barrel.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

McCoy Road at the Owl Put-In

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
jneilson
Phone: 
613-687-6037

Ottawa River - Jly 22 - Center Channel

The Ottawa River Center Channel is a great day of whitewater paddling with plenty of big wave action and tons of water. The level Owl Guage is at about -1.75

The Basics
Event Location: 
Ottawa River Center Channel
Date(s) & Time: 
Sunday, July 22, 2012 - 10:00
Event Duration: 
1 day
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

We are currently 2 boats, join us by signing up below. We will ferry play below Little Picky and McCoy's and anybody wanting to run McCoy's is welcome, we will setup below to rescue their canoe(s). The rest of the river has a few surfing waves to dump at and some big fun rock and roll, all with good recovery pools. On the Saturday (we cannot paddle on the Saturday) you could raft, or bike, or camp at River Run or Wilderness Tours and sit in their hot tub and enjoy bungee humping ?? OR you could enjoy relaxing at Black Bay near Petawawa (On the Petawawa River) at our waterfront palace complete with fine wine and dining, La Dolce Vita!

Required Items to Bring: 

Fully outfitted whitewater canoe, and helmet.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Lunch, personal first aid

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Meet at the public parking provided by OWL. It is on McCoy's Road
We meet at 10 a.m.

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Jay & Frank Knaapen
Phone: 
613-687-6037

Ottawa River - Jly 15 Center Channel

Looking for whitewater ??? There is lotza water in the Ottawa River. We are currently 2 boats paddling the center channel on Sunday. To join us, sign up below.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Ottawa River Center Channel
Date(s) & Time: 
Sunday, July 15, 2012 - 10:00
Event Duration: 
1 day
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

We will meet at the usual parking area provided by Owl Rafting at 10 a.m. and be off the river by about 3 p.m. The Ottawa does have portages around a couple of more difficult spots otherwise itz all fun runnable big action waves, starting with ferrying practice below Little Picky, some rock and roll below McCoy's (if ur not actually brave enough to run McCoy's), a couple of great surfing waves... All the rapids have good recovery areas! Activities for Saturday could include rafting or biking ... unfortunately Frank is only available on the Sunday.

Required Items to Bring: 

Lunch, drinking water, personal first aid.
Fully outfitted whitewater boat with air bags.
Helmet, neoprene is not necessary as the water is warm now.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Meet at the public put in parking provided by Owl at 10 a.m., it is on McCoy's Road.

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Jay & Frank Knaapen
Phone: 
613-687-6037

Palmer Rapids Canada Day Weekend Camp & Play

Please join us for our traditional camping weekend at Palmer Rapids. We stay at Jessup's campsite right on the river at the rapids. This is a fun, relaxed Canada Day weekend suitable for novice or better moving water paddlers. Probably more people had had their first taste of moving water here than in any other spot in Ontario. There are a couple of sets of Class 1-2 rapids almost outside your tent door. I'm happy to give some informal paddling pointers to new river runners.There's a sandy beach where the kids can play or swim. For family members who aren't into paddling, there are restaurants and interesting shops nearby in Wilno and Barry's Bay. Running down the Lower Madawaska for the day is also a possibility.

We're there Friday to Monday, but you can come & go at any time.

You will need a Royalex canoe with flotation, and a helmet, along with the usual PFD and paddle. Canoes can be rented nearby at Paddler Co-op (see their website), or from Don Adams in Griffith, who will deliver to Jessups for a fee (613-333-2240). If renting, tell them you want thigh straps in the canoe. It will make a huge amount of difference to your control.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Palmer Rapids, Madawaska River
Date(s) & Time: 
Friday, June 29, 2012 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
Book immediately.
Event Duration: 
4 Days
Difficulty Rating: 
Novice
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

We'll reserve a spot and we will arrive at the campsite on Friday afternoon. From then on, it's an open weekend to just have fun.

