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Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking: Navigating Rapids

|November 9, 2023

Whitewater kayaking is a thrilling adventure sport that combines the exhilaration of navigating wild river rapids with the finesse of skilled paddling. In this write-up, we’ll tackle common questions about this exciting activity. Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned kayaker looking to enhance your skills, we’ll cover:

What is whitewater kayaking?
What equipment to I need for whitewater kayaking?
How do I choose the right whitewater kayak?
What skill level is required for whitewater kayaking?
How can I improve my kayaking skills?
Is whitewater kayaking dangerous?
How do I stay safe while whitewater kayaking?
How do I perform a roll in whitewater kayaking?

1. What is Whitewater Kayaking?

Whitewater Kayaking is a water sport where individuals use specialized kayaks to navigate down rivers and streams with varying degrees of water turbulence (AKA ‘whitewater’). It involves paddling through rapids, waves and obstacles while maintaining control and balance. A synergy if you will.

2. What equipment do I need for whitewater kayaking?

Essential equipment includes a kayak (of course!), a paddle, personal flotation device (PFD), helmet, spray skirt (to keep water out of the kayak), weather and water appropriate clothing (quick drying or waterproof layers, depending on the temperature of the water and air), and water shoes with backstraps. To go out on rapids without a guide or instructor, you will also need safety gear like throw ropes, first aid supplies a whistle and a pin kit. These items, especially a throw bag, require particular training and practice before you carry them. With safety gear, your goal is to never add hazards into the river.

3. How do I choose the right whitewater kayak?

Kayak choice depends on factors like your skills level, type of whitewater, and personal preference. Beginners often start with stable, higher-volume kayaks, while experienced paddlers might prefer more maneuverable models for advanced moves and tricks! The right boat is always going to be the one you feel the most comfortable and fun with!

4. What skill level is required for whitewater kayaking?

Whitewater kayaking ranges from beginner to expert levels. Although not necessary, some people like to start with flatwater kayaking to learn basic paddling techniques and get comfortable being on the water. Whitewater recreational kayakers use a river classification system of class 1- 6 to try to describe a river’s challenge level. Class 1 describes moving currents with little obstacles while class 6 is by definition unrunnable. There are basic skills required to learn from a guide or instructor before paddling any level of moving water. With someone to help lead you, it’s best to progress on Class I and then Class II rapids before tackling more challenging features. Due to the risky nature of this activity, it’s important to build skills gradually and take whitewater kayaking courses.

5. How can I improve my kayaking skills?

Taking lessons from certified instructors is highly recommended. Practice paddling techniques, rolling, bracing, and reading water currents in safe environments. Then, gradually move to more challenging waters to improve your skills. There are many whitewater kayaking clubs who organize pool sessions over the winter months. It’s great to connect with your local paddling community!

6. Is whitewater kayaking dangerous?

Whitewater kayaking involves inherent risks. Water is powerful, and unfortunately, humans did evolve the ability to breathe in it. Water can however, be predictable. It does flow in a certain way and we can learn to read rivers, just like a new language. When you learn to read water, you can better anticipate how to manage the hazards in a way that allows you to have responsible fun. With proper training, safety gear, and responsible decision-making, the risks can be managed. Always prioritize safety and know your limits.

7. How do I stay safe while whitewater kayaking?

We cannot stress this enough: safety is paramount. Always wear a PFD and a helmet, and be sure to paddle with a group as well as inform someone about your paddling plans. Learn swiftwater rescue techniques and first-aid procedures. Learn, practice and carry appropriate safety gear like throw ropes. Be aware of your skill level and the river’s difficulty before attempting to run it.

8. How do I perform a roll in a whitewater kayak?

The kayak roll is a technique to right the kayaker after the boat flips upside down. There are different roll techniques, and one of the most common is the Sweep Roll.” It involves using your paddle across the surface of the water, and using your hips to initiate a roll while leveraging your kayak upright.

We hope we are able to answer some of your questions about one of our favourite ways to experience the river. If you have any others, perhaps about coming to our whitewater school, you might find our FAQ section helpful! Otherwise, don’t hesitate to contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

Paddlers playing at Claudia's roller madawaska river whtiewater

The Fascinating History of Whitewater Kayaking

|November 9, 2023

Whitewater kayaking, an exhilarating water sport that combines adventure, skill, and adrenaline, has a rich and captivating history that dates back millennia. From its humble origins as a mode of transportation to its evolution into a beloved recreational activity, the history of whitewater kayaking is a testament to the enduring human spirit of exploration and our innate connection to nature’s wildest waters. Join us on a paddle through time, as we dive into the captivating history of whitewater kayaking.

