YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners Manual

YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 1

YCCC - 2011

Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners Course

Participant’s Manual

Introduction:

Welcome to the National Capital Region Y Canoe Camping Club’s (YCCC) Beginner Whitewater Training Course for 2010. This manual has been developed for your guidance to help you get started in the exciting sport of whitewater paddling.

The manual contains practical information on what the YCCC offers in terms of Beginner Whitewater Tandem Course Training including a description of each of the components of the training and the criteria for success, what equipment is needed, and what safety guidelines must be respected. The manual also gives a brief introduction to river characteristics and whitewater maneuvers as well as handy reference directions, maps and contact information.

Through membership in the YCCC, you are about to experience one of the most outstanding strengths of the Y, namely its volunteer spirit. Thanks to the thousands of hours of collective experience of YCCC members, the club is able to offer this high quality, low cost, introductory training in whitewater tandem canoeing. Each of the Club members you will meet during the course of your training offers his/her time freely for the love of the sport and because of a personal commitment to helping others learn and grow.

We hope that you enjoy your training and go on to paddle with other Club members this coming season! YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 2

Dedication

We would like to dedicate this training manual to Louis Bonnenfant, one of the founders of the YCCC.

As the Physical Director of the Ottawa YMCA, Louis led trips through Algonquin Park and Northern Ontario starting in 1947.

He and an enthusiastic group of paddlers founded the Y Canoe Club in 1952. The club quickly became co-ed and membership grew rapidly. Throughout the following years as Executive Director of the Ottawa YM-YWCA (now known as the National Capital Region YMCA-YWCA) and in his retirement, he continued to be interested in the club and was delighted to see it grow in membership size as well Louis Bonnenfant in 1996 as the diversity and quality of training and trips.

He started the tradition of whitewater paddling with the club and the training that was required to travel safely on rivers. The training included fitness, paddling skills, rescue techniques, maintenance and repair for the club’s cedar-canvas canoes, first aid, map reading, cooking, outdoor skills and a lot of fun! So, thanks to Louis and the tradition he established, we follow happily in his paddle strokes.

Louis loved canoeing, the wilderness and the meaningful experiences it could bring to people. He would applaud our pursuit of knowledgeable whitewater paddling and wise adventurous tripping in the wilderness. Louis would also wish each of us the opportunity to grow from our wilderness experiences and encourage us to help each other find the depths of our character – our strength and endurance, courage, consideration, judgment, generosity, humour, steadiness in adversity and appreciation for the beauty of the earth. YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 3

1.0 Training Schedule and Expectations

The YCCC whitewater tandem canoe beginner training usually consists of four parts:

 Information session;

 Introduction to Whitewater strokes and maneuvers session (on flatwater) usually at Brewer Park (see Section 5);

 whitewater training weekend (usually at Palmer Rapids (see section 5); and

 if necessary, the Planning meeting in advance of the weekend.

Students must attend and successfully complete all parts unless otherwise arranged with the appropriate course leader.

Evaluation Criteria

In order to obtain your Paddle Canada certification and qualifying for the Club whitewater list, a candidate must demonstrate the following:

 effective basic whitewater paddle strokes in both bow and stern;  basic tandem whitewater maneuvers, i.e., enter and leave an eddy and front ferry;  safety awareness  teamwork and the communication skills essential to successful tandem whitewater paddling and tripping.

At the end of the Beginner Whitewater Training weekend, participants will be advised of their status as follows:

Clear Pass: Gets Paddle Canada certification and is added to WW List and can participate in certain trips.

Conditional Pass: Paddler may or may not get Paddle Canada certification but must practice (most likely on a Wednesday night or as arranged with the Training Co-ordinator) and improve their skills. They will need to receive a ‘pass’ recommendation from a YCCC whitewater instructor before participating in a Club trip and then getting on WW List.

