CdB Forum
CdB Whitewater Paddling Club Discussions => Paddling => Topic started by: Sandra K on May 21, 2013, 12:23:13 PM
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Hello CDBers,
Annie and I are looking to paddle the Kipawa from June 21-23. I am trying to figure out who is interested in going. It is one of my favourite Canadian rivers (in my top 3/5 -okay there are many!)
You can find all the info. you need about the river, how to get there etc. Here:
http://kipawariver.ca/?page_id=57
The short of it is that it takes about 5 hours to drive there. You are guaranteed bugs, lots of paddling, some hiking, an awesome fish fry and a beautiful pristine, northern feeling. Accomodation is in cabins or camping, but there is access to showers.
Any takers??
Sandra
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cest fini pour moi, les grosses mouches d'Abittibi :P ;D
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Im fairly keen.
Its a good weekend.
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Im fairly keen.
Its a good weekend.
Petite Nature :P
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If work doesn't interfere, I'm definatly in!
jer
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Bastien is a wuss.
I created a calendar entry for this, see calendar and topic below,
http://www.cdb-ottawa.com/simplemachinesforum/index.php?topic=5321.0
--C.
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Any other interest?? I have 2 conflicting weekends and gotta decide now...
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Im keen! Never been.
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Interested, most definitely. But I have to clear it with my wife... and considering how good she's been with me being gone all spring, this could be a problem. I had agreed that summer would be *mostly* spent with her... so it doesn't mean I won't go... just difficult to confirm now depending on how much time I spend with her until then.
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JN, You'll like it!
Luc, you live with your wife, right? 7 days in a week. 2.5 at the Kip, that's 4.5 days of the week with her....sounds like "most" to me lol
later
jer
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Well, I have discussed with my wife. She agreed to let me go. I won't get many weekends this summer where I can participate for an entire weekend, but this can be one of them. I assume doing the Kipawa is worth while since I've never done it.
So in conclusion, sign me up!
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I'm fairly game if my old joints recover in time.
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It's worth the drive. In fact, the drive itself is worth it on its own if it's nice... Plus you get to paddle one of the best intermediate rivers in North America. And it's not me who said it first...
--C.
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Since this is a 3 day trip I am assuming everybody will be in canoes? If this is the case then I will ask my son if he can get some time off to go.
Marc
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Marc, the river is a day on the river, similar to the Gat in length, I'd say (but the difference is the long paddle is mid river, not at the end lol)
This is not a 3 day river trip, its a weekend of day paddling....sorry if that doesn't make sense, just got up, and not firing on all cylinders yet lol
later
jer
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I may be interested. How does this river compare to main channel and the Gatineau?
Is a river you can run with a playboat, or do you need a creekboat?
Thanks!
Caroline
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I think I,ll be there too.
i'm even off on friday :)
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Marc, the river is a day on the river, similar to the Gat in length, I'd say (but the difference is the long paddle is mid river, not at the end lol)
This is not a 3 day river trip, its a weekend of day paddling....sorry if that doesn't make sense, just got up, and not firing on all cylinders yet lol
later
jer
Jemery,
Thanks for the clarification that does make sense to me.
Marc
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Since this is a 3 day trip I am assuming everybody will be in canoes? If this is the case then I will ask my son if he can get some time off to go.
Marc
Dans un canot mon ami accroche toi bien cest des rapides parfois gros volume hehe
In.a canoes good luck haha sometimes its big
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Since this is a 3 day trip I am assuming everybody will be in canoes? If this is the case then I will ask my son if he can get some time off to go.
Marc
Dans un canot mon ami accroche toi bien cest des rapides parfois gros volume hehe
In.a canoes good luck haha sometimes its big
We were running it in canoes 20 years ago...
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I may be interested. How does this river compare to main channel and the Gatineau?
Is a river you can run with a playboat, or do you need a creekboat?
Thanks!
Caroline
Big water. Playboat possible, river runner or creekboat recommended: it's a long river, with 16 named rapids (compared to 6 for the Gatineau or the Ottawa).
http://kipawariver.ca/?page_id=40
--C.
