SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE - Now that the summer is here and the ice has gone (around Yellowknife at least), the waiting is over to get out on to the water.

It was quite a long winter, longer than some of us are used to, and much of the big lake is still iced over. Close to Yellowknife, however, the waterways are open and we are now seeing people getting out on weekends, making the most of the weather to be out on the water.

Surfaces have warmed up slightly later than last year. Now that lakes, rivers and streams are ready for boating, one big concern is rain. Typically, with the arrival of summer you wouldn't expect to worry about the rain, but the recent downpours we have experienced in town can have a big impact on lakes and rivers in the area.

Even if it rains steadily for just a few hours, that water will collect in the numerous lakes and waterways, and will take much longer to clear and run its natural course to the Arctic Ocean.

After getting out on the Cameron River by Reid Lake this past weekend, the effects of the recent downpour were clear to see. Having paddled the river many times before, I would say this was the highest I have seen it. The level of the river is up by at least a foot from what you would typically expect to see in the summer.

The drive up the Ingraham Trail gave some indication of what we were to expect. Lakes were flooded, some very much higher than usual.

Sections of rapids and falls change considerably when the level of a river rises or drops. This is often overlooked and can lead to accidents where people are unprepared for the level of water they're used to paddling.

With more water running through the Cameron, a larger amount was moving at a faster pace than normal. Rapids had become faster and more powerful, and different rocks and obstacles under the water created new hazards.

The result of this was that a one-and-a-half hour paddle turned into a four-hour paddle. With safety, as always, being the main concern, treacherous features were dealt with one at a time.

It is important to always consider the weather, both on the day of the trip and a few days prior, and never take anything for granted.

It is when you're least prepared that accidents can happen, and literally leave you up the creek without a paddle.

- Steve Hatch is a whitewater kayaking instructor and avid paddler