We’ll be discussing:

The Origins: A Means of Transportation
The Advent of Recreational Kayaking
Growth and Development
The Rise of Freestyle Kayaking
Exploration and Extreme Challenges
Whitewater Kayaking in the Modern Era

The Origins: A Means of Transportation

Image Credit: https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/kayak

Whitewater Kayaking’s roots can be traced back to indigenous cultures around the world that relied on river systems and the ocean for transportation and hunting. The Inuit people of what is now known as Canada’s Arctic, for example, used kayaks made from animal skins stretched over wooden frames to navigate treacherous waters for hunting and fishing seal. These early kayaks showcased the first inklings of what would later become the art of navigating rapids and whitewater.

The Advent of Recreational Kayaking

Image Credit: https://www.wiredforadventure.com/oskar-speck/

It was in the early 20^th century that whitewater kayaking began to emerge as a recreational activity. In the 1920s, passionate paddlers in Europe, particularly in Germany and Switzerland, began exploring rivers for pure enjoyment. The rivers of the European Alps presented an enticing playground for kayakers, and the sport started gaining popularity among those seeking adventure and a connection with the natural world.

Growth and Development

Image Credit: https://paddlerezine.com/an-interview-with-richard-fox/

Whitewater kayaking experienced significant growth and development in the mid-20^th century. The formation of kayaking clubs and organizations, along with advancements in kayak design and equipment, helped propel the sport forward. Pioneering kayakers such as Olli Grau, Richard Fox, and Horst Fursattel pushed the boundaries of what was possible on the river, tackling increasingly challenging rapids and waterfalls.

The Rise of Freestyle Kayaking

Image Credit: https://kayakjournal.wordpress.com/2013/09/06/paddler-focus-kent-ford/

In the 1970s and 80s, freestyle kayaking emerged as a distinct discipline within the sport. Kayakers sought to master the art of performing acrobatic maneuvers and tricks on river features such as waves and holes. The new dimension added a creative and expressive element to whitewater kayaking, captivating both participants and spectators alike.

Exploration and Extreme Challenges

Image Credit: https://www.aquaglide.com/common-waters-past-and-current-legends-in-the-whitewater-kayak-industry/

As the sport continued to grow in popularity, a new breed of kayaker emerged – those who sought out uncharted rivers and extreme challenges. Exploratory kayaking expeditions took paddlers to remote corners of the globe, where they tackled raging torrents and cascading waterfalls previously untouched by humans. These daring adventurers pushed the limits of what was considered possible in whitewater kayaking, continually redefining the boundaries of the sport. Some of the top athletes in the world are Dane Jackson, Nouria Newman, Bren Orton, Adrian Mattern, Emily Jackson, Aniol Serraolses, and Rush Sturges.

Whitewater Kayaking in the Modern Era

Today, whitewater kayaking has established itself as a mainstream adventure sport enjoyed by enthusiasts worldwide. Whitewater kayaking is the perfect sport for folks seeking both extreme adventure as well as leisure and peaceful connections with Nature and Rivers. Kayaking can include aspects of extreme adventure travel, athletic prowess, intense teamwork, but it does not need to be the adrenaline-focused sport it is sometimes made out to be. Technological advancements have led to the creation of lightweight and highly maneuverable kayaks, enhancing the experience for paddlers of all levels.

Major competitions and events, such as the Whitewater Grand Prix and the Freestyle Kayaking World Championships, showcase the incredible skill and artistry of the sport’s top athletes on challenging whitewater. While the Madawaska River is a perfect river for developing kayak skills no matter the reason for doing the sport, and no matter the level of intensity your are interested in. There is a sheer joy that comes with floating on water, flowing with it’s currents.

Whitewater kayaking and canoeing schools have increased in number and popularity, which has provided easier access to the sport for beginners. The first whitewater school in the world, Madawaska Kanu Centre (located in Barry’s Bay, ON), was founded in 1972 by Hermann and Christa Kerkhoff after they won the 1968 Canadian Slalom Championships. The family business has been passed on to its third generation and proudly introduces hundreds of people to the beauty of whitewater kayaking and canoeing through their courses every year.

