Rolling....

Count me in for next week (25th) if I can borrow a boat again!I almost got it last night.....
See ya there
Dorothy

Friday Night Paddle Aug 5th

Hi All
The forecast is looking good for Friday night - and I think it's time to come back to Oakville! I was hoping to do Oakville Harbour but the Jazz Festival is on in downtown Oakville, so it will have to be Bronte. If you haven't been there before, from the QEW/403, take Bronte Road south to the Lakeshore and go west (right turn). The first street after the bridge is West River St; turn south (left)and follow to the marina area. We will meet and plan for a 6:30 Launch. It's getting dark a little earlier so we don't want to be too late starting.
Rentals are available from LearntoKayak - let me know if you want a boat - you will need your own tie- down kit, but I should be able to get over there and give you a hand with loading.
See you on the water!
Dorothy

Moonlight Paddle Friday July 15

Sorry for the late notice but a bunch of us are doing a moonlight paddle out of Lasalle Park on Friday night. We're meeting at 8PM for an 8:30 launch and we'll paddle leisurely down to the back of the RBG, and then return with the moon rising before us...I hope!
White light (headlamp) mandatory, glow sticks strongly recomended. All legally required gear must be carried, just in case the police boat is out.
Weather dependent - the forecast looks good but watching the wind predictions.
See you on the water!
Dorothy

1000 Islands

Hi Mike
I've done three trips to the 1000 Islands in the last 3 years - I prefer September as there is virtually no traffic after Labour Day and the Nat'l park islands are much quieter. The Nat Park islands are reasonably inexpensive and have good facilities - the only drawback are the houseboats with their damn generators! Another reason to prefer the fall.
Quite a few of the park islands have limited landing areas, being all rock and the docks are a bit high for kayaks. Camelot is my favorite - it has two excellent sites well away from the docks and those !&$* generators, and a good place to pull up a bunch of kayaks. We used Misty Isles as a launch spot - they have camping, parking and shuttle service if desired, & they also do rentals & tours.
From Camelot, you can range west towards the islands off Gananoque, or east towards the Rift - below the Ive Lea bridge there is a very strong current and some funky currents...not a major issue. We've gone down through the Rift to the Lake of the Isles - less current there, but it gets stronger as the fall progresses - doable in September, but not so much by Thanksgiving. You can run a shuttle if you want, down to Rockport or Mallorytown (park HQ) - I've got maps & charts - feel free to join our paddling group on a Friday night or email me any questions.
Cheers.
Dorothy (rideoughd@gmail.com)

Rescue Practice at Kelso Thursday night July 7th

If anyone is interested, a bunch of us are planning to go up to Kelso on Thursday night and practice some rescues & rolling and such.... Start time approx 6:30 but come anytime - not like we can paddle very far away! Non instructional - only fee is to the gate for entrance.
See you on the water
Dorothy

Fireworks Paddle July 1st

Hi All
No Friday night social paddle this week, but instead, we're doing a Fireworks paddle! If conditions permit, we will meet at Beachway Pavilion on the Burlington beach strip at 8:30PM for a 9PM launch. The show likely won't start til about 10 so we have time to roam around a little...
Everyone welcome - this is not a club trip.
Make sure you have all legally required gear on deck and visible to the police boat and a solid white light (head lamp will do). Also if you have a poly boat, it's a good idea to have a lit flashlight in the forward hatch - looks pretty and increases visibility. Another good idea is reflective strips on deck lines or reflective stickers (like the LearntoKayak stickers!)
The police marine unit will be on hand and they will be checking - there is usually a fair number of motor/sail boats out for this event and good visibilty is a must.
See you on the water!
Dorothy

Friday Night Paddle June 10

Hi All
This Friday we will meet at Lasalle Park in Burlington. To get there, you can take the Waterdown Road exit off the 403, go south and stay straight - it turns into Lasalle at Plains Rd and takes you right to the water! What could be easier?
Plan to be there for a 6:30 launch; we will paddle up the bay into the back of the RBG and maybe try going up Grindstone Creek if water levels permit.
See you on the water!
Dorothy

Friday Night Paddle June 3rd

Hi All
This week we will take advantage of the superb weather and paddle from the beach strip in Burlington.
Meet time is 6:30, at "Beachway Pavilion" which is on the Burlington side of the lift bridge - I recommend that we congregate at the "far end" of that parking lot (closest to the lift bridge)
Hope to see you there!
Dorothy