No Pass: Paddler will not receive the Paddle Canada certificate or be added to the YCCC WW List. They will be encouraged to take flat water paddling improvement courses to improve their canoeing skills. YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 4

2.0 Equipment

2.1 Personal Whitewater Equipment Description (Note – a check list is included in section 2.2)

Each participant must have the following equipment:

Personal Floatation Device (PFD)  Ensure that your PFD fits securely.  Whitewater PFD’s tend to have more floatation and can be purchased at an outdoor store.  Coast Guard approved PFD’s are required.

Helmet  Helmets are mandatory for beginner training. They are strongly recommended at other times. Helmets must always be worn when wearing thigh straps.  Whitewater helmets should protect the top, back, and sides of the head. They should cover at least part of the forehead.  Whitewater helmets can be purchased or rented at an outdoor store.  Hockey helmets are acceptable.  Bicycle helmets are not acceptable.

Paddle  Whitewater paddles have a shorter and wider blade. They are also made out of material that can take a beating! Mohawk paddles are one inexpensive brand.  Instructors will discuss different ways to choose a whitewater paddle.  It is wise to have your own spare paddle.

Wetsuit  We suggest that you borrow, rent or buy a full-length wetsuit (Farmer John/Jane) for beginner training. You will be in and out of the water during the weekend. Even if the air temperature is warm the water will still be cool and there is a risk of mild hypothermia for sensitive people. The course is more enjoyable and a good learning experience when you are comfortable. Cold and wet is not fun and is detrimental to learning and is a risk to health and safety.  Wetsuits function by trapping a layer of water between the wetsuit and the body as well as within the neoprene. This water then acts as an extra insulating layer. The neoprene is 1/8” (3mm) thick to form a good insulation layer. If inclined to buy it is recommended that you rent first and try it out.)  Wearing polypropylene underwear under your wetsuit provides extra insulation.  Paddling jackets or a windbreaker add extra warmth on cold/windy days.  ‘Shortie’ wet suits will not keep you warm enough paddling in spring conditions. YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 5

Warm clothes  The risk of hypothermia is higher when conditions are cold and rainy. Extra layers are essential to preventing heat loss. Extra dry clothes are also needed. Polypropylene long sleeved underwear is recommended. Do not wear cotton.

Whistle  A plastic whistle that functions when wet is required. Fox 40 is recommended. The Coast Guard small vessel requirements dictate a pea-less whistle.

Bailer  Cut out the bottom of a jug (3-4 liters size) to make a bailer. Tie a short cord to it so you can secure it in the boat. Keep the cap on the jug.

Painters  Each person should have one brightly coloured floating painter rope: 10 feet (3 meters) long and 3/8 inches in diameter. These can be purchased at an outdoor store. Check with your training leader before purchasing. Given the risk of entanglement, painters are not used on the course.

Money:  The weekend training and qualifying trip costs include: mileage, food, camping (weekends), canoe and equipment rental, etc.  Bring cash to pay your share of the expenses. Small bills please!!!! Weekend: approximately $125-150 to pay for canoe rentals (if not already done), food; camping; gas; dinners on Friday and Sunday.

Note: trip leaders and fellow club members do not take cheques, Interac, Visa or Mastercard!

Other Useful Items  Spare glasses, glasses band, sunglasses  Sunscreen and lip balm  Hat (a peaked cap under your helmet is excellent to shed rain and sun)  Food: meals and snacks (as appropriate for day or weekend trips) in water proof containers.  Water and water bottles (Nalgene or other non-breakable container)  Change of clothing (in the take out car)  Carabiners to attach snacks, water bottle and bailer to canoe  Footwear: old running shoes or paddling boots (no open toed sandals ie. Teva style)  Paddling Gloves (gardening gloves are an option.)