In Conclusion…

The history of whitewater kayaking paints a clear picture of the human spirit’s need for exploration, adventure, and connection with nature. From its humble origins as a means of transportation to its evolution into a thrilling recreational activity, the sport has captivated and inspired countless individuals over the years and created a worldwide community. It’s an honour to be a part of such a tight-knit, resourceful, and understanding network. See you on the river!

Whitewater Kayaking 101

|November 9, 2023

Hi there, my name is Naomi and I’m a first-time whitewater kayaker. Before getting my feet wet and my hands, well wet, in this sport, I’ve watched videos of both highly skilled kayakers and everyday whitewater lovers, all embracing their own journey on fresh whitewater.

After being somewhat bombarded by the awesomeness of this sport, I just had to try it out. I was both nervous and excited to learn the ins and outs, so I committed to finding the right “kayaking school”. I needed someplace where I felt safe, well-instructed, and that would accommodate beginners with zero prior experience. After researching my kayaking options in Ontario and reading tons of Google reviews, I found the perfect wilderness/kayaking school for me, Madawaska Kanu Centre (aka MKC).

I’ve spoken to awesome instructors and kayakers at the resort, one of whom is Stefi Van Wijk. She is a 3rd generation kayaker and happens to be leading the operations at MKC. After speaking with her and following clear instructions, I gathered some tips and tricks that helped me feel more comfortable and confident on the river. If you are a first-time kayaker yourself, or just interested in the sport, I have some tips to help you out!

Here’s a beginner’s guide to whitewater kayaking 101:

Safety First

Before heading out onto the water, it’s important to make sure that you have all the necessary safety gear with you. This includes appropriate clothing (such as a wetsuit when the water is cool and sun protection, almost always), a helmet, and closed-toe footwear. For anyone heading to MKC for their first time whitewater kayaking, they have great equipment for their lessons- high-quality and formfitting lifevests, helmets, wetsuit overalls (aka Farmer John’s), and brightly colored splash jackets, so be prepared to look good aha!

It’s crucial that you make sure everything fits well and is securely fastened, to be prepared for potentially swimming in currents. By wearing this gear, you’ll be prepared to learn what you need to learn on the river, safely!

Tip: Safety first! Always.

Feel All Your Emotions

Before my first go on the water, I was experiencing a range of emotions. From excitement, to fear, to anxiety then to excitement again. Stefi taught me a great trick: “Comfort to control”. This approach means that your instructor will help you prioritize your comfort and confidence before moving on to more technical skills. Madawaska Kanu Centre instructors are great at guiding and shaping your goals by addressing your concerns and understanding what you want to work on.

MKC instructors are top-tier and are great at helping you become a skilled and confident whitewater kayaker. In my case, Stefi truly helped me see what I wanted to accomplish and become more comfortable on the water. As I practiced, it became easier to gain control; I started to see the kayak as an extension of myself and not just an add-on, which aided in my experience on the river.

Tip: Let yourself get as comfortable as you can and then proceed with caution with your new-found skills.

Embrace the Kayak

Kayaks come in different types and sizes, and it’s important to be in a properly fitted kayak to progress comfortably. You sort of go “kayak shopping” with your instructor onsite at MKC to see which kayak will be the best fit for you on the river. These whitewater kayaks come in various sizes, and your instructors will find you one with a good body weight to boat volume ratio for maximum success of the river.

Tip: If in doubt, go with the larger size. It will provide more comfort and more stability.

madawaska river paddling kayak fisheye woman

Paddle Away

As a beginner, I know it can be overwhelming to learn the essentials of a kayak paddle, but don’t worry, here’s a quick and easy overview. The long straight part of the paddle you hold onto is called the shaft. There are two blades, a “power-face” facing you, and a “non-power-face” facing away. Most blades have a top and bottom, marked by a logo or sticker. Hold the paddle with the logo facing you for a comfortable grip. Speaking of grip, don’t forget to check your grip often while you’re leaning forward.

Tip: Remember ‘the box’ position by forming a square between your paddle, chest, and arms at shoulder height. It’s key for all techniques.

madawaska river paddling kayak dagger axiom

Shift to Control

I’ve learned that if you focus on learning how to control the kayak, you’ll have a lot more fun once you hit the moving water. To get started with that, it is a must to practice tilting the boat on edge, and holding that edge while paddling forward. This skill will help you navigate the currents when you’re ready for them!

Tip: Edge control is boat control.