Friday Nite Social Paddle May 27th

Hi All
This Friday, we will meet in Burlington at the Cdn Center for Inland Waters for 6:30PM. For those of you who haven't been there, take Lakeshore across the beaach strip toward the Lift bridge. At the lights where Lakeshore meets Eastport Dr., go straight across through both sets of lights and then turn right into the parking lot for CCIW and park closest to the water. There is a good gravel put in there. Coming from Hamilton, come across the lift bridge and turn left at the first light.
One advantage of this put in is that if it's rough on the bay side, we can hop over to the beach strip and paddle on the lake side. Paddle will go rain or shine, although we may cancel (or postpone) for a thunderstorm.
See you on the water!
Dorothy

Friday night paddles

Hi Sorry, I missed your question. Yes, Bronte beach is off West River, same place LTK does their lessons. If you are interested in joining us on a regular basis, the best way to ensure you know where we`re going (and to get replies!) is to get on my email list. Just send me an email at rideoughd@gmail.com
Happy Paddling!

First Friday Night Social Paddle of the Season

Hi Everyone
The first Friday night social paddle of the season will take place at Bronte Beach this Friday, May 20th, weather permitting. We'll plan for a 6:00 launch, to take advantage of the daylight....And of course, as always, we'll hit the pub afterwards to celebrate the start of what we hope will be a great season!
See you on the water!
Dorothy

Water Bag Taste

I have a 10 litre water bag that I bought last year from MEC and it's the perfect size for us but it has one huge flaw - the water tastes terrible. The first time I thought it was possibly the source, but I've used it twice since then filled from my own tap (not that Oakville water is anything to rave over!) and it still tastes awful so it is clearly the bag. How can I get rid of this?
Thanks
Dorothy

Deck Compass

I have the basic one that MEC sells for about $50. I like the fact that I can position it anywhere I want and can also remove it for occasions when I leave my boat upside down - it fastens onto the deck lines with bungees. It's easy to read, keeps reasonably steady and is fairly durable, being in a rubber mount. It's also accurate, as I checked it against a friends's calibrated compass. Good enough for me!
Dorothy

New regs

Sorry Dave, I think it is a big deal, maybe not for individuals but for clubs like ours. I agree with all of the requirements for guided excursions and we already follow them anyway. But having to register my kayak as a commercial vessel makes no sense. I am an unpaid, volunteer for a non profit club - in what universe is that a "commercial" activity? Secondly, what happens if I have to rent a boat or borrow one, like I had to do last year? The regs say I have to register the rental..even though I don't own it. And my friend might object to my registering his/her boat under my name! And I already have a hard time trying to get people to volunteer as leaders - this is just one more deterrent. Our club has already offered to buy a fleet registration, but can they legally register a boat that belongs to someone else? I'm just saying, this is a ludicrous waste of time & effort that does absolutely nothing to promote safety. In fact, it actually degrades it - when no one takes responsibility for a group, accidents are more likely to happen.

New Transport Canada Regs for Guided or club trips

Has anyone read the new Transport Cda regs regarding "guided excursions" with canoes or kayaks? Most of them make perfect sense but why on earth is it now necessary to register a kayak as a commercial vessel? And this apparently applies to volunteer unpaid trip leaders for outdoor or paddling clubs! See PaddleCanada.com for details. I'd be really interested to hear what other people think.
Dorothy

Re: Strawberry and Motor Island Day-Paddle

Hi Carla
I was really hoping to get out and join you on Saturday, but I've come down with a monster cold. So I'm going to have to pass this time....And that's probably the end of me for the season.
Catch you later & have fun!
Dorothy

Paddle

Hi Craig, sorry didn't see your post til too late... A couple of us went to Jordon harbour - 3 outfitters doing demo-day with new boats and Peninsula had a gear swap...good excuse to get out on the water! Hope someone came out to join you.

