“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.
When getting ready to head out on your next paddling trip, be sure to keep these five safety tips in mind to ensure you have an enjoyable time on the water.
1. Take an on-water Course - whether it's a safety or skill development course, an ACA on-water instruction course provides the information you need for canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, rafting or safety & rescue.
2. Wear Your Lifejacket - Expect to capsize and swim occasionally when paddling a canoe, kayak, SUP or raft? Learn more about PFDs and how they might just save your life.
3. Cold Water Safety- Cold water is extremely dangerous! Learn more about protecting yourself in this environment
4. Rules of the Road- What paddlers need to know when sharing the waterways
5. Safety Check- Safety tips you need to consider the next time you head out on the water
In addition to the "Top Five" here are 5 more to round out the "Top Ten"!
6. Practices, Ethics and Conduct - Key points on how to appropriately share, and enjoy our natural paddling resources
7. Know Your Limits- Good things to contemplate before you leave shore
Filmed in May of 2012, WCCO's Finding Minnesota visits the Kettle River in Banning State Park.
Finding Minnesota
This piece was filmed at the top of the rapids in Banning State Park, most of the whitewater paddling takes place on Blueberry Slide - a Class III rapid. On this day the river was flowing at 1400 CFS.
The editing in the video makes the paddling look very intense and non stop.