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Want to go but have a conflict with Georgian bay trip.
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Hello,
Thanks for the interest on the CDB board abut the Kipawa River.
This year we will have Tshirts, and for the first time, hats too.
I'll be bringing up fireworks as well for Saturday Night, and of course, the AGM after the first fry.
We have secured the water release as per usual.
See you all up there.
Pete
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Go!! I promise that it will be a highlight of your summer... (I am out this year, but hope to go next year!!)
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Let me get this right, the person asking about who's going now bails? Ok there "Ryan" ;) bazinga!
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Err...it is a painful enough decision without you teasing me!! :P I really question myself when I choice bike tour and my Mom over paddling the Kipawa. What has gotten into me??
I hope the mosquitoes carry you away!
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Not sure if I can go or not but,
is this all camping or are there any accommodations such as cabins or motel etc and restaurant. I haven't quite graduated to kayaking and camping (still just kayaking):-[
And is it drive up Friday, paddle Saturday and drive back Sunday or what?
Please advise.
Cheers,
Adam
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Not sure if I can go or not but,
is this all camping or are there any accommodations such as cabins or motel etc and restaurant. I haven't quite graduated to kayaking and camping (still just kayaking):-[
And is it drive up Friday, paddle Saturday and drive back Sunday or what?
Please advise.
Cheers,
Adam
Ok... Typically, drive Friday (with optionnal Lower Petawawa run along the way), paddle Saturday and repeat same run again Sunday (if not hungover), then drive back. Shuttles need to be arranged (the shuttle distance is longer than the river!). Safety equipment, spare paddle etc. recommended. Water is warm, but run is long so a dry top still useful, if not only as a protection from deer flies...
The river itself is big rapids in deep water, large wave trains, a few holes to avoid if you can, and typically only one move required to negociate each rapid. Large pools of water to collect kayaks, swimmers etc. after each rapid. As I wrote, it is one of the best INTERMEDIATE rivers in North America, it is NOT an expert-level river. Last summer, many in creek boats did not get their hair wet. In a playboat, however, things can be more, say, interesting...
At the take-out (right at the last and big rapid): the festival headquarters; large cabins are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, i.e. most likely all booked by now. However, camping on lodge ground is nice, with access to cabin bathrooms, kitchens, sauna etc. I have always camped there, and avoided the bugs by partying with the people in the cabins. Bugs are not a problem late at night and in the morning.
There is also camping in the village at the put-in, with possibly fewer bugs but no entertainment. There is a corner store there however. Restaurants? Perhaps in nearby villages, but I always brought my own food. Dinner on Saturday can be included in festival fee, worth it IMHO: fish fry, freshly caught from the lake. If you drive Friday, you eat dinner along the way. So it's mainly breakfast and lunch that needs to be brought.
Typically, folks camp at the take-out (Google 'Kipawa Lodge'), bring food and lots of 'refreshments', and long pants+bug protection. Mud boots an asset if rain is forecasted. It is 'car-camping', not kayak camping (!!!), so you bring normal camping gear, but keep in mind that parking at the lodge is up a steep hill from the camping area, so lightweight camping is a plus... Usually, after running the river, people don't want to make the trip up and down the hill unless they have to (i.e. they forgot the beer cooler in the car).
Does this help?
--Christian
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Christian,
So there are no motels (in Laniel - I think that's the name of the village). It's cabin or camping?
Cheers,
Adam
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Adam, I THINK there is a motel in Laniel, but the VAST majority of people camp at the Lodge (it is where the party is at, after all)
Like Christian said, go light, and its a joke. I drove up last year (after a work party) got there about 2am, and set up, crashed, and (after getting up wayyyyyy to early) paddled. I literally brought a single cooler of food (and beverages) a tent, sleeping bag and airmatress, with a small back pack of off river clothes. Its easy, easier if you're sharing a tent with someone. I would recommend camping at the fest, and STRONGLY recommend the fish fry.....I thought people were exaggerating, but its great!
Now, Sandra!
WTF?!?! Biking! Over the Kipawa?? The like once a year river! Seriously???