Thanksgiving Day Paddle

Great, Carla, looking forward to seeing you there!
Dorothy

Thanksgiving Day Paddle

There's a small group of us from the HOC planning a paddle on Monday, Thanksgiving Day on the Niagara River to admire the fall colours. Launch time is 11AM at the little beach by the gazebo at the foot of King Street, in Niagara on the Lake. This is weather dependent - we will likely cancel if it rains, so check with me the night prior before heading out!
This is not a club trip, just a last chance for some of us to get out before the cold sets in, and maybe to socialise a little after the paddle!
All welcome!
Dorothy
rideoughd@gmail.com

Kayak Rescue Report

What a very informative and thought provoking article! This should be required reading for anyone who paddles with a group, with or without a formal trip leader. And it goes without saying, mandatory reading for trip leaders too. Another reminder that experience is not always enough, and you can NEVER get too much practice at rescues!
Thanks, Goni, very much appreciated.
Dorothy

Last Friday Night Paddle

Last Friday Night Paddle of the season! Join us at Bronte Beach for a 6:30 launch. The forecast is calling for strong winds so if the lake is rough, we'll mosey up the creek....
And as always, we'll drop into the Coach & Four pub afterwards to celebrate a fabulous summer of paddling!
If you can't make the paddle, you can still meet us at the pub!
Happy Paddling
Dorothy

Friday night Paddle Next to Last One

Hi All
This Friday night, Aug 27th, we'll be paddling from the beach strip in Burlington, by Beachway Park. Launch time is 6:30 sharp. All welcome.
Last Friday night paddle will be next Friday, Sept 3rd, place TBA.....
Happy Paddling!
Dorothy

Long Point Bay day paddle Aug 29th

Leisurely day paddle on Long Point Bay with HOC on Sunday, Aug 29th. Launching at Port Rowan public boat launch at 10AM.
If you need more details, email me at rideoughd@gmail.com
Happy Paddling!
Dorothy

Day Paddle out of Waubaushene Saturday Aug 7

Halton Outdoor Club is doing a casual day paddle out of Waubaushene on Saturday, August 7th. This paddle is open to anyone who had had a lesson including a wet exit and rescue. The idea is to provide a day trip for both novices and experienced paddlers where rentals are easily available, and where there's an alternative if the bay is rough.
Launch time is 10AM from the Swift location.
Please let me know if you're planning to come - non-members are always welcome.
Dorothy
rideoughd@gmail.com

Long Point Sunday 18th

Hi Carla
Probably a good call since we got a good storm here if just briefly right around 2 or so.
But tomorrow's looking a little better so we're going ahead with our Long Point paddle. Launch is at 10 AM at public boat ramp in Port Rowan - join us if you like....lots of newbies coming out for experience
Cheers
Dorothy

Congrats on Adventure Kayak Article

Just wanted to let everyone know that the new issue of Adventure Kayak has a great piece on kayaking & yoga featuring our very own Dympna and James! That's an excellent photo of the two of you!
Congrats on making it into publication!
Dorothy

Canada Day Fireworks Paddle

Hey James
Just make sure she wears her PFD...just in case she falls asleep from jetlag!
Dorothy

Friday Night Paddle June 25

Hi All
This week the Friday night gang are meeting at Bronte beach for a paddle, launching at 6:30. All welcome...to both the paddle and the "social hour" at the pub afterwards!
Dorothy

July 1st Paddle

Hey Carol, don't forget, we (Halton Outdoor Club) have a day paddle scheduled for Jordon Harbour during the day on July 1st. So a day paddle at Jordon Hbr, followed by dinner in Burlington and a leisurely fireworks cruise afterwards!
Hoping I can borrow a boat & gear from either you or Steve for both.....
Cheers
Dorothy

Re: Women's Scarborough Bluff Paddle

Hey Carla, sounds like a pile of fun, but unfortunatly I have a friend visiting from Florida and have promised to spend that day with her...and she doesn't paddle, though I keep trying!
Dorothy
Favourite Quote: "If you have to roll while touring, you've made a massive error of judgement!"