Hint: real wool is excellent for warmth even when wet as are modern polyester materials such as fleece. Cotton is not recommended on water as it retains water making you cold and contributing to hypothermia. YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 6

YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 7

2.2 Equipment List - Day Trip Check List Use this list to help you to prepare for your day trips.  = the item is packed and in your car. Personal Equipment: Item   PFD Helmet Paddle Wetsuit Whistle Polypropylene Underwear – top and bottom (2-3 pair) Wind breaker or Paddling Jacket Bailer Painter Sunscreen Lip Balm Hat Sunglasses Lunch Snacks Water (2 litres per person per day) Change of clothes (1 for on the river, 1 in the take out car) Paddling Shoes (no sandals) Money: (cash) for canoe rental, parking, gas, ice cream, etc… Extras: Glasses: Glasses strap, extra glasses and/or contact lens protection Nalgene bottles-1 for water and 1 for your snack. Carabiners to attach snack, water, bailer to canoe.

Group Equipment: Item   Throwbag - 1 per canoe 1 extra paddle per canoe First Aid kit - 1 per group Drivers bring: Road maps covering the driving route. Palmer Rapids and Madawaska trips: drivers bring map of Ontario

2.3 Equipment Check list – weekend trips:  See YCCC member’s handbook; Trippers Packing Guide YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 8

3.0 Safety Information – Rescue Guidelines

3.1 Swimmers Self Rescue:  Do not stand up in the current until the water is less than knee depth. This is to avoid the dangerous situation of getting your foot trapped, with the current pushing you under water.  Swimmers initiate self-rescue procedures immediately and be ready to accept assistance from rescuers.  Get away from the canoe, preferably upstream and off to the side.  Hang onto your paddle.  Swim on your back, feet pointing downstream. Keep your feet up near the surface to prepare to fend off oncoming obstacles.  Kick with your legs and ‘back paddle’ with your arms to slow and control your descent down the river and look for an eddy to swim into.  Breathe in the troughs of the waves, not while crashing through them.  Avoid hazards (holes, strainers, canoe, waterfalls).  If danger is imminent: swim aggressively to safety (let go of your paddle!)  Look for unobstructed shore and swim directly to it when the route is free of obstacles.

Assisted Rescue:  If being assisted listen to instructions from rescuers.  If a rope is thrown to you, grab it, put it over your shoulder and hold on with both hands. (It makes a difference which shoulder the rope goes over!!! One works well the other flips you over face down. To be learned!)

3.2 Rescuers:  In all rescues, one person must take charge of directing the rescue effort. Cooperation with this person is vital.  The first priority is the safety of the rescuer(s).  Do not endanger yourself. Do not become a victim.  Evaluate the situation and determine a course of action. Be aware of where you are and what you are doing.  Alert other members of the group to the presence of victims in the water.  Rescue people first, then canoes and gear.  If swimmers are close to shore instruct them to swim to shore. If swimmers are not close to shore proceed to the scene safely and instruct one swimmer to hang onto the bow and the other swimmer the stern. In cold water conditions, it is a good idea to get the swimmers out of the cold water as soon as possible. It is important to stabilize the rescue canoe as the swimmers are climbing in. Most of our trips have more than two canoes still upright at any time, so another canoe can assist in rescuing the swimmers. Rescues must be executed quickly, especially in cold water and weather. YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 9

Canoe Over Canoe Rescue:  Proceed with a canoe over canoe rescue if you are in an eddy or a safe area.  Approach the overturned canoe at right angles. If rescuing from the stern, it may be easier to have the swamped canoe at an angle pointing towards the bow of the rescue canoe. Lift and roll the end of the swamped canoe onto the rescue canoe’s gunwales. Then, work to bring it to a right angle.  Instruct the swimmers to go to either end of the rescue canoe and hold on. This can help stabilize the rescue canoe as well. Again, if the water is cold – it is important to get the swimmers out of the water.  Usually the stern paddler executes the canoe over canoe maneuver while the bow paddler stabilizes the rescue boat.  The stern paddler lifts the end of the overturned canoe up on the gunnels and feeds the canoe, hand over hand across the gunwales until it is balanced across the canoe.  Roll the overturned canoe upright and slide it back into the water and bring it along side the rescue canoe. Be careful not to hit your paddling partner with the ‘victim’ canoe.  Then, both stern and bow paddlers hold the empty canoe steady while swimmers get back in the canoe.  Paddlers should avoid tying items to their canoe, In the event of an upset, they can hang outside the capsized canoe and become caught or otherwise impede the smooth sliding of the capsized canoe across the gunnels of the rescue canoe.