That's all the ribbing I will do here, but be warned, next river I see you at (assuming you still paddle :P) you are getting ribbed to no end!
later
jer
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Temiscaming is 40 mins away from the put in. If memory serves, we used to get rooms at the Motel Coutu on the main drag. Bar on site. Air conditioned rooms. No bugs.
As for Sandra, a biking trip like that with mom is a once in a lifetime. The Kipawa festival happens every year. You may never get the chance with Mom again. You will have plenty of future opportunity for the Kip. Missing it this year will mean you will enjoy it even more next.
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BTW, it's not the 'Kipawa Lodge', but the 'Kipawa River Lodge' owned by Scott Sorensen. Here's a picture showing it in relation with the last rapid. Typically, beer-drinking early paddlers cheer late paddlers from the cabin balconies overlooking the big rapid...
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:The_Kipawa_river_Lodge.JPG
As you can see, there's a large amount of room for camping. The strange rectangle is what's left of a tennis court. It's perfectly flat and the best spot for tents--and helicopters to land, as we found out last year. It was put there because a certain famous actress would not go to a cabin in the woods, but if there was a tennis court, it was a resort therefore worthy of her presence...
The owner wrote a book about his family's life there:
http://www.amazon.com/Kipawa-River-Chronicles-Scott-Sorensen/dp/096729830X
--C.
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I may be interested. How does this river compare to main channel and the Gatineau?
Is a river you can run with a playboat, or do you need a creekboat?
Thanks!
Caroline
Big water. Playboat possible, river runner or creekboat recommended: it's a long river, with 16 named rapids (compared to 6 for the Gatineau or the Ottawa).
http://kipawariver.ca/?page_id=40
--C.
Merci Christian pour la r?ponse!
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After having found out that I can stay upright in a boat like the Dagger Nomad, I would love to join you! Who is going when and for how long?
Dani
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Tentative plans: driving Friday afternoon with potential Lower Petawawa run to break the trip, and coming back either Sunday night or Monday, again with optional Lower Petawawa run to break the trip. I might lend my car to a friend this weekend, so this year I may not drive my own car... Coming back Monday seems the more civilized thing to do...
--C.
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Unfortunately, I don't think I'm civilized enough for the very long weekend option - uncivilized work calling.
Anybody planning to leave Friday before the rush hour traffic (but not early in the morning) and ideally coming back already Sunday night? Luc, I think you had similar plans - I promise I won't mention the c-word (but can't guarantee for not laughing tears when you start lecturing about it...).
I now have a Jackson Karma for the weekend, so hopefully no babysitting required this year (Paul, no comments, please - I missed you on the Ottawa, had already studied some basic eastern philosophy for you).
Dani
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Hi all
SO I feel like a jerk for busting Sandras balls (so to speak) but I'm not gonna be able to make it this weekend. Things have come up, and its just too much stuff to get done in a weekend.
That being said, I will be in the Pet area, sooooo, if anyone wants to run the Town Section (as its called by us locals, not the "lower", Christian) Let me know who plans on doing it, and when
Sorry to those I told I was going, but look on the bright side, more fish for you!
later
jer
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Unfortunately, I don't think I'm civilized enough for the very long weekend option - uncivilized work calling.
Anybody planning to leave Friday before the rush hour traffic (but not early in the morning) and ideally coming back already Sunday night? Luc, I think you had similar plans - I promise I won't mention the c-word (but can't guarantee for not laughing tears when you start lecturing about it...).
I now have a Jackson Karma for the weekend, so hopefully no babysitting required this year (Paul, no comments, please - I missed you on the Ottawa, had already studied some basic eastern philosophy for you).
Dani
That's nice of you to say Dani! Thank you but my pitiful attempt at flat water paddling left me with a limp arm and a broken paddle:(. (Bad karma) so I would not have been good to join you guys that day.... If Jacques healer can work his Majic on me too I will join you for the next CdB's outing a weekend of paddling at River Run in mid July! Oh good luck with the Karma whenever you get to paddle it, no pun intended :)
Paul
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You broke a paddle FLAT water paddling?
Sounds like a story here.....
jer
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You broke a paddle FLAT water paddling?