Required Items to Bring: 

The campsite provides basic facilities of some picnic tables, outhouses, and water pump. It's car camping. We prefer to bring our Toronto water, but many prefer the well water. There is a general store and a small restaurant nearby in Palmer Rapids. Camp fees are in the range of $20-$25/tent/night.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Direction to Palmers Rapids
Jessup’s Camp Ground & Dam Road access through park

 From Peterborough - go north up Hwy 28 to Bancroft.
 In Bancroft, turn left on Hwy 62 thought Manooth and Combermere.
 In Combermere, just over the bridge turn right on Hwy 515.
 Just after you cross over the river again on your right you will see a local road (River Bend Road) turn right here --the river is on your immediate right.
 The road goes more or less straight.
 When it makes a sharp turn to the left, there should be a one lane dirt driveway straight in front of you. You will see a wooden sign with a teepee and canoe in orange paint.
 Go up the low hill and drive along until you come to the campground.
 Harold is usually there, ask him where the WCA people are.
 Failing that we will probably be in the area straight ahead of you.
 Hopefully down to the right under some big pines which is the prime group camping spot, or, in that general area.
 If you actually get into the village of Palmer Rapids, you've gone too far along 515.
 The address of the campground is 266 River Bend Road.
 I believe the fee is $20-$25 / tent / night.

Google maps Palmer Rapids
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=266+River+Bend+Drive,+P...

Palmer Rapids Village is just to the right, off the map.

The road showing in the upper right is Jewellville Road.

Dam Road gives access to bottom of rapids below Jessup’s through park (no camping, day use only)

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Bill Ness
Phone: 
416-321-3005
Email: 

Harricana River

Trip down the Harricana River to James Bay over an eight day period.
Experienced paddling skiills

The Basics
Event Location: 
Harricana River in eastern Quebec
Date(s) & Time: 
Monday, July 2, 2012 (All day)
Registration Cut Off: 
June 15, 2012
Event Duration: 
From door to door about 12 days
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
Experienced white water paddlers
Maximum Group Size: 
3 boats
Minimum Group Size: 
2 boats
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

Arrive in Cochrane evening of July 1. Shuttled to put-in July 2. Paddle for the next eight days to mouth of the river at James Bay. Overnight at the First Nation's Ecolodge. Shuttled across James Bay by freighter canoe to Moosonee. Return to Cochrane by train- Polar Bear Express.

Required Items to Bring: 

White water boat outfitted for the trip

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Don Crosby
Phone: 
519-369-2850

Paddle The Don River - 20th anniversary - IMPORTANT UPDATE

This event will NOT BE FREE THIS YEAR. There will be a registration fee per canoe. The amount has not been confirmed yet. You still have to register in advance and it will fill up quickly, so register early. The target date to open the online registration is March 5. You will still be able to help raise money to support regeneration projects within the Don watershed by completing a pledge form from the website. Go to http://www.paddlethedon.ca/ for more information and to sign up for 2013 event notifications when available.
Paddle the Don River – Sunday May 5, 2013 Join us for the 20th annual Manulife Paddle the Don River day. This half a day paddle starts at Ernest Thompson Seton Park (enter via Wilket Creek Park on the west side of Leslie Street, north of Eglinton Ave East) and winds its way south for about 10.5 km to the Keating Channel at Lake Ontario. Members of the WCA will be helping out as volunteer weir watchers along the way. The river is flooded for this event so there will be moving water, swifts and rapids. There are three weirs; the first two must be portaged and the third may be run. Bring your white water canoe, paddling gear for cold water, and a camera. The river offers a unique view of the city landscape, city wilderness and maybe wildlife. The takeout is located at 170 Villiers Street at the northwest corner of Villiers Street and the Don Roadway. Here you will find free entertainment and food and drink for purchase (or you can bring your own lunch). A free shuttle bus will take you back to the start where you can pick up your car and drive back to the takeout to pick-up your canoe.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Don River - Toronto
Date(s) & Time: 
Sunday, May 5, 2013 - 06:00
Registration Cut Off: 
see the website http://www.paddlethedon.ca for details. Suggest you register in the first hour when open.
Event Duration: 
half to full day.
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
anyone who signs up as a weir watcher or registers as a paddler only.
Maximum Group Size: 
300 boats
Minimum Group Size: 
you
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

See the TRCA website for a lot of information http://www.paddlethedon.ca

Required Items to Bring: 

See the TRCA website for a lot of information http://www.paddlethedon.ca. Further information will be sent to weir watchers.