Throwbag/Throwline Rescue:  Open the drawstring at the top of the bag.  Pull out about 1-2 m of rope  Hold onto the end of the rope with one hand (or stand on it) and grasp the top of the bag in your other hand. Do not tie a knot on end or wrap around your hand.)  Yell “ROPE!” to get the swimmer’s attention focused on the rope.  Aim right over top of the swimmer and throw the bag underhanded. Throw it past the swimmer so that the rope lands directly on top of him/her.  Brace yourself low, on the shoreline and prepare to pendulum the swimmer in to shore. You may also choose to change his/her position in the river by moving along the shore.  If you miss with your first throw, do not waste time stuffing the rope back into the bag. Take a few coils of rope in hand, fill the bag up with water to give it some weight, and throw the bag and coils out again to the swimmer. Take care not to tangle your feet in the rope.

3.3 Other paddlers:  All paddlers not involved in the rescue should stop as soon as they can safely do so.  Continue to evaluate the rescue in the event that their assistance is needed.  Wait for directions from the rescue leader.  Assist in a rescue to the best of your ability when it is safe to do so.  Do not interfere with a rescue in progress if your assistance is not needed. YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 10

3.4 Safety Signals Question/Answer between rescuer and swimmer “Are you ok?” Rescuer puts their hand on top of their helmet “Yes, I’m ok” Swimmer taps the top of their helmet.

Paddle signals: Stop Paddle held horizontally above head (can be moved up and down to get attention). Help/Emergency Blade held up and waved overhead in circles All Clear/Proceed Blade straight up Proceed this way Blade held up at 45 degrees toward preferred route Never point towards the obstacle you wish to avoid!

Whistle Signals: Help/Emergency 3 blasts! (repeatedly) Attention/Look at me! 1 blast Use your whistle only for safety situations, not for general communication.

Notes: YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 11

Rivers

4.0 River Features

Terminology

River Left: the side of the river on your left as you face downstream.

River Right: the side of the river on your right as you face downstream.

Volume: more accurately referred to as “volume rate of flow”, this is the amount of water that passes a given reference plane (perpendicular to the direction of flow) per unit of time. It is often expressed in cubic feet per second (cfs) or cubic meters per second (cms). As the volume of a river increases, so does the velocity of the current and the river becomes more powerful.

Gradient: the average steepness or slope of the riverbed. It is often expressed in feet per mile. A rapid is formed when a stretch of river has a gradient higher than the river’s average gradient.

Velocity: speed and direction of the current. Velocity depends on factors like volume, gradient, width of the river, obstacles, etc.

Straight River YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 12

River formations

Downstream V Safe deep-water channel where the water flows between obstacles like rocks or a constriction in the width of the river. The downstream current decreases in width and its velocity increases as the water passes between the obstacles. Usually found at the top and/or bottom of rapids. Haystacks and/or standing waves are often found below the tip of the V.

Eddy: Area of water behind an obstacle in which the water is still, is moving more slowly or in a different direction than the main downstream flow. Formed behind obstacles such as rocks, logs, bridge pilings, riverbank outcroppings, etc. Eddies can be safe havens where the canoe can be stopped. Once stopped in the eddy, paddlers can rest, scout the next route, have a drink of water, adjust a piece of equipment, etc. YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 13

Eddy Line The interface of the downstream current of the river and the upstream current of the eddy. Sharpest and most distinct at eddy’s upstream end. Less distinct downstream as eddy water mixes with downstream current.

Eddy line Water in Eddy usually flows upstream sharp and distinct Eddy line becomes wider and less distinct as water in Eddy mixes with downstream current.

Standing waves Series of waves that do not move in relation to the shore (or other fixed frame of reference). Usually found downstream of smooth sloping drop in riverbed or large submerged rock. Water velocity increases as it flows down the drop over the rock. Water velocity decreases as it hits slower water at the bottom and piles up on itself.

