Rivers Of Change: Roger Parsons And The Minden Wildwater Preserve

Building a river used to be a simple process. All it took to create the world’s best whitewater freestyle river was the weight of a slowly receding glacier compressing the Ottawa Valley to below sea level.

When the ice sheet slowly left town the area filled with seawater. As the land eventually bounced back the salt water accumulated in the oceans where it belongs. Fresh water began falling through the deepest of the remaining ditches, forming the Ottawa River and its tributaries we paddle today. There was nobody proposing these changes and nobody fighting to preserve the ice age as it was.

tandem kayakers race through the whitewater course on the Gull River

Celebrating The Gull River’s Strong Undercurrents In Canadian Whitewater

Rivers of change: Roger Parsons and the Minden Wildwater Preserve

About 175 million years later in May of 1977, Roger Parsons discovered a for sale sign on the land alongside the unpaddleable upper rapids of the Gull River. Money was raised, wheels where greased and permits obtained. A large bulldozer and giant backhoe descended into the river.

“Major renovations were made to the stream bed to make it like an alpine river and allow it to be navigable throughout its length,” wrote Parsons. They created a levee, eddies, chutes and pools.

Above all, Roger Parsons created a level of trust with the various levels of government, convincing them that his dream of a whitewater training base would provide tourism and local economic benefits.

Reeve Sinc Nesbitt officially opened the Minden Wildwater Preserve on September 13, 1980. I was only nine years old.

Thousands of adults and camp kids have learned to paddle whitewater at the Gull. In addition, the Preserve has hosted the Pan American Championships, three World Cups, dozens of national slalom championships, two national freestyle championships, hundreds of regional slalom races, 34 Gull River Open Canoe Slalom races and one ACA National Open Canoe Slalom race. When Toronto won the bid to host the 2015 Pan Am Games the Gull River was the obvious venue.

Dubai: In the Land of Sand and Surf

Coming to terms with a changing course

The last World Cup slalom event at the Gull was in 1993. Compared to the ASCI whitewater center and Wadi Adventure the Gull River feels quaint, wild and natural. Many of us who regularly paddle the Gull like it that way. Others dream of a better racecourse and a better training facility and the Pan Am Games is their goose that laid the golden egg.

When the local municipality and Pan Am committee proposed walkways, improved channeling and permanent slalom gate structures my kneejerk reaction was to resist change.

I’m young and naive enough to have believed that it’s always been this way.

Until I read the book Building a River…Following a Dream: The Roger Parsons Story I had no idea how dramatically the Gull River was changed from its truly natural state. I’m young and naive enough to have believed that it’s always been the way I’ve always known it to be. Reading the story, I learned how a river changes over time, sometimes naturally and sometimes with a little help from a couple guys in Caterpillars.

The thousands who learn to paddle at the Gull after the Pan Am Games won’t remember the river any other way. They will only remember learning, training, racing and playing. They will remember snuggling into the riverside campground Roger and his friends carved out of the woods for us. They will remember falling asleep to the sound of water falling from higher ground, just like it has for millions of years.

[ Paddling Buyer’s Guide: View all freestyle kayaks ]

Scott MacGregor is the founder and publisher of Rapid. In 2008, the Preserve’s training center building was renamed the Roger Parsons Centre. Parsons was presented with his own set of keys.

Cover of Early Summer 2014 issue of Rapid Magazine This article was first published in the Early Summer 2014 issue of Rapid Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.

Time may change me; But I can’t trace time. —David Bowie | Feature photo: Rick Matthews

In the Hatch: Kokatat Poseidon PFD

Gear

"The Poseidon PFD featuring a modular outfitting system that can be customized." Photos: Courtesy Kokatat — "The Poseidon PFD featuring a modular outfitting system that can be customized."

“For 2015 Kokatat, the global leader in paddlesport apparel, introduces the Poseidon PFD featuring a modular outfitting system that can be customized with a myriad of accessories to meet paddlers’ daily changing needs.

“We took the best parts of our most popular PFDs and created a PFD that is amazingly versatile, feature rich, and comfortable,” said Jeff Turner, KokatatSales and Design Manager.

The front zip Poseidon comes stock with two removable front zip chest pockets. Via a series of clips
and webbing straps additional pockets and accessories, sold separately, can be added to the PFD for multiple personalized configurations.

Along with the new Poseidon-specific Full Chest Pocket and Quick Release Belt accessories, Kokatat is introducing the Belly Pocket and Tactic Pack that can be used with the Poseidon and other Kokatat PFDs.Kokatat’s current accessories, including the Tributary Hydration System, Maximus Prime Electronics Sling, and Touring Tow Tether, can be attached to the PFD for additional functionality.

The hydration reservoir compatible Tactic Pack mounts to the back of PFDs at the shoulders and lower side torso. When attached, Tactic Pack looks like a backpack, but with the majority of the pockets hidden against the paddler’s back. The Tactic Pack is designed so that with the release of two clips it can be quickly rotated to the front of the paddler for full access to the pockets.

In addition to multiple pocket and accessory options, the Poseidon offers multiple ways to carry drinking water. Paddlers can use the main pocket of the Tactic Pack to carry a reservoir, attach a Tributary or use the hidden sleeve in the PFD’s back panel designed to fit a Hydrapak 1.5 Liter reservoir.

“Sea kayakers have been asking us for more carrying versatility and with Poseidon they have a PFD that they can tailor to meet their personal needs,” added Turner.

The Poseidon features articulated shell and foam panels and an integrated hydration sleeve in its low profile back panel. For unsurpassed comfort, fit, and mobility the Poseidon has eight front and center webbing adjustments and wide, contoured neoprene shoulder straps.

The Poseidon will be USCG, Transport Canada, and European Union (ISO) approved.

The Poseidon will be introduced at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City, UT, in early August 2014. It and the rest of the Kokatat 2015 collection will be available nationwide through Kokatat’s network of specialty paddling retailers in January 2015.”

About Kokatat Inc.:
Kokatat has been manufacturing paddling gear in Arcata, California for more than 40 years. At a time when many technical apparel brands were moving manufacturing offshore,Kokatat continued to invest in infrastructure in the United States. Kokatat founder Steve O’Meara was committed to the development of the finest and driest paddling apparel in the world and recognized the need to control and continually evolve the development of our dry wear. In the early days, Kokatat worked closely with W.L. Gore & Associates, makers of GORE-TEX®, to refine the sewing and sealing techniques required for full immersion suits and tops. Today, our hands-on approach to manufacturing continues to set the standard in paddling apparel. Into the water with Kokatat! Please visit www.kokatat.com and follow Kokatat on Facebook and Twitter “@kokatat”.

Solo Interrupted

Stories

Photo: Hillebrand Steve, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — Solo Interrupted

This article was first published in the Spring 2008 issue of Canoeroots magazine—get it at the links below.

“… The wilderness was like a church alright. EXACTLY like a church, like a huge creepy vastness haunted by an otherworldly stillness. I might as well have locked myself up in an empty Notre Dame Cathedral with a “do not disturb” sign on the door. The thought of five more hours of ear-ringing nothingness, to be followed by more of the same in total darkness, felt to me like being slowly asphyxiated by silence.

I am going to die.

And so I panicked…”

Get the full article in the digital edition of Canoeroots and Family Camping, Spring 2008, on our free iPad/iPhone/iPod Touch App or Android App or read it on your desktop here.

Paddle the Rio San Juan

Trips

"Travellers can choose from any of their 6-12 day trips or build a dream itinerary." Photos: Courtesy Green Pathways — "Travellers can choose from any of their 6-12 day trips or build a dream itinerary."

Green Pathways, a Nicaragua-based tour company offers a variety of fitness/adventure retreats in Nicaragua, including a 12-day kayak expedition along the Rio San Juan. Travelers can also build their own custom itineraries that combine all that Nicaragua has to offer – kayak+surf, kayak+yoga, kayak+volcano board, etc!