Here are a few essential concepts to take note of for your paddling strokes:

Turning stroke, aka Sweep stroke aka C stroke

Horizontal shaft: When you’re trying to turn the boat, try to keep the paddle shaft as horizontal as possible to the water. This will help you be more effective with your turn stroke.

Torso Wind up: Before each stroke, twist your torso slightly in the direction you want to go. This will help you engage your core muscles and generate more power with each stroke.

Torso Un-Wind: Unwind your torso to pull the paddle forward and away from the kayak. This will help you move through the water with ease!

Forward paddling stroke

Range of Motion: When you’re doing the forward paddle stroke, make sure to insert the active blade into the water by your foot and pull it back past your knee. Don’t forget to release the blade before it passes your hip for a nice, long, and smooth stroke.

Vertical Paddle: To help move your boat forward, try to keep your paddle shaft vertical throughout the stroke. Keep your top hand at eye level and “punch” it out to maintain that vertical position. With much practice, you’ll see progress.

Tip: Before hitting the rapids, make sure to get the basic kayaking techniques down with your instructor. Some of these include how to hold the paddle, how to maneuver the kayak, and most importantly how to perform a wet exit—aka how to exit the kayak if you capsize.

River Pointers:

Once you’ve learned the basics, it’s important to practice in calm water before attempting rapids. This will help you build that confidence I was talking about and improve your skills. Start in a pool or calm lake and practice maneuvering the kayak and performing a wet exit.

Choose the right river: The Madawaska River is amazing for learning because there are spots on the river for every skill level. The water is clean and you never feel like you’ll accidentally bump into another kayaker. When you’re ready to paddle in whitewater, choose a small section of a river that matches your skill level. Rapids are classified by difficulty, Class I and II can be better for beginners, while Class III and above are for more advanced kayakers. Apparently, this can be quite subjective. So, always look at any rapids you want to run before you run them, as well as what is downstream. Paddlers will often call this scouting a river or scouting a rapid.

Have fun and respect the river:

Always paddle within your skill level. Never take unnecessary risks- it’s always more respectable to walk around a rapid (portage) if you’re not feeling up to it.

Approach paddling with a sense of play- to connect with the river, and other’s enjoying the river as well!

Refuse to litter or contaminate the water or wilderness surrounding it, and if possible, leave things in better shape than when you arrived.

Tip: The key to good kayaking technique is to stay relaxed, keep your body loose, and let the paddle do the work. With time, you’ll surprise yourself with what you know and how you perform on the river.

Thanks for brushing up on my quick and informative Kayaking 101 pointers that helped me on my whitewater kayaking adventure. This sport can be intimidating for beginners (especially at first), but with the right gear, instructors, knowledge, and eventually skill, it can also be incredibly rewarding.

Remember to start slow, practice in calm water, and always prioritize safety.

Happy paddling!

Check out our First Aid/ River Course/ Instructor Course: https://www.mkc.ca/certification-courses/

Browse our Courses: https://www.mkc.ca/whitewater-kayak-and-canoe-courses/

Related Blogs:

A Sit Down with Willa Mason

A Sit Down with Willa Mason Pt. 2

Sources:

Madawaska Kanu Centre – Home page

MKC’s Kayak Instruction

A Sit Down with Willa Mason Pt. 2

|November 9, 2023

Willa Mason, who is both impressive and talented, joined us virtually last year to share some of her whitewater wisdom. We have eagerly been awaiting the perfect moment to unveil ‘Part 2’ of our “Sit Down with Willa Mason” series – and that moment has finally arrived! Whether you find yourself taking a break at work or enjoying the comforts of home, we invite you to grab your favorite snack and read along.

Why do you think it’s important to take wilderness certification courses?

It’s important to take wilderness certification courses because it’s our responsibility to help others on the river. Whitewater kayaking and canoeing trips often take place in a very remote area, which requires you to rely on each other for safety. Knowing what your skill level is and gaining first aid skills helps your friends and family stay safe as they navigate unknown waters.

I always like to think about what I can bring to a group, whether it’s my impact, soft skills, hard skills and/or snacks. I think it’s really important to further your own development and bring more to the group. Due to the nature of the sport and its unpredictable environment, we are so privileged to see these places and share them with our favourite people. On the flip side, because we have this opportunity, it’s also our responsibility to be prepared.

The experiences and skills you bring to the table helps everyone have more fun on the river.

