WW2
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INFORMATION
Bill Bowman 613 828-3362 wbowman@ncf.ca
Web site http: http://web.ncf.ca/ad554/WW2.htm
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The canoe rental fee does not include the shuttle. If you can't transport it yourself for the Sunday downriver run, you will have to negotiate a fee with Paddler Co-op. |
The main course on this weekend will be this Level 2 canoeing course, with a
full day at Palmers Rapids followed by a downriver run from Aumond’s
Bay to
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.
Professional instruction will be given by Paddler Co-op of Palmer Rapids. There will
be 1 instructor for 4 or 5 canoes.
Level 2 is not suitable for novice canoeists. Rapids are much more difficult
than those encountered on Level 1, and a basic competence in moving water is
assumed. The prerequisite for WW2 canoeing is WW1 canoeing. Participants may
wish to brush up on a flat water skills pre-training and safety course. A
pre-training course is scheduled for
There will be ample opportunity to practice at this course - each participant
will have a seat in a canoe 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 canoes.
Paddler Co-op will rent white water canoes for $55 per person (plus tax)
for the weekend. This rental fee includes the paddles, PFDs and helmets. You must be able to transport it yourself for
the Sunday downriver run, or negotiate a fee with Paddler Co-op for this
service.
You may bring your own canoes, but be certain they are suitable for white water
(normally, this means
You may also
be able to rent one of the 7
through, the warden mailto:opewarden@scouts.ca. The Opemikon canoes come with float bags, but no paddles or
other accessories.
Lastly, you might be able to make a deal with another Venturer company which is not using all of their canoes. YOU MUST MAKE THESE ARRANGEMENTS PRIOR TO BOOKING WITH PADDLER CO-OP. There are NO REFUNDS. If you are bringing your own canoes, you must arrange the Sunday shuttle together with other participants. Paddler Co-op contracts this service out, so there will be an extra fee if you need them to do it.
You will spend
the first day at Palmer Rapids, a very good and exciting rapid for training.
The second day, Level 2 canoeists will move downstream, and 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. Be sure to register shortly after your arrival.
On Sunday a car shuttle will be necessary. We must drop enough vehicles at
REQUIREMENTS
You must be confident in moving water canoeing and be able to execute eddy
turns and ferries. Participants may wish to brush up at a pre-training course
(no charge), which will take place at
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.
PARTNERS
If at all possible, we would like to have youth paddling with youth, and adults
with adults. We feel that this will be better for learning for all concerned.
Try to avoid having partners with greatly differing weights. Do your best.
We would also like partners to have roughly equal time at both bow and stern
positions.
Companies that have an odd number of people will be paired with another company
in the same situation. If the extra person is a youth member, he or she should
paddle with a youth from the other group.
DIRECTIONS
There is no simple direct route to Palmer Rapids from
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
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 section.
WHAT TO BRING
All camping gear and food.
Drinking water. There is running water on site.
An approved PFD, whistle, paddle, and seat in a canoe 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
and mosquitoes can be quite bad at this time of year.
Sunscreen and sunglasses.
Glasses strap.
A water bottle and gorp (snacks). 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.
Knee pads. These are optional, but are a welcome luxury. Some, but not all,
canoes have built-in kneepads.
A wet suit is strongly advised if cold or rainy weather is in the forecast.
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. 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 footwear is not allowed.