All trips give back to the local community and help support and restore the country’s ecosystem. Green Pathways offers fully and partially planned adventures and tours, customizing each itinerary to fit the needs of the individual or group, and also features group retreats catering to a variety of tastes and vacation preferences. Travellers can choose from any of their 6-12 day trips or build a dream itinerary.

The most popular one is:

Kayaking Rio San Juan

# of days: 12

# of people: 2-12

Of the 12 day itinerary we have 5 days of kayaking. The amount of kayaking is roughly 200km, with around 6 to 8 hours a day. Hiking and fishing is also included each day and we camp on river sides at night.

We hike in the jungles, swim in waterfalls, fish and catch river shrimp and lobster for dinner, take night hikes looking for tapir and jaguars in the jungle. This trip also follows the path of the pirates during the goldrush, so its incredibly informative. After kayaking we enter into the Rio Indio to look for manatees and visit indigenous communities by small boat.

Day 1
You’ll be greeted at Managua Airport by our friendly Green Pathways driver, a private airport shuttle will transfer you to your hotel in Managua.

Day 2
Your tour will begin with a 4 x 4 drive to San Carlos, before jumping on board an express boat to El Castillo. You’ll explore the castle in El Castillo with your guide, who’ll share the history of the castle and surrounding area with you. That evening, you’ll join your local guides for dinner.

Day 3
The first day of kayaking begins as you head down the river to the Bartola Lodge and private reserve where the Indio Maiz begins. While exploring the Sarnoso River, keep an eye out for roaming wildlife, take a refreshing dip in the pristine waters or reel in fresh fish for dinner. That night, we’ll set up camp and enjoy the sounds of nature from the riverbank.

Day 4
La Crucita River is yet another great spot to look for wildlife and go fishing. You’ll get the chance to stretch your legs as you hike the tropical rainforest of Bocas San Carlos. Tonight, you’ll set up camp on a delta right in the river mouth.

Day 5
On the third day of kayaking you’ll be passing Crocodile Island and stopping off at a secluded waterfall on route to the San Francisco River to catch dinner. You’ll arrive in Tambor for the evening to relax by the riverside.

Day 6
Floating down on to the delta region of the Somoza area. Passing the Somoza farms and staying with a local family for your last night by the river.

Day 7
The Final day of kayaking. You’ll paddle through the delta to end up at the Caribbean Coast. By mid afternoon it’s time to make a small ocean crossing, where you’ll arrive at San Juan de Nicaragua. Where you will spend the night relaxing at the Indio Maiz Lodge.

Day 8
Back on the water for day eight. This time in a small panga to explore the Río Indio. Passing through deserted lagoons filled with birds and potentially manatees. Arriving by mid afternoon to the local El Rama community.

Day 9
Today we set off on a four-hour hike through dense, untouched jungle with a local guide to find a natural (or man-made) ruin with an unknown mysterious history. Tonight, we’ll be staying the night with the local community in wooden huts.

Day 10
The morning will be spent making your way back to San Juan de Nicaragua. In the afternoon, you’ll get the chance to relax and enjoy the beautiful ‘Rio Indio Lodge.

Day 11
You’ll jump on a flight from San Juan de Nicaragua back to Managua Airport before checking into your hotel in Managua for the night.

Day 12
This concludes your exciting Nicaraguan adventure tour. Time to catch your flight home, safe travels!

Green Pathways can also accommodate DAY TRIPS and 4-DAY TRIPS for a long weekend in Nicaragua.

DAY TRIPS: Kayaking on Lake Nicaragua and around the Isletas. This can be customized depending on the interest of each client.

4 DAY TRIPS: Kayaking and camping tours through the Padre Ramos mangrove reserve off the Pacific coast can also be arranged. Great for bird watching and looking for hawksbill turtles. Again, all can be completely customized to the clients needs.

For more information about Green Pathways or to plan your paddling adventure in Nicaragua, check out their website, greenpathways.com.