Standing waves

Side view of river

Haystacks Similar to standing waves but are irregular, not stationary (i.e. tend to move around, rise and fall) and are more peaked. Usually found at the downstream end of a downstream V, where the current coming from different angles meet at the tip of the V.

Haystacks

Side view of river YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 14

Rocks: The rock is above the surface of the water: Water flows around it and an eddy is formed behind it.

Pillow: The rock is just below the surface of the water: Smooth water flowing over it rises slightly and is called a pillow. Slight disturbance (riffles) downstream of the rock. Water is not deep enough to float a canoe over the rock.

Pillow Riffles

Curling Waves The rock is just below the surface of the water and increase in volume and velocity of water: A curling wave is formed downstream of the rock. It curls and can break upstream. Water might not be deep enough to float the canoe and the curling wave can flip the canoe.

Curling wave YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 15

Curling and Breaking waves The rock is below surface and a further increase in volume and velocity of the water. Curling waves are much larger and can be continuously breaking upstream. A canoe can easily float over the rock, but the curling and breaking waves will likely swamp and/or flip the canoe.

Curling and breaking waves

Hole The rock is below the surface of the water, steeper gradient, sharp drop over the rock: The rock can be called a ledge. Fast, deep-water drops sharply over the rock and crashes into much slower moving water below. The water is pulled/pushed back upstream and crashes into the fast water flowing over the rock/ledge and the whole process starts over again. This violent crashing and recirculation causes the water to become aerated (mixed with air so that it looks like a big pile of white soap suds). This phenomenon is known as a hole, souse hole, hydraulic or keeper.

Hole Souse hole Hydraulic Reversal

Strainer Any obstacle that allows water to pass through but not boats and people which can be trapped against it. Best (worst?!) example is a fallen tree on the outside bend of a river in flood. Strainers are extremely dangerous. Avoid them!!! The pressure of the water pushing a swimmer onto a strainer can be overwhelming. If you do get swept towards a strainer, aggressively climb up on top of it before you get swept underwater or pinned against it. YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 16

4.2 International Scale of River Difficulty

If rapids on a river generally fit into one of the following classifications, but the water temperature is below 10 C, or if the trip is an extended trip in a wilderness area, the river should be considered one class more difficult than normal.

Class 1 Moving water with a few riffles and small waves. Few or no obstructions.

Class II Easy rapids with waves up to 3 feet, and wide clear channels that are obvious without scouting. Some maneuvering is required.

Class III Rapids with high, irregular waves often capable of swamping an open canoe. Narrow passages that often require complex maneuvering. May require scouting from shore.

Class IV Long, difficult rapids with constricted passages that often require precise maneuvering in very turbulent waters. Scouting from shore is often necessary, and conditions make rescue difficult. Generally not possible for open canoes. Boaters in covered canoes and kayaks should be able to roll.

Class V Extremely difficult, long and very violent rapids with highly congested routes, which nearly always must be scouted from shore. Rescue conditions are difficult and there is significant hazard to life in event of a mishap. Ability to roll is essential for kayaks and canoes.

Class VI Difficulties of Class V carried to the extreme of navigability. Nearly impossible and very dangerous. For teams of experts only, after close study and with all precautions taken.

Note: Other factors come into play as well to raise the class of river difficulty. For example: remoteness; rescue resources; consequences; weather and water temperature; etc. YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 17

4.3 Whitewater Maneuvers

Momentum, initiation, tilt and hold (the tilt) are required dynamics for whitewater maneuvers. They assist the canoe in moving into or out of an eddy. MILT is also a requirement for ferries. (Angle of about 90 degrees to the eddy line helps too.)

Momentum: The canoe requires momentum in relation to the current or eddy in order to pass across an eddy line, for eddy turns or peel outs

Initiation: Usually the point when the stern paddle puts in a draw or a pry to initiate the turning of the boat (e.g. in an eddy turn at the point when the bow paddler crosses the eddy line).