Friday Night June 11th

The Friday night group is paddling at Beachway Park on the beach strip this week. Launch time 6:30. Everyone welcome.
Dorothy

Rescue Skills

Hi All
A couple of us are going up to Guelph Lake on Saturday June 12 to practice our wet exits and rescues. A few people have expressed interest in this so I'm posting this on a couple of different websites. This is NOT an instructional session - it's just a chance to get comfortable upside down and dust off those rescue skills! Please note: there are no rental boats available on site. Launch time is 10AM
If you are interested in a rescue lesson, the Halton Outdoor Club is offering a safety & rescue skills course on Saturday, June 19th with Learn to Kayak. There's still lots of room left, and I'm hoping to separate participants into defferent level groups so that some can do basic stuff while others can work on rolling or more advanced techniques. Normally the club requires that participant in lessons must be a club member but I am going to waive that requirement for just this session in hopes of getting more people out for this very important skills course.
If you want any details, please don't hesitate to email me at rideoughd@gmail.com
Happy (and Safe) Paddling!
Dorothy

Friday Night Paddles

Sorry Dympna, didn't check the board til tonight and missed your reply. But I'll put you on my list for next week!
Cheers
Dorothy

Friday Night Paddles

We've started out regular Friday night paddles in the Burlington-Oakville-Mississauga area. This is a group of us mostly from the Halton Outdoor Club but anyone is welcome, provided they've had basic safety & rescue instruction.It's a great way to practice after a lesson, or meet other paddlers, or just relax after the work week. We meet on Friday nights at 6:30, paddle for a couple of hours and then de-stress at a local pub!
If you are interested in joining us, email rideough@gmail.com in order to get on the email list - I send out the email usually on Wednesday to say where we're meeting.
Happy Paddling!

HOC Paddle on May 23rd - Lower Grand River

The Halton Outdoor Club is hosting another day paddle, this time on the lower Grand River. If the weather is nasty (like last Saturday!)we'll paddle the Oxbow, a 2 1/2 hour section of the river south of Brantford. But if it's nice, we'll put in at the Newport bridge and take out at Lafortune Park in Caledonia, roughly about a 5 hour paddle. We'll meet at the Newport bridge at 9:30, and run our own shuttle.
Everyone is welcome - you don't have to be a club member to participate, although non-members are asked to sign a waiver. This is an easy piece of river with slow current and no obstacles. It's also deep enough to safely take your Kevlar baby!
Anyone who's interested can email me for details or post a reply here. I can be reached at rideoughd@gmail.com

May 2 Paddle on Guelph Lake with the Halton Outdoor Club

If anyone is interested in a paddle on Sunday, the Halton Outdoor Club is running its first paddle of the season on May 2nd at Guelph Lake Conservation Area. Launch time 10AM. We'll be either at the parking lot across from the Campers Beach at the "Island" (if it's open) or at the day use beach.
Non-members are more than welcome. Come and join us, rain or shine!
If you'd like any further details, you can email the trip leader at rideoughd@gmail.com
Happy Paddling
Dorothy

Bent Shaft paddle

Just a note - I bought a Current Designs bent shaft carbon fibre paddle last year and absolutely love it (you'll never go back to a straight shaft again!) BUT it has one major flaw. The lever lock adjustment sounds great in theory - you can adjust the length as well as the feather angle - but in actual fact, after a few uses, the screw keeps loosening. It's never come apart on my suring a paddle but only because I tighten it every time I go out. So pou might want to think twice about any paddle with this type of connection. I still love the paddle though...and if anyone has any suggestions how to fix this problem, I'd love to hear them!
DR

Directions to Newport

Take the 403 towards Brantford, exit at Garden Ave and go south. At the lights, where Garden ave takes a right, continue straight - it becomes Road 18. Follow Road 18 - you will pass an intersection for Road 54 "Grand River Scenic route" (remember this!)and then cross the Grand River. At the traffic light, turn right onto Cockshutt Road, and take the next right onto Newport Rd (which is actually called something else on the signs!)This road takes you donw and under the bridge you just drove over. Directly under the bridge, there is a steep bank with a small "beach" at the bottom - that's where we launched last spring. Its approx 4-5 hour paddle to Caledonia. To run your shuttle, go back to that Road 54 (Scenic Route) and turn right, follow it to Caledonia (20 minutes) and look for Lafortune Park on the right river side. Launch is at the upstream end of the park. If it is closed you can continue another few hundred feet to another park/marina, where there is a small fee to park and a paved launch ramp.
Most important of all....afterwards, you can follow 54 into Caledonia where there is a great pub called Cornerstone on the NE corner of 54 & Hwy 6!
Have a great paddle & don't forget the time change!