I used to hold guided trips for another company in the North West Territories and there was an attendee that I recognized that same summer. A couple of weeks later, he let me know he was taking his own steps to become more responsible for his own skills. As he was coming on a guided trip he also wanted and was helpful and had skills to bring to the team. It was so cool to see that A) He has the foresight to take that responsibility B) He did really enjoy the trip a lot more because he took the course. He was feeling a lot more confident because he had a lot of skills under his belt. It was really cool to see how his experience was impacted because he took a course and it made a HUGE difference. It was really special to share that whole progression with him for sure.

What’s involved in a Wilderness First-Aid course at Madawaska Kanu Centre?

Whitewater kayaking and canoeing trips often take place in remote settings. Therefore, it can be really hard for rescuers to reach you in emergencies. In these circumstances, you’re required to have a high awareness of your surrounding areas, a critical decision-making framework, and the proper tools (which include a well-prepared first-aid kit). Making snap decisions in high-stress “risk or rescue” environments is not a skill that comes naturally to most.

The point of the Wilderness First-Aid course goes back to this idea of being prepared to help in a group setting. It could be you that needs help, or it might be your best friend, or possibly a stranger. This course builds on your understanding of what you should always bring on trips, as well as your wilderness hard skills. You look at the curriculum and you’re like, “Wow, I’m going to know how to flip back a dislocated shoulder?” It’s awesome.

This type of learning is tailored to people who are engaging in self-propelled activities like hiking, kayaking, or canoeing.

Who would you recommend to take a River Rescue course?

Anyone that’s going to spend time on the river. It’s not just for the professionals, it’s not just for people who are working in the industry, the courses are for everyone. You can pick the time and investment that you’d like to put into developing your hard skills.

What I really appreciate about the setup of these certification courses (whether first aid or rescue), is that there’s different steps you can take based on your skill levels and paddling goals.

Why would you recommend someone to take the Canoe Instructor course?

It’s important to develop your own abilities first so you can focus on your next layer of skills, which is instructing others. I’d recommend focusing on your own whitewater skills, then your instructor skills, and then combining them. At this point, you’ll have a much more analytical and critical eye to whitewater kayaking or canoeing and its skill concepts.

I’d say this course is for anyone working in the industry (or who aspires to), as well as those who are looking to challenge themselves. If you’re at a place where your skills are ready for the next level, taking the instructor course will give you new group management skills. We once again arrive at the big question of “What am I bringing to the group?”

I will say that there’s often a perception of instructor courses that they’re too “by the book” and “ too structured,” but the value of these courses comes from learning with your peers. I go into the course with a list of things I have to cover, but I really adapt to the group and recognize that everybody brings different experiences to the group – so we’re really learning from each other and there’s ongoing discussions.

How does your granddad inspire you in your life?

I’ve learned about his philosophy through the films that he made and others’ stories about how his work impacted them. The perspective I gained from him is that “people protect what they love.” I’ve had times where I’ve had an inner conflict of bringing people into the wilderness because I see how human impact has changed these spaces. I’ve definitely battled with that. But then, I really believe that everybody grows in the wilderness and that the growth overall contributes a higher benefit. I’m still learning what this perspective means for me and what actions I want to take in the long term.

Another perspective I learned from him is that “introducing people to whitewater is a good thing.” It’s a good thing for them, it’s a good thing for our community, and it’s a good thing for our planet. While he introduced whitewater through films and books, I do it through teaching and guiding.

Thank you for taking the time to read the last part of our interview with Willa Mason.

Links:

A Sit Down With Willa Mason Pt 1: https://www.mkc.ca/a-sit-down-with-willa-mason/

Find Our List of Courses Here: https://www.mkc.ca/certification-courses/

Image: https://esquif.com/en/ambassadeurs/willa-mason/

A Dive into our 3 Amazing Giving Week Charities

|November 10, 2023

Guess what?! Our annual Giving Week is coming up from February 6^th to 10^th and we will be donating 5% of sales to your charity of choice (with an additional 10% off regular 5-day whitewater kayak & canoe courses)! There are so many organizations doing wonderful things out there, so it’s never an easy decision for us to choose donation recipients, however, with a little help from our social media followers, we did finally land on 3 amazing charities:

Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre
Canadian Canoe Museum
Project Canoe

Join us for a quick dive into each charity; we’ll discover who they are, what they do, and their incredible impact on our community!

Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre

Positioned to enhance and support indigenous learners, the Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre, hosted by Laurentian University, “serves as a resource for Indigenous student success by achieving objectives set out in Laurentian’s Strategic Plan.” This 2500+ ft space houses multi-purpose rooms that allow for indigenous students to learn, connect with each other, study together, and receive private counseling.