AuSable River Canoe Marathon

The 67^th edition of North America’s toughest, richest canoe race – a grueling 120-mile overnight non-stop marathon from Grayling to Oscoda, Michigan – takes place this weekend. The AuSable River Canoe Marathon – presented in 2014 by the Michigan Army National Guard and Consumers Energy – is the middle leg of the Triple Crown of Canoe Racing and is also widely recognized as one of the greatest canoe races on Earth.

The AuSable River Canoe Marathon is exceptional among endurance sport competitions in many respects. More than 80 professional two-person canoe racing teams from throughout the U.S. and Canada are entered. They will paddle at an amazing rate of 50-80 paddle strokes per minute for 14 to 19 hours in sleek hi-tech carbon-fiber racing canoes that weigh less than 30 pounds, some costing $5,000 or more.

The teams battle the darkness, river obstructions, frequently adverse weather conditions and sheer exhaustion during the course of the 120-mile race that includes six running portages around hydroelectric dams. At various locations along the way they receive food, drink, clothing changes and other support from “feeders”, or pit crews. The top teams vie for a share of the $50,000 cash & prizes purse, the richest in canoe racing.

Thousands of fans follow the action from the frenzied LeMans-style running start to the river that begins the race, on to viewing locations at bridges, public access points and dam portages to cheer on the teams throughout the race. Thousands more fans encourage the competitors from riverfront cabins and homes along the fabled AuSable River, many being the site of Marathon parties where family and friends gather to catch a glimpse of the action. Up to 50,000 fans are expected to view at least some part of the race.

Michigan’s Andy Triebold and Quebec’s Steve Lajoie are almost universally considered to be the team to beat. Triebold, 38, of Grayling, Michigan and Lajoie, 38, of Mirabel, Quebec have six consecutive AuSable Marathon victories and seven overall. They are also six-time Triple Crown of Canoe Racing Champs, having won every single Triple Crownevent from 2008 to 2013; they are the winningest team in Triple Crown of Canoe Racing history. New York’s General Clinton Canoe Regatta, the AuSable Marathon and Quebec’s la Classique Internationale de canots de la Mauricie comprise the three stages of canoe racing’s Triple Crown.

Among the record-tying 21 Seniors-Division (50+) teams entered are “Amazing” Al Widing, Sr., 89, of Mio, Michigan and his son Al Widing, Jr., 61, of Linden, Michigan. At a combined age of 150 years, they are the oldest team to ever compete in the Marathon. Amazing Al is a clearly a fan favorite and his example has served as an inspiration for many folks in all walks of life. He is racing in his record 41^st AuSable Marathon, has more finishes (33) than any other paddler and he has crossed the Finish Line in six different decades.

The main event pre-race program kicks off at 6:00 p.m. Saturday, July 26, in Grayling. The race gets underway with the running start to the river signaled by the crack of the starter’s pistol at 9:00 p.m. sharp. Thousands of fans will cheer on the racers throughout the night in into the afternoon on Sunday. The leaders are expected to arrive at the finish line in Oscoda shortly after 11:00 a.m.; teams must finish within 19 hours (by 4:00 p.m.) to be considered an official finisher.

For more information about the AuSable River Canoe Marathon:

AuSable River Canoe Marathon website – www.AuSableCanoeMarathon.org
Facebook – www.facebook.com/AuSableCanoeMarathon.org
YouTube Channel – www.youtube.com/AuSableCanoeMarathon
Twitter – @AuSableMarathon, #HupAllNight
Instagram – ausablemarathon

VIDEO: Kayak the Amazon (Extra Footage)

[iframe src=”//player.vimeo.com/video/100780337″ width=”500″ height=”281″ webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen ]

Kayak The Amazon

People couldn’t get enough of the footage from the Kayak the Amazon, source to sea expedition, so they released a “blooper reel.” The video shows the “less glamorous” parts of a source to sea expedition, including frozen booties (in the Amazon? Yes, at the source) throwing up in your kayak, dam shutoffs, and vehicle breakdowns. Watch the video and try not to laugh out loud the whole time like we did at the Adventure Kayak office.