Tilt: In order to counter the pull of the current on the upstream canoe hull, the canoe needs to be tilted downstream. Without sufficient tilt, currents can apply enough pull (friction) on the canoe to flip it. The result: those inside the canoe will be swimming. Tilt is required for the whitewater maneuvers (below).

Hold: Tilting is a good thing! Not tilting enough is a common mistake made by beginners. Hold the tilt to let your momentum and angle do the work.

Entering an Eddy An eddy turn occurs when the canoe is paddled from the main downstream current and is pivoted as it enters an eddy so that it is finally pointing upstream while inside the eddy.

Leaving an Eddy Occurs when the canoe is paddled from within an eddy and is pivoted as it exits into the main downstream current so that it is finally pointing downstream.

Direction of the current YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 18

Ferry A ferry moves the canoe from one side of the river to another, from one channel to a new one and from one eddy to another. Ferries work because of the relationship between two forces: The force of the current carrying the canoe downstream and the force of the paddlers paddling at an upstream angle to the current. The canoe ends up traveling in a direction dictated by the strength of each of these forces and the angle between them.

Force due to paddling Direction of the current

Resulting direction of motion

Force due to current

There are two types of ferries:

Forward ferry: Back ferry:

Paddlers are facing upstream and Paddlers are facing downstream and back paddling forward. While tilting the hull and paddling to slow their descent down the maintaining an appropriate angle the river. While tilting the hull and maintaining canoe traverses the current. Note the bow an appropriate angle the canoe traverses is pointed in the general direction of travel. the current. Note the stern is pointed in the general direction of travel. YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 19

5.0 Directions and Maps

5.1 Metro Y Centre Located: 180 Argyle Ave tel# 237-1320 just north of the Queensway East of Elgin, West of O’Connor (across the street from the Museum of Nature)

5.2 Carlingwood Y Centre and YCCC Canoe shed Carlingwood Y Centre: Located: 200 Lockhart Ave tel #: 729-7131 1 block east of Woodroffe Ave, 1 block north of Carlingwood Shopping Centre.

The YCCC Canoe shed: Located: behind the Carlingwood Y Center (between the Y and Woodroffe United Church) Note: there is no telephone in the shed.

From: Richmond Rd:  Go south on Woodroffe Ave approximately .5 k. to Saville Row  Turn left (east) 1 block to Lockhart Ave.  Turn left (north) just past the school yard to the Y  Turn left (west) into the parking lot and go to the canoe shed behind the Y

From Queensway:  Exit at Woodroffe Ave  Go north to Carling Avenue  Turn right (east), go 1 block to Woodroffe Ave (N)  Turn left (north) on Woodroffe Ave (N) to 2nd stop light; Saville Row  Turn right (east) onto Saville Row, go one block and turn left (north), on Lockhart Ave  Just past the school yard turn left (west) into the Y’s parking lot and go to the canoe shed behind the Y

5.3 Brewer’s Pond

From Queensway  Go South on Bronson Avenue towards Carleton University.  Go 1 light past the Carleton University entrance and turn left (east) onto Brewer St.  Turn right (south) into the parking lot and continue south through all of the parking lots until you come to a small cement building.  The pond is on the other side (south) of this building. YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 20

5.4 Palmer Rapids Driving distance: Approximately 180 km from Ottawa to Palmer Rapids Directions:  Hwy 17 to Renfrew  3rd exit (Bruce St. on your left) to Wendy’s  Set your odometer! (0 km)  Exit left from Wendy’s onto Stewart St.  Go across the bridge and take the first right onto Lionel St N. (.5 km)  Take the next right onto Lisgar (Hwy 132) and continue to Hwy 41 (30.4 km)  Turn right onto Hwy 41  Go about 1 km on Hwy 41 to turn left on (Old) Opeongo Road (32 km)  Follow Opeongo Rd to the end  Turn left onto Hwy 512 (57 km)  Approximately 1 Km left turn onto 515  At Quadville (76.5 km) turn right then left to stay on Hwy 515 for about 30 km  Cross the bridge and drive through Palmer Rapids village  Go approximately 1.5 km beyond Palmers rapids village, turn left onto Riverbend Rd (90.2 km). (This is just before the next bridge.)  When road veers left, go straight ahead onto a dirt road (91.5 km). This will lead you to the campground. There is a board with red arrows and a rough drawing of a canoe. (This may be difficult to see at night until you’re quite close)  Continue approx .5 km on this dirt road, watch for signs for the NRYCCC camping spot. The sign may say ‘YMCA’.