Found within the structure is a central gathering place. It accommodates both the indigenous students and staff, and is surrounded by landscaped areas, which are “developed with outdoor teaching spaces as a direct extension of the educational and cultural programs that take place within the ISLC.” We are honored to be supporting this amazing university, initiative, and space, and only hope to further the vision of this wonderful facility.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndigenousProgramsLUL/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurentianu/

Laurentian University: https://laurentian.ca/indigenous-programs/islc

The Canadian Canoe Museum

The Canadian Canoe Museum was founded in 1997 in Peterborough, Ontario by the late Professor Kirk Whipper. It is a family-friendly, engaging, and unifying space that “explores the canoe’s enduring significance to the peoples of Canada, through an exceptional collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft.” Also known as a “unique national heritage centre”, guests come from all over to view priceless artifacts, unique galleries, model canoe building, and so much more! With inclusivity in mind, their exhibits and programs allow for visitors to indulge in heritage, art, and culture.

This museum successfully represents many major watercraft traditions of Canada, and this holds true as the range of artifacts has expanded its reach to incorporate international examples. We are enthusiastic to aid this long-standing and integral museum in their efforts to house priceless and educational watercrafts, and in teaching the community at large about such a deep, and rich history that directly expands on the beauty of whitewater.

Please note: This museum is temporarily closed as they are currently changing their location to 2077 Ashburnham Drive, Peterborough, ON and are opening this summer!

Canadian Canoe Museum: https://canoemuseum.ca/our-story/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cndncanoemuseum/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CndnCanoeMuseum

Project Canoe

Project Canoe was founded by Dr. Herb Batt in 1997. With an agenda to transform youth lives through the power of the outdoors, Project Canoe hosts memorable wilderness canoe trips and create inspirational, healthy, and transformative environments where youth learn “life skills, social competencies, and resiliency, thereby fostering their own personal success.” They are completely engrossed in helping youth overcome and face life’s barriers, teaching them vital skills to manage their realities, help them recognize their strengths and weaknesses, and aid them in building a proactive future brick by brick.

Project Canoe takes the approach of “therapeutic outdoor programming” and education to build raw and emotional skills – such as self-awareness, self-esteem, and self-love – within the youth they host. Every summer, they offer a wilderness canoe trip program, which is “complemented by programs in Toronto throughout the year, which help youth build upon and carry forward the skills they learned and the friendships they made.” All in all, they have committed to advocating for youth lives and development and purpose to expand their approach in support to inclusively aid in youth development. They have been able to aid over 4000 youths, and we are stoked to help amplify their message and reach.

Project Canoe: https://canoe.org/what-we-do

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/project.canoe/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProjectCanoe/

Let’s have fun and help the community at the same time! If you’re interested in participating in Giving Week, you can check out our new 2023 Course Calendar for a full list of our upcoming courses & certifications. Despite the very wintery weather recently, whitewater season is just around the corner – we recommend starting to plan now!

Keep it ‘Sustainable’

The Madawaska River and surrounding forest have been our home now for 50 years. The Algonquin and Anishinabek people have lived here for millennia. We hold the responsibility to ensure it will continue to thrive for future generations. This watershed is our home, our work, our community, and our playground.

For this reason, it’s so important to us to commit to sustainable initiatives, not only through other organizations but through our own operations as well. For more information on how we plan on keeping our home clean for future generations, check out “A Sustainable MKC.”

Thanks for reading folks and we hope you’re having an amazing winter! Make sure to check out our 2023 Whitewater Kayak & Canoe Courses >

Year: 2023

Introduction to Whitewater Kayaking: Navigating Rapids

1. What is Whitewater Kayaking?

2. What equipment do I need for whitewater kayaking?

3. How do I choose the right whitewater kayak?

4. What skill level is required for whitewater kayaking?

5. How can I improve my kayaking skills?

6. Is whitewater kayaking dangerous?

7. How do I stay safe while whitewater kayaking?

8. How do I perform a roll in a whitewater kayak?

The Fascinating History of Whitewater Kayaking

Whitewater Kayaking 101

A Sit Down with Willa Mason Pt. 2

A Dive into our 3 Amazing Giving Week Charities

Indigenous Sharing and Learning Centre

The Canadian Canoe Museum

Project Canoe

Keep it ‘Sustainable’

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November 17th 10am - 6pm EST

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