Steve Hatch
Northern News Services
Friday, August 3, 2007

YELLOWKNIFE - In the height of the summer season in Yellowknife why not take the time to go out for a leisurely paddle on the water?

Well that's exactly what the Somba K'e Paddling Society did last Saturday, though not so much a leisurely paddle as more of an introduction to moving water for kayakers of lesser experience.

Organized and instructed by myself, the trip was run by the paddling society for members to improve or start their skills on moving water. The Cameron River, upstream of the hair-raising falls, were a perfect and forgiving spot for novice paddlers.

Of the nearly 50 members of the club, four were able to make it during this busy recreational time of the year. With limited experience of moving water, the day enabled them to develop their paddling strokes and get used to the current and its effect on the boat.

Participants surfed in small waves and had numerous chances for rescues, rolls and even swims in the current. A swim test was also performed to give students an idea of how to swim in whitewater and how to rescue yourself and be rescued, should anything go wrong.

The day was great fun for everyone. One of the participants, Julian Morse, seemed to enjoy himself; despite spending much of the day with his head underwater.

"Luckily the water has been particularly warm this summer, making it much more bearable, he said. Although it can be intimidating at first, getting comfortable with rolling your boat is essential for whitewater kayaking, and the Cameron rapids provide a safe and fun environment to do so."

Similarly, Yose Cormier said it was a great opportunity to improve.

"I feel much more confident now in moving water. I'm looking forward to doing more," he said.

The trip was one of others that the society will run over the summer. To further develop moving water skills, another trip will be offered on the Cameron River and a second at Tartan rapids on the Yellowknife River, taking the level up slightly. These will be offered to all members, but don't worry if you are interested but not a member - you can sign up through the website and take part, too.

Other trips in different areas are also in the pipeline. Talks of a sea kayak race and open-canoe camping trips are on the agenda. Keep an eye on the website for details.

- Steve Hatch is a newspaper designer with Northern News Services and a kayaking instructor