5.5 Lower Madawaska River (Aumonds Bay to Buck Bay)

Driving Distance: Approximately 220 km from Ottawa to Aumonds Bay Directions:  Hwy 17 north to Renfrew  Hwy 132 to junction with Hwy 41  Hwy 41 (west) to Griffith  At Griffith, turn right into the park/rest stop just before the bridge for the Madawaska River. This is our meeting place. Do NOT proceed until all cars are present and directions given for organizing the shuttle.  Approximately 16 km to Buck Bay (take out), and another approximately 6 km to Aumond Bay (put in) NB – Put in and takeout roads are rough. Drive slowly, have passengers get out and walk if you need more clearance. YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 21

Madawaska River

Drivers should have a ‘real’ map of Ontario with them. YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 22

6.0 What’s Next?

Not ready for a YCCC WW trip? For those participants who received either a ‘conditional pass’ or ‘no pass’ following their weekend training….  Don’t be discouraged.  Consider taking additional training. Contact the following groups for courses: Trailhead, Madawaska Kanu Centre near Barrys Bay, Paddlers Coop at Palmer Rapids.

Want or need more practice? For those participants who received either a ‘pass’ or conditional pass…  Evening paddles at Champlain Rapids can be arranged.  Contact the whitewater coordinator.

Want to join in some whitewater trips? For those participants who have made the WW List: and are interested in joining in more Whitewater trips.  Check the YCCC web site.  Don’t be shy, call someone on the Whitewater list to paddle with you!

Whitewater courses we recommend as next steps for beginners For those who are on the WW List: Check the training schedule - the following courses are offered by the YCCC:  River rescue is an excellent follow up course.  Solo paddling is fun and a great way to hone your paddling and river reading skills.  Lots of others!!!

Here’s where to go for more information!  See Section 7 for YCCC contacts, coordinates and more information:

Remember: Use it or lose it.  Keep your Whitewater skills current and progressing by coming out and paddling on evening, day or weekend trips.

See you on the river! (SYOTR) YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 23

7.0 Contacts: Whitewater Beginner’s Training 2008

7.1 Whitewater Beginner Training Contact

If you have any questions or need assistance re: the training schedule, content, evaluations or other training details please contact the Training Coordinator, Peter Kasurak at: [email protected] or (613) 824-9450.

7.2 Whitewater Beginner Training Leaders

The weekend leaders are as follows. If you have a last minute ‘emergency’ change related to your involvement in training.

Weekend Training Leaders:

June 3-5 (613) 834-3418 Home: please use Gerry Godsoe (613) 558-9459 Cell: Emergencies and weekend only [email protected] June 10-12 Jay Morrison (613) 731-0336 [email protected]

7.3 YCCC Information sources:

YCCC website: www.yccc.ca YCCC Whitewater Tandem Canoe Training - Beginners’ Manual 24

8.0 Evaluation Form: Whitewater Beginners” Training Please fill out this evaluation form and give it to the lead instructor at the end of your whitewater weekend training, before departing on Sunday. Use reverse side for additional comments

1. Handbook Excellent Good Average Poor

Comments and suggestions for future handbooks:

2. Lecture and river features: Excellent Good Average Poor

Comments and suggestions for future sessions:

3. Brewer’s Pond Excellent Good Average Poor morning afternoon

4. Training Weekend Excellent Good Average Poor

June 4-6 June 11-13 June 18-20

5. What type of whitewater activities are you interested in?

 Day trips  Weekend trips  Extended trips  Evening paddles at Champlain Rapids

Further training:  Solo canoeing  River Rescue  Paddling Improvement

6. Overall comments and suggestions for next year: