Kayak 2
INFORMATION
Bill Bowman 613 828-3362 wbowman@ncf.ca
Web site http: http://web.ncf.ca/ad554/Kayak2.htm
The main canoeing course will be a Level 2 course,
with a full day at Palmers Rapids followed by a downriver run from Aumond’s Bay to
A Level 2 kayaking course will be at Palmer Rapids
the first day. The syllabus for this
course will evolve on the fly, as instructors will get a feel for the abilities
of participants. A downriver Sunday run
is a possibility, but not assured.
Professional instruction will be given by Paddler Co-op of Palmer Rapids. There will be 1 instructor per 6 kayaks.
The prerequisite for this course is moving water kayak
experience, normally acquired at Kayak 1.
There
will be ample opportunity to practice at this courses
- each participant will have a seat in a kayak available at all times and there
will be a maximum number of participants.
Venturer companies are expected to bring or rent a sufficient number of
white water kayaks. .
Priority
will be given to Venturers and advisors from Voyageur Council. If space permits, Joint Council units and
other Scouting members will be considered.
The course is not open to members of the general public.
Paddler
Co-op will rent white water kayaks for $50
per person (plus tax) for the
weekend. This rental fee includes the paddles, PFDs
and helmets. If there will be a
downriver run, you will have to arrange your own shuttle.
You may also bring your own kayaks, but you must tell us the
make and model, in advance, for approval by Paddler
Co-op. Otherwise, you can rent kayaks
from Paddler Co-op.
But remember, there are NO
REFUNDS.
You
will spend the first day at Palmer Rapids, a very good and exciting rapid for
training.
The
second day, Level 2 kayakers may move downstream if instructors feel they have
the necessary skill. If so, participants will have the opportunity to attempt 8
different rapids between Aumond’s Bay and
All groups must be self-contained for camping and food. Camping will be at Paddler
Co-op in the
Groups
should arrive at camp on Friday evening.
A map accompanies this information.
A Scouts Canada sign will be set up at the side of the road. Be sure to register shortly after your
arrival.
On
Sunday a car shuttle will be necessary for those going downriver. We must drop enough vehicles at
REQUIREMENTS
You
must be confident in moving water canoeing and be able to execute eddy turns
and ferries.
A
helmet is mandatory
for this white water course (water sport or hockey helmet). Bike helmets are NOT PERMITTED ON THESE
COURSES.
An
approved PFD is mandatory
and must be worn at all times when on or near the water.
Swimming
- Participants must be able to swim, and not panic if under water. You do not need to be an excellent swimmer to
enjoy white water canoeing, but it is always an asset.
DIRECTIONS
There
is no simple direct route to Palmer Rapids.
Refer to the
SOME SIMPLE RULES
No
one is permitted on the water at any time without supervision by Paddler Co-op or by special permission from the camp chief.
Please
look after the camping area, and leave it clean and tidy.
Please
respect and obey the instructors. They
are there to make sure that you have a quality white water experience.
Above
all, HAVE
SPECIAL NOTE ON
CLOTHING
On
one of the courses in 2009, the majority of participants showed up with only
warm weather gear, including cotton sweatshirts. Reality hit in the form of a snowstorm and
high winds. Organizers had no choice but to cancel the training for the
day. Participants and advisors are
strongly advised to prepare for inclement weather and to be sure that they
bring appropriate clothing as detailed in the following page.
WHAT TO BRING
All camping gear and food.
Drinking water. There is running water on site, but it may
not have been tested.
An
approved PFD, whistle, paddle, and seat in a canoe or kayak for each person - these
may be rented from Paddler Co-op by prior
arrangement, if desired.
If
you are bringing your own paddling gear or borrowing it, make sure everything
is marked with your name. Paddles and PFDs all look the same, and there will be lots of them.
One helmet per person. Wearing
of these will be mandatory, and bike helmets are not permitted.
Bug juice. Bug jackets are an environmentally-friendly
alternative. Black files can be quite
bad at this time of year.
Sunscreen and sunglasses.
Glasses
strap.
A water bottle or drinks. Keep these small items in a day pack tied to
a thwart.
Warm clothing. Quick dry materials such as polypropylene,
polyester fleece, and a nylon wind jacket and pants are recommended. Avoid
cotton. A rain suit can double as an
extra layer in cold weather. Rubber or
neoprene gloves and a wet suit are possible additions
to the kit list if cold weather is expected.
A
wet suit is strongly advised for the kayaking program. Contact Paddler
Co-op or any outfitter in town.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The
main thing is that you will get WET,
even if you don't dump. You will be
required to do a wet exit at the start of the training. There are generally several dumps during the
weekend.
It
could be rainy or cool. Bring extra warm clothes with you on
the river, but don't wear them because they will get SOAKED. They must be in a waterproof container
(garbage bags inside a pack will do).
Groups must be prepared to have dry
clothes and hot drinks for anyone suffering from exposure to the cold. You have to be prepared for more than 1
dump and inclement weather!.
If you can
afford it, renting a wet suit is a good idea.
Past experience has shown that 2 or 3 dumps are a possibility, and by
then you will be quite cold. Old
sneakers or aqua socks are great for wading in the river; wet feet are a
given. Open-toed sandals are not
recommended.