CdB Forum
CdB Whitewater Paddling Club Discussions => Paddling => Topic started by: Micratech on June 28, 2012, 06:37:06 PM
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SRT - Swiftwater Rescue Technician
WRT - Wilderness Rescue Training
Is there any interest in SRT/WRT courses for this season? I know that Christian G. expressed interest. Please let me know soon. I will pass on this training, but I can assist in getting a good
deal. Any interested parties please let me know your availability dates and preferred providers;
hopefully we can get a good club/group discount.
Mike Rabe
Skills Development Liason for 2012
rabe123@rogers.com
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I would be interested.
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I'd be interested in SRT. Best date for me would be the July 7/8 weekend.
Edit: Still interested, date dependant.
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I might be interested, too.
Dani
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I might be interested in SRT depending on price
Bob
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Might be interested in SRT too.
Cheers.
Emmanuel
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I'd be interested as long as the date works.
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I might be game depending on the date as well. SRT and/or WRT.
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FYI - there is SRT training this wknd by Boreal with spots available:
http://www.meetup.com/Y-Canoe-Camping-Club/events/71313822/
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I am interested in taking an SRT training course this summer.
Caroline
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OK - I chatted with Esprit on this topic - in summary, if we get a minimum 6 participants and
do the course at their basecamp (Davidson, QC) they will give us a 20% discount off their $299 price. (I might be able to improve on that a bit - stay tuned...)
I'm assumng that we would want a 2-day, low-cost course; R3 Rec looks appropriate - see:
http://www.whitewater.ca/r3_rec.html (let me know if you think otherwise...)
Let's do a poll. Assuming this will take a few days to organize, let me know the preferred dates from the following options:
a) Jul 28-29
b) Aug 4-5
c) Aug 11-12 (not recommended since this is Beast Feast weekend)
d) Aug 18-19
Thanks,
\MR
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What are the prerequisites? I would be interested, provided that it is ok for newbies. I am available August 18-19. Camping? Commuting? Car pooling?
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I believe that all the required Esprit info for this course is here:
http://www.whitewater.ca/r3_rec.html
If any other questions, let me know or you could contact them; email/phone:
http://www.whitewater.ca/contact_esprit.html
Let's pick a date and make it so!
\MR
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I'd be up for it the august 18-19 weekend
Bob
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Count me in for either B or D.
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Here's a fun preview to get you excited...from recent R3-Pro course @ Esprit:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5J8MT5qJ1c
you definitely want to do the REC version, for the first (or second!) go of it.... it is a great course - worthwhile investment!
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B or D would work for me as well as long as we can get the 6+ folks discount. I have a slight preference for B if that can happen.
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Hey Mike,
If option D is selected, then count me in :) I can't do any other weekend though.
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D works best for me as well.
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OK - Looks like Aug 18-19 is the preferred weekend, and Esprit is the provider.
Here's what I currenty have then:
Interested:
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Jon W.
Dave H.
Luc L.
Brian F.
Janet H.
Bob M.
Maybes:
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Emmanuel M.
Dani P.
Caroline D.
Steven T.
Please let me know ASAP whether this is correct. I will communicate with Esprit again about pricing.
\MR
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If Brian F. means me - Ryan F., then yes, it appears correct. ;D
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Argh.
Ok that weekend is the only weekend I thought I could do it, but it turns out I had plans already made for me by the wife.
So I can't make it. :( >:(
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Updated List:
Interested:
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Dave H.
Luc L.
Ryan F.
Janet H.
Bob M.
Maybes:
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Emmanuel M.
Dani P.
Caroline D.
Steven T.
Please update list accordingly ASAP (copy/paste/repost!)
I emailed with Esprit again about pricing; best they can offer us is the 20% discount and free camping at their site. From Jim Coffey at Esprit:
Here is what we can offer you and your club.
Our discount is set at 20% (by our association). We pay a fee for an internationally recognized certification fee (20%) to explain a bit about where the money goes. With that said, your group is welcome to camp free of charge at our river site.
The site is rustic camping with outhouses, tarped cooking area, stoves and wash up station. it is at lower No Name rapid for those interested in paddling in the evening.
The date works well for us.
Feel free to call me at 800 596 7238 or on my cell 613 639 5224 if you want to discuss the course further.
Looking forward to the course!
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I just found out that weekend won't work for me.
Sorry guys, hope you have a good one!
Bob
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Hi, Esprit is being featured in a CBC show, The Big Decision (Dragon's Den spin-off). They were hit with huge losses this winter resulting from losing their Mexico business due to the security situation and due to a fire that took out their main vehicle and a ton of their equipment. Anyhow, they are having trouble absorbing the losses and have looked to the show to help.
The whole point of this is that the lady from the show has issued a series of challenges and if they meet them, they will make a $250k investment.
All the challenges have to be completed by August 7th. One is to increase recurring and referral business so it would be really helpful to Esprit if everyone who is taking the course books by August 7th!!
Also, I'll post separately, but they're having a big event August 7th at their Camp de Base. With all they do for the whitewater community, I hope that lots of people show up!
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Thanks for this Joanne. I will arrange payment later this week. I emailed Esprit to get more information about camping there since I am not much of a camper but I have not heard back yet. I have a tent and stuff, but I am wondering about refrigeration...
Question to those who are going -- is there a carpool opportunity? My husband may need our car over the weekend, as the 18th is my nephew's birthday. I am totally willing to pay for gas, and beer, as necessary.
Janet
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Please count me in, do I pay directly through the Esprit website?
I have updated the list accordingly!
N.B. Mike, Can you see if you can get us a disocunted meal plan as well???
Thanks!!!
Caroline
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Updated List:
Interested:
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Dave H.
Luc L.
Ryan F.
Janet H.
Bob M.
Caroline D.
Maybes:
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Emmanuel M.
Dani P.
Steven T.
Please update list accordingly ASAP (copy/paste/repost!)
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Caro - I think you are on your own to fulfill your epicurean desires for the weekend, but I am working on a club subsidy... ;-)
Details on how to pay coming soon. Joanne - thanks for the update on Esprit - let's try to get them paid for this under the deadline.
Updated list: (Bmag is out). Can we get a 6th confirmed?
Interested:
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Dave H.
Luc L.
Ryan F.
Janet H.
Caroline D.
Maybes:
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Emmanuel M.
Dani P.
Steven T.
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I received email from Esprit indicating that the hostel is available for $25 per night, and that the main hostel building has a communal kitchen and fridge. I would like to explore this option. Would this interfere with arranging the course?
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Janet - thanks for spearheading this. I'm going to limit my role as Skills Development Liason on this course to trying to getting an appropriate headcount and to negotiate the best possible deal for the participants on this course.
Some of you may wish to camp, and others may want to stay at the hostel - its up to you guys
to arrange food, lodging and transportation for this event. I would recommend that you always mention that you are with the CdB club and should be getting at least a 20% discount. :-)
\MR
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Janet in case you are not aware of the locations it is ~50 km by road (~1hr driving) between the camp-site at Lower No-name (LNN) and the Hostel. Esprit also offers camping next to the Hostel but that is a different matter.
If you choose to camp at LNN, there shouldn't be a whole lot of problems with piggybacking on other peoples stoves, coolers, beer-opener, or whatever. When this becomes a go and we get closer to the date we can work out some of those logistics. I will likely be driving, as will others, and there shouldn't be any problems with car pooling.
Ohh yah, I have heard though that the Esprit Hostel and their meals are quite excellent. But for me that is for another day.
Dave
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Sorry Mike and Dave if I overstepped. It was not my intention -- I was just trying to get a picture of what I needed to do before then. I have never been to Esprit before and I appreciate the warning about distances! I am buried deep in work and grad school right now so I need information in order to plan ahead (if that's possible). I really appreciate your effort to organize the group for the course part. Okay, this is me butting out now.
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Semi off-topic:
Is the camping really that close to LNN?
Is there any play on the middle channel at summer levels?
Is it even feasible to bring my boat, or should I expect to be exhausted and waterlogged by day's end?
Is there really a wave on LNN called "Walmart Wave" - because it has something for everyone?
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Janet - absolutely no need to apologize - I fully welcome your organizing efforts! I won't be participating in the course, so I'm very happy to see others leading the way! :-)
\MR
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Yeah, I can also drive and probably will drive... no problem for rides and stealing/using some of my gear for camping. I have enough camping gear for up to four people... so if someone needs plates, bowls, cups, utensils, air mattresses, random other stuff... I've got it all.
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How far is the LNN campsite from the road (i.e. how far does one have to walk with the gear from the car?)
Anyone interested in doing a potluck type dinner (every one brings a little something) for Saturday evening??
CAroline
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Caroline -- fantastic idea about pot luck!
And yes, Luc, if I could carpool with you that would be fantastic.
Will either/both of you be at the beast feast? Perhaps we could talk more about this, then?
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Great idea Janet!
I'll see you at Beast Feast
Caroline
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I'm hoping to make it out but I doubt it. I'm heading on a 7-8 day canoe trip starting this Saturday. If I get back on time, I may head up or possibly on the Sunday. But don't count on me. But to arrange rides/equipment, feel free to email me lafreniere.luc@gmail.com
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I've already taken the R3 Pro with Esprit. Great instructor (Jim Coffey) and excellent course.
BTW, if you're camping at LNN, the road is rough. If you camp at ESPRIT, they will shuttle you to the river.
ESPRIT has washrooms and showers.
They also have a wicked BBQ dinner!
I stayed at ESPRIT and it was great.
Jacques
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Thanks fro the scouting report JT!
Updated list: (Bmag is out). Can we get a 6th confirmed?
Interested:
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Dave H.
Luc L.
Ryan F.
Janet H.
Caroline D.
Maybes:
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Emmanuel M.
Dani P.
Steven T.
Well it is looking like Luc is out and that we are now down to 4 confirmed. Is this a problem? I can easily put this off for another day, but i'm still in as of now.
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I believe Luc was saying that he would miss Beast Feast, not the SRT weekend...
Luc? Please confirm.
I am emailing with Jim Coffey and will ask him about minimum number in a couple of days.
\MR
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Unfortunately, I'm out for the 18th weekend as I have something in town with the better half.
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I believe Luc was saying that he would miss Beast Feast, not the SRT weekend...
Luc? Please confirm.
Luc is already gone on his canoe trip and won't be back before next week. I am sure he was refering to the Beast Feast when he said to not count on him.
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Indeed, definitely still in. And FYI, all packed and heading out on the logging roads by 7AM tomorrow morning to the Sturgeon River put in. 7 days of glorious wilderness and paddling ahead! :)
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Hi,
I am still in:
two things:
1. I bought a rescue life jacket as I didn't have one, MEC has the Kokatat Ronin Pro on sale at 104$ (original price: 185$!): http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/ClearanceItems/Paddling/PRD~5012-926/vfi-ronin-pro-de-kokatat-unisexe.jsp?bmLocale=fr_CA
2. I will arrange to stay at Esprit. I will call next week to reserve and pay for the course if I can. I am waiting for the go ahead from Mike (i.e. if we are enough for the course to take place!)
Thank you!
Caro :)
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I'm also waiting for the green light and instructions on how to register.
Once that's a go, I may have one other friend who's interested. I'll get him to join the club/register as required.
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I'm back from my 7 day canoe trip on the Sturgeon river. 194km in 7 days including the shuttling on the first day. Wow... that was a lot of paddling and a LOT of paint left on those rocks at the bottom of the river. Water levels were so, so low.
I'm assuming Mike will give the go/no go sign soon? And again, as to how to register? My wife is starting to make plans without me this weekend. She seems kind of happy to get rid of me... I wouldn't want to disappoint ;)
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Emailed Esprit about possible low head count, etc; waiting for Jim to get back to me.
I am assuming we are a go and will post response and payment details ASAP.
Have not heard back yet about any club subsidy but will pester exec again. ;-)
\MR
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We are a go! Jim Coffey said discount applies even if there are only 5.
Please contact Esprit for payment details. Mention that you are with CdB, getting the discount, and that Jim Coffey said Esprit will provide free camping (if that is the option you choose)
Esprit contact details:
http://www.whitewater.ca/contact_esprit.html
Let me know if there are any issues.
Mike Rabe
CdB Skills Development Liason for 2012
rabe123@rogers.com
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I'm still tempted to join you guys - when is everybody going and have you organized any car-sharing yet? When exactly will the course start and end?
Dani
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Cool, thanks Mike!!!
I have called and reserved!
I am staying at Esprit base camp as they are offereing a shuttle to and from the training site, included in the price of the course.
I am staying two nights at the hostel: 25$ a night
and will be taking the meal plan: two breakfasts, two lunches, two dinners for 65$!
I will be heading down to Esprit Friday night and back after the course.
I can bring one or two people with kayaks and gear in my car.
Please contact me if you are interested: home phone 819 503-1092
Cell phone has problems with SIM card!!
Caroline
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I'll be calling tomorrow to book. Caro, did you manage to get the start/end times of each day? Instead of us all asking for the same details.
I'm also planning on heading up Friday night. In case someone needs a ride. Leaving from Barrhaven.
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I just registered too.
She said the course leaves Esprit at 8:30, and gets off the water at about 16:30.
$275.03 taxes in after discount.
I haven't decided yet about food, but she said you just have to decide in the morning if you want lunch & dinner.
I asked about camping at LNN vs their base camp, and the vibe I got was that camping at LNN would be kind of crappy. I think we're better off sticking together as a group at their main location.
She said if you wanted to playboat, your best bet would be to drive to LNN with the course, and then drive over to the Ontario side after class to do your playboating before coming back to base camp.
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I'm now all signed up for this weekend!
Caro, staying in the hostel seems like a really good idea -- I was leaning that way too. Is there still room in your car for another? This would mean that my husband would have the car for the weekend...
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Stay tuned for club subsidy details... apparently the club still has lotsa cash after Beast Feast and this is the sort of thing that the executive likes to subsidize, since having people with rescue skills is good for the club... :-)
\MR
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Awesome! Should I wait to register? I was going to call later today. Or should I just register and take the club subsidy later (if that's how it would work)?
Btw, I'm good to camp at the main site as well. Ryan, if interested, we can carpool. I've got the car this weekend as well.
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Go ahead and register - any subsidy will be paid to you directly after the course is done.
All participants please register ASAP! Mention that you are with CdB, and are getting the
discount as discussed with Jim Coffey.
\MR
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Thanks for the info Mike.
Done and done for me.
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I'm now all signed up for this weekend!
Caro, staying in the hostel seems like a really good idea -- I was leaning that way too. Is there still room in your car for another? This would mean that my husband would have the car for the weekend...
Yes, Janet, I still have place in my car.
Where do you live?
I'm at 232 Alexandre Tache in Hull
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I am also now registered.
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Hi Caroline,
I live near Mooney's Bay. My husband can drop me off -- when would you like to leave?
..Jan
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So my plan as of now, is to camp at Esprit's base camp on Sat. night for sure, and perhaps/likely on Friday night as well. I've pre-purchased the Sat. night feast, Sunday breakfast and Lunch. So no real pot-lucking for me. I'll figure out the Friday night or Sat. morning thing soon and perhaps car-pool with one or some of you fellow SRTers.
I'm wondering if one does drive up on Sat. morning can they meet the bus along the way (like in Bryson perhaps)? That would allow for an extra hour of sleep on Sat. morning. When I booked this morning, I did ask that and I was told to call back this evg. and speak with our instructor, Lalow (sp?). Well he's left for the evening so I'll likely try again tomorrow.
Dave
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I'm pretty sure now that I would like to join you - Caroline, would there still be space in your car? And when are you planning to leave? I'm planning to camp but I think the campground is at the hostel, correct?
Dani
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Yes Dani, there is a place for you in my car!
I plan to leave at 7pm as its an hour and a half drive and have dinner before I leave.
Does a meeting time at 7pm at my house work for you both ( Janet and Dani) ? Please confirm!
Thanks!
Caroline
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7 pm at your place in Hull is perfect, thanks!
See you tomorrow,
Dani
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yes, 7pm is great Caroline! to clarify, is there room for my kayak too or should I leave it at home? I don't think it's required for the course.
it will be great to meet you and Dani finally!
..Jan
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Hey Luc and Ryan, when are you guys planning to head up that way? I still haven't heard about a possible meet-up point (i.e. Bryson) for Sat. morning. I may head up tomorrow evening yet.
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I'm planning on heading up tomorrow night. Once I get off work, I need to grab some food at the grocery store, throw my gear in the car and then head out. So I probably won't leave until after rush hour.
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Hmmm, I'll be scrambling around doing stuff early this evening and then either head up mid-evening or early in the morning.
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yes, 7pm is great Caroline! to clarify, is there room for my kayak too or should I leave it at home? I don't think it's required for the course.
it will be great to meet you and Dani finally!
..Jan
OK... I will have to clarify this with Mike, as I thought we needed our kayaks and paddle, etc... for the course.
If we don't need to take all that gear, you can carpool with me as well Dave! I will check Mike and repost soon!
Caroline
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Called Esprit...
All we need to bring is:
PFD
Helmet
Water clothes
River shoes
...
I have decided to leave my kayak home for the weekend.
Are you guys brigning yours:
Dani?
Janet?
Dave?
Depending on the numbers of kayaks and gear that you guys will be briging, I will let you know if we can fit 3 or 4 people in the car!!
Caroline
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I'm heading up this evening, but I might make a Babyface detour on the way in. Either way though, I can't leave town until my wfie finishes her workout at 5:00 ish.
All this to say I'll be rolling in after dark, so someone text me at some point so I won't have to drink alone tonight. 613 791 6332
I also have a friend joining us on the course. He's either going to roll in very late tonight, or early tomorrow.
It sounds like we have a good group!
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I would love to bring by kayak if possible.
Dani
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Caro et al - thanks so much for organizing all this!
We have achieved the Holy Grail of Skills Development Liason involvement: self organization!
;-)
On another note, I spoke with the prez Bill Schlarb yesterday re: club subsidy. The club does have cash, and will probably subsidize the course to some extent, but they want to defer the decision for a couple of months as they review the club's finances. Recent and upcoming expenses include Beast Feast, AGM swag, and next winter's pool sessions. Most likely the decision will be made by AGM time (typically November). Stay tuned on this topic.
\MR
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Self organization? HA! That's what we pay you for Mike!.... oh, wait...... never mind! ;)
And there will be alcohol at this event? I thought this was a pop and chip type event... geez now I have to make sure that I have beer! Who am I kidding, it's already in the cooler ;)
On a more important note, does anyone know how big the campground is? I mean so that we camp near each other ideally? Ryan, I'll have my cell phone on, hopefully I have reception with Rogers there. I'll text you once I arrive and try to explain where I am.
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I just called Esprit to register and they told me that it would be good to bring a boat. However, if we don't have one, they could provide us with a rental.
Dani
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Alright then, I am bringing my boat!! Thought we needed a boat ;-)
Thanks Dani!
So, I can take a maximum of two people in my car, with gear and kayaks... sorry Dave, but I see Ryan is leaving in the evening as well asLuc. Hopefully you guys can make carpooling arrangements.
As the women trio:
Meeting place is as planned:
232 Alexandre Tache in Gatineau at 7pm
Bring your boats, paddles, and all you equipment, as well as your straps as I only have two!
See you tonight!!
Caroline
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woot! I will be there at 7 with all my gear... :) thank you so much for this!
..Jan
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It is my pleasure to do this!!
Can't wait!!
Caroline
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Fantastic weekend! For those that were on the course, here are the videos Lalo was speaking about. http://five2nine.ca/rescue-for-river-runners/ He's featured i many of them as well as other very familiar faces after spending the weekend at Esprit.
Great course, thanks Mike for organizing. And no thanks for making me spend more money... now I have to go and get myself a pin kit so I can practice and get good at it.
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A pin kit? Could have needed one on Saturday after the Poop Chute on the Black, but we managed to recover the boat by hand...
I have enough pulleys, biners etc. to make another one, all you need is a bag.
Make sure you include in your kit a stick-clip like this (10$):
http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Climbing/Carabiners/PRD~4003-057/epic-stick-clip.jsp
However, this stick-clip works best with wire-gate biners, so make sure to have one that is compatible.
Also, IMHO, the best biners to have on your pigtails (for a right-handed person) is this guy:
https://www.ottawapaddleshack.ca/node/638
It's the easiest locking biner to open with one hand (the right one). The only drawback is the hook for the gate. Some other biners have a different gate which locks on a bulge instead of a hook, making unclipping easier, but after a year of using the above biner, I wouldn't want to lose it.
Finally, include in your pin kit a good length of 4 mm rope in addition to the 6 mm stuff for making Prussiks.
By the way--I finally lost my cheap McNett Knife
http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Paddling/KnivesSnorkelGear/PRD~4017-936/mcnett-saturna-knife.jsp
Do NOT buy this knife! It's only good for peanut butter. No joke here, as Paul can attest: last week I could not even cut the label off my paddling shirt with it!
As I said , I have a lot of gear for making a pin kit, I may be persuaded to part with some...
--C.
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Also, IMHO, the best biners to have on your pigtails (for a right-handed person) is this guy:
https://www.ottawapaddleshack.ca/node/638
It's the easiest locking biner to open with one hand (the right one).
Oh, heck, is that why I was having so much trouble with the carabiners last weekend? I thought it was just because I was clueless. Now I am left-handed and clueless. This reminds me of when I got my first (left-handed) Swiss Army knife. Great but I could not get the little screwdriver because they would not make one that threaded the other way to stow in my corkscrew.
Thanks, Christian, for pointing this out (as well as for providing a shopping list).
..Jan