For more information about Kayak the Amazon, check out their website, kayaktheamazon.com.

Video: Ode To The Club Boater

Videos

Photo: Screen capture Ode To The Club Boater — Video: Ode To The Club Boater

[iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”//www.youtube.com/embed/Ont4kwEWQe4″ frameborder=”0″ allowfullscreen ]

This is the bold breed of boaters still rocking the 90s style featured in Keeper, Rapid’s column about gear of years gone by. Click to read “Geek Beak: Why an iconic whitewater fad won’t die.”

Ode To The Club Boater was featured in the 2011 Reel Paddling Film Festival, hosted by paddling clubs across North America.

Homemade Buoyancy Aid

Stories

Photo: Courtesy Ashley Grittner/NRS — Homemade Buoyancy Aid

These days there are hundreds of life jackets to choose from. They’re extensively tested to earn Coast Guard approval and designed to be perfectly comfortable, whatever your water sport.

It wasn’t always this way.

I started boating in the mid-70s when a coworker invited me on a day float on Idaho’s North Fork of the Clearwater River. I was hooked from that first trip and had my own raft by the following year. Even the best life jackets of that era were crappy—ill fitting, flimsy or bulky. And not much of a swimmer.

After seeing a horse collar vest rip off a friend getting maytagged in a hydraulic and a big “Mae West” jacket come untied, I went looking for alternatives. My criteria: a secure fit, durability and lots of flotation. I looked in local stores but didn’t find it.

Boating magazines of the day carried ads for Wildwater Designs, a company owned by Charlie Walbridge. Charlie is a whitewater safety expert, coauthor of the pioneering Whitewater Rescue Manual and one of the original inductees in the Whitewater Hall of Fame.

One of the products he carried was the Hi-Float Life Vest Kit. That’s right, I said kit—a sew-it-yourself life jacket package.

I ordered my kit by mail in early 1980 for $24.50. I still have the receipt. It contained precut panels of burly nylon fabric, strips of soft buoyant foam, a heavy-duty zipper, nylon thread and complete instructions containing this troubling note:

Some people have complained that these life vests trap water. If yours does you can allow for drainage in this way. Get a nail, a candle, and a pair of pliers. Light the candle, grasp the nail with the pliers, and heat it until it is quite hot. Use the nail to punch holes in the bottom of each foam compartment. The heat will seal the edges of the hole.

I didn’t know how to run a sewing machine, but wanted to put it together myself. My wife, an excellent seamstress, coached me through the process. The result was a tough, snug-fitting, high-flotation jacket. The pounds of buoyancy it advertised were well up in the twenties. You could fold up the portion below the waist tie to make it more compact, or wear it down full length. At some point, I added a between-the-legs strap to make it even more secure.

That jacket saved my bacon many times, down hundreds of river miles, including all of Idaho’s crown jewel rivers and on far-away floats like the Grand Canyon. I had some classic swims but it always bobbed me to the surface.

I wore my Hi-Float for almost 20 years, until the zipper finally failed.

When I saw Charlie at a swiftwater rescue clinic in 2004, I brought out the old jacket to show him and he thought I was trying to get it warranted!

Charlie eventually sold the design to Extrasport, whose current Swiftwater Ranger Rescue Jacket is a child of the Hi-Float.

It could get hot, it wasn’t adjustable and it didn’t carry any certification, but I made it myself, it was custom-sized, I trusted it with my life.

Clyde Nicely’s chief passion is multi-day rafting. He strings words together for a living as the e-News editor at NRS.

Cover of the Volume 16, Issue 2 of Rapid Magazine

This article was first published in Issue 16, Volume 2 of Rapid Magazine. Subscribe to Paddling Magazine’s print and digital editions, or browse the archives.

Feature photo: Courtesy Ashley Grittner/NRS

Gear Review: Sea to Summit’s Escapist Tarp

Rapid Media at Outdoor Retailer