Re: Nith,Nov.1

FYI, there is no parking to speak of in Canning, just on the shoulder of the road. Bean park has lots of parking. Recommend just one vehicle stay in Canning. Besides, you may want warm vehicles and dry clothes on arrival! It's supposed to rain all this week so it may come up but take note that the Nith has no dams, so rain runs off quickly. Canning to Bean Park is about 4 hours of leisurely paddling in moderate fast water. Check out the Grand as a backup - we did Paris to Brant (2 hours) last Sunday and it was gorgeous, water levels quite good because they're probably dumping the resevoirs. Paris to Cockshutt bridge is about 5 hours, with a portage around Wilke's dam (right side, well marked) that's pretty easy. No rapids to speak of but still quite pretty.
Cheers
Dorothy

Nith

I've done the Nith River a few times, once in July after heavy rains and twice in the spring.... Its great fun if there's enough water, a 3 km flume ride at the end. The best time was when it was running at 50 cu m/sec; class 2 and fairly straightforward, even for a timid novice. At 20 cu m/sec, its a case of dodging a lot of rocks, bouncing over ledges and not nearly as much fun. Definitely no place for composite boats; the shorter the better too. You can do it in a 16 footer but shorter & more manoeuverable preferred, particularly at Devil's Cave.... Good put in at Canning, but only one good spot to take a break along the way, & you can take out at Walter Bean Park.
Check the Grand River Conservation Area web page before you go - the river flow chart will show you what its running at - don't bother if its 10 or less, you'll be walking.
Have fun!

Great Night & Long Point

Best idea ever Carol! Must keep it in mind to do again next time!
Re Long Point: I'm moderately familiar with the area, having paddled there a time or two. It's not easy to get sites at the prov park and everything is sand, sand and more sand, so not the greatest, but good put in on either side, though the main boat ramp is always busy.
Alternative is camping at Deer Creek Conservation Area - smallish sites, open & not many trees, but you can get sites at last minute. Less expensive and has a great little resevoir for swimming or playing with boats.
Lake Erie was still bathtub wartm on Labour Day when we were there 2 years ago. Note: do not go to Turkey Point on Labour Day weekend - every student in ON is partying there!
Good put in at Port Rowan - motorboats pay for the launch but they don't charge kayaks. Lots of parking. Another put in is at Port Royal (under the bridge on Lakeshore Rd, west of 59), lots of parking but a muddy spot to launch. There is also a marina on the causeway with a good put in; they charge a nominal fee for kayaks. I gave them $5 when half a dozen of us landed to use their toilet!
Another Note: if going in September, check the dates for hunting season - the marshes are alive with duck hunters in season! They normally hunt very early AM or late afternoon, but still wise to take precations.
Happy Paddling!

Long Point Bay June 21st

The Halton Outdoor Club is having a day paddle on Long Point Bay on Sunday June 21st. We'll put in at the public boat ramp in Port Rowan, 10 AM launch and paddle around the bay & maybe a little ways up Big Creek, depending on conditions. Paddle is open to any experienced paddlers, non-members and members alike, although non-members will be asked to sign a waiver.
Bring a lunch and plan to stay out for most of the day. We'll finish at the ice cream shop in Port Rowan!
Just email the trip leader (rideoughd@gmail.com) and advise if you are coming.

Friday Night Paddles

There's a small group of us who have started a very casual Friday night paddle - we meet at 6:30PM at different launch spots for a leisurely 1-2 hour paddle. This Friday we're meeting at Oakville Harbour, under the bridge; if the lake is calm, we'll cruise the shoreline, if not we'll go up the creek. All welcome! For future Friday nights, email me at rideoughd@gmail.com

May 24th Paddle on the Grand with the Halton Outdoor Club

On May 24th, join the paddlers of the Halton Outdoor Club on a section of the Lower Grand River for an easy day paddle. The location is yet to be determined (depends on weather/temps!)but will be suited to either poly or composite boats. You are welcome to join us for a maximum of two events before being required to become a club member. Non-members will be asked to sign a waiver, but here's a perfect opportunity to meet other paddlers from your area and have some fun as well. The Club offers a variety of day trips and extended trips around Ontario for all levels and we are a fun group who also enjoy the "apres paddle" socialising afterwards! Please contact me at rideoughd@gmail.com if you plan to come (preferably before 4PM the Saturday before) and I will let you know the launch place and time.