Sounds like a story here.....
jer
Bad flatwater session, hard to get back to shore, shoulder and arm not working, then nearly died of suffocation trying to get out of drytop with bad arm (not a joke, I saw stars), plus when I got to the car, noticed that my paddle blade was cracked right through down the middle for no apparent reason = Bad Karma! Need GOOD KARMA.......NOW....PLEASE!
Paul:)
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Shitty deal!
Get well soon buddy!
jer
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Shitty deal!
Get well soon buddy!
jer
Thanks!
Paul :)
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Daniella, I just saw your post! Sorry about that.
Annie was a little faster than you. We've already got plans to carpool. With multiple boats, camping gear and food, we're pretty full. I hope you can find someone else to carpool with!
But yes, our plan is to head out after lunch Friday and come back Sunday night after a run down the river.
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Thanks for letting me know. I'll only be able to join if I find a second driver. Ideally, I would like to decide today, then I could still cancel my reservation for the Jackson Karma.
Dani
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Yahooooooo Kipawaaaaaa
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I would like to come for the Kipawa trip.
I am able to drive if necessary and would be happy to bring others. I am able to leave shortly after noon on Friday and would like to come back Sunday evening.
Larry McNaughton
613-723-1240
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This should be a lovely drive. Tentative plans are that Jacques and I would leave mid-morning, possibly at the same time as another group of canoeists. We are debating running the Petawawa Town section along the way as a warm up.
--C.
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Survived! Special thanks to Luc, Christian, Jacques, and Larry - I would still be swimming without you...
Another wonderful CdB tour.
Looking forward to next year - lots of time to improve my bracing.
Dani
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Hey...
This year there was much more water than normal (approx. 138 m^3/s). According to Wayne Donison, who's been there almost every year, that was the highest he'd seen at the festival. It was really nice to see Larry and Dani have a crack at the 'big' rapids! Our little group had (almost) 100% success in Rock'n'Roll, which was big and fun--this river does start with a bang. Saturday I am quite sure my boat became completely airborne after going through a huge rooster tail, just to land in fast green water (I thought of Alice, going through the mirror, or maybe a circus cannonball man). Sunday for some reason we went further right, and most uf us hit a vertical wall of water that felt like an elevator, or a catapult!
...And the river finishes with an even bigger bang too: Hollywood was really impressive, with no exposed rocks--but strange black 'waves' at the bottom that had a tendency to stop you rather rudely... Imagine the nastiest, muddiest, steepest portage, then you walk (or slide) down a steep muddy bank to put-in directly in the rapid, one boat at a time. You can't see the rest of the rapid, it goes down steep and veers to the left. You have to paddle really hard to the left, in water completely white--no green tongues--with 3-4 foot waves hitting from all directions without warning. If you succeed in moving far enough left, then the 'green highway' appears: a crazy ride to the bottom, the rapid has so much slope that you can punch through anything by then (except the 'black' waves...). This rapid took its usual toll, but Larry and Luc styled it with no (apparent) effort on Sunday.
However, the real beasts with fangs this year were Buttonhook and Elbow... For one, not hard enough to the right, for the other, not enough to the left... In Elbow, as in Hollywood, after a tough portage you put-in at the top of the rapid, no scouting: you just know that you need to paddle to the left to catch an eddy around the corner. How hard left do you need to paddle? Let's say that Dani's rides were entertaining, for us and for her we hope...
The rest of the river offers amazing rapids, some flats to catch your breath and on the gossips. Of note was Zipper, which did not disappoint. The real fun is to drive towards the last wave, the biggest one on the river, and try to get some air time.
I say that Dagger Nomads, Jackson Zens, Karmas and Villains have passed the test. Liquid Logic Jefes on the other hand apparently got an F....
Finally, the bugs weren't too bad, even if it rained the whole time almost.
--C.
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Anyone interested, my post is now up along with a video. http://onlineluc.com/blog/2013/6/26/kipawa-river-festival-video
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Great video Luc!
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Luc does not like my face. He only films me when I'm upside down...
Otherwise, yes, I agree, great video, Luc, and thanks for posting!
Dani