“If you don't take risks, you'll have a wasted soul.”
Drew Barrymore
The Northern Open Canoe Access Project can provide you with the training, the inspiration, and the equipment, to get you running whitewater rivers in an open canoe .
Get the Right Equipment.
Helmet,
Lifejacket,
Cold Weather Clothing
Learn the Fundamentals of the Sport
Stokes,
Eddy-outs,
River Ferrying,
and you will greatly reduce the risk in the sport.
Paddling down the Vermillion River at an estimated 800 cfs sure sounded like a good idea. At high water this hole gets pretty sticky. I found this out the hard way coming into the rapid without giving the obstacle the respect it needed.
The Fluffy Bunny gabbed my canoe and gave me a quick window shade. My canoe and I were locked in the big white paws and the ride started.
I held on as long as I could, low bracing and trying to stoke out of the hole. Abandoned, stuck in the middle of the river, the Mohawk Probe kept hanging on. And on, And on,
With the help of other paddlers we were able to bridge out into the river far enough for a final leap to grab a bow line.
It's good to have friends on the river.
Have the right gear for the adventure, when whitewater canoeing alway wear a helmet and lifejacket.
Dress to stay warm and comfortable -
Carry a throw rope, you'll use more then you think.
First Aid Kit - how far from the car are you? how far from the nearest hospital?
Hard Water Sports get the gear for your next adventure. Get some adventure in your life.
The Northern Open Canoe Access Project aims to connect flat water paddlers with...
the Training - the Inspiration - and the Equipment
Mankato Dave's footage from a spring run on Duncan Creek.
Nice ending of a canoe pin and rescue.
You will notice that Dave is equipped with a helmet and a lifejacket. His canoe has float bags in it, this prevents the boat from filling completely with water. Dressed in a dry suit, Dave came away from the swim and boat pin just fine.
Also note that Dave is boating with a group of experienced paddlers.
Have the right gear, get trained, go have an adventure.