Recommended Items to Bring: 

See the TRCA website for a lot of information http://www.paddlethedon.ca. Further information will be sent to weir watchers.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

See the TRCA website for a lot of information http://www.paddlethedon.ca. Further information will be sent to weir watchers.

Carpool Info: 

n/a

Other
Cancellation Policy: 
If you do not show, someone else cannot canoe in your place.
Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Gary James
Phone: 
416-512-6690

Otoskwin-Attawapiskat River

Join us for a fabulous one month trip down the Otoskwin-Attawapiskat River. Some white water, mostly flat. Three paddlers now committed, looking for up to 3 more paddlers.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Otoskwin-Attawapiskat Rivers
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, July 14, 2012 - 07:00
Event Duration: 
One Month: July 14 - Aug 14, 2012
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
All
Maximum Group Size: 
3 boats, solos welcome
Minimum Group Size: 
2 boats, solos welcome
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

July 14, 2012 - August 14, 2012
VIA Rail Toronto to Savant Lake, shuttle to put in north of Pickle Lake. Canoe the Otoskwin River to Attawapiskat River to James Bay.
http://www.recped.com/attawapiskat/gpsvisualizer.html
https://picasaweb.google.com/110791923242380319035/OtoskwinAttawapiskat#

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Frank de Jong
Phone: 
416-533-6798

Hell or High Water raft race, Petawawa Town section

Join Aleks at this 1 or 2 day event, raft race supported by ESPRIT, raft guide included. See official info package on www.hohw.ca. Canoes & kayaks welcome!

Safety: All racers should be expected to be competent paddlers in Class 3+ rapids. Scouting and paddling the course in advance is highly recommended, both for safety and for speed. Paddlers should not expect that their safety is in any way assured. The organizers accept no responsibility for providing safety staff, equipment, medical care or a shoulder to cry on.

Esprit will take good care of the rafters. 

The Basics
Event Location: 
Petawawa
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, May 12, 2012 - 10:00
Event Duration: 
1 or 2 days
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Who's Invited: 
You are!
Maximum Group Size: 
2 rafts
Minimum Group Size: 
2 people
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

As per the official info package. You can participate in as many activities as you like.

Required Items to Bring: 

Cold water paddling gear, camping stuff if you're spending the night

Recommended Items to Bring: 

Your smile, photos and stories to share!

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

see the official info package on www.hohw.ca

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Aleks Gusev
Phone: 
416-433-8413

May 5-6: NOIRE River, Quebec

The Noire is a scenic river with a few sets of C3 rapids. We will spend Saturday afternoon at our camp at 50:50 running 50:50 Chute and playing in the rapid below, ferrying, eddying below rocks, and all that fun stuff, above a huge recovery pool.
Sunday we will run a few sets of rapids and finish fairly early at about 2pm.

The Basics
Event Location: 
Near Ft Coulonge on the Ottawa River
Date(s) & Time: 
Saturday, May 5, 2012 - 10:00
Event Duration: 
2 days
Difficulty Rating: 
Intermediate
Participant Info
Maximum Group Size: 
Shuttle is limited to 3 canoes
Itinerary
Itinerary description: 

We will get a late morning shuttle to 50:50 chute where we will camp and run the chute all afternoon. This fun C3-4 chute can be run various ways which makes it interesting to run a few times. The chute portage is short and there is a big pool below and a large campsite. On Sunday there are 3 or 4 C3 rapids, - Manitou Rapid, Hard Right Rapid and hopefully the boulder garden will not be a wash-out.

The shuttle takes only 3 canoes for $200. We will start loading Black River Inn's shuttle van at about 10 a.m. (negotiable). The Inn may not yet be open depending on the weather for their water supply. We will put in at k62 (refer Hap Wilson's Ottawa Rivers) about 1 hour paddle above Right Ferry Rapid.

Required Items to Bring: 

Fully outfitted WW boats with full body wet/dry suits.

How to Get There
Event Directions: 

Meet at Black River Inn where the paved Noire River Rd crosses the first bridge.
It'z about 20 minutes north of Ft Coulonge, the road sign is very small.

Event Coordinator/s Contact Information
Contact (Name): 
Jay & Frank Knaapen
Phone: 
613-687-6037
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