Weekly Thursdays: Canoe & Kayak Paddle & Social

Back by popular demand! It's a summer tradition to be a tourist in your own city. Come explore your Ottawa River, the gateway to Canada, then join the social afterwards. It's a wilderness experience downtown, suitable for new and experienced paddlers! If you have never done this before, you will learn how lucky you are to live here. Paddle with us to local island beaches and view landmarks along the Ottawa River. See why people from around the world are always amazed at our good fortune and envy our fun. Escape downtown hustle and bustle in our watery front yard, on the river. You will see wildlife, natural features, and impressive manors. Bring friends for this rare opportunity to experience your urban wild. Afterwards we socialize at a local riverside restobar or dock party (bring a snack for during the paddle).

Canoe / Kayak Rental Fee:

$20 per person (goes towards tandem canoe / single kayak, safety gear, paddles, lifejackets, and coordination)

$10 each paddle afterwards.

*Waiver: all participants agree to assume their own risk and comply with water safety laws, though we have never had a major safety incident in the 6 years we have run these outings.

*Please note: For your office, school, or social groups, we also guide in large 10 to 20 person voyageur canoes, as seen below. Ask John about hiring him to guide your group.

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WHY?

Our area was discovered by canoe by Champlain 401 years ago in June, 1613. Paddling is a great opportunity to explore how it was explored. Go back in history and enjoy the present.

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The Tour:

We gather at 6:00 pm for an evening paddle along a stretch of Heritage Waterway and head out by 6:20 pm or so. We decide on the dock which of eight different routes we can take, including to a secluded island beach for a swim if it is a hot day, Parliament Hill and ambassador's row for sight seeing, to a shipwreck, up one of several inlets and a creek, or up the Gatineau to the Casino for 30 minute slot machine gambling break.

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Bring your own snacks and refreshments for our apres canoe social at Chez Savage or head to the Pirate Rest'O'Bord for apres paddle refreshments, depending on what the group wants. The whole evening winds up around 10:30 pm - 11 pm or so.

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Who?

This is for beginners to advanced. Beginners will be paired with more experienced paddlers and will be given a brief lesson.

Rain and bad weather:

The weather has rarely been a problem that has prevented us from paddling. Sometimes, we may delay departure a few minutes until things blow over to benefit from some optimal flat water paddling opportunities afterwards where more wildlife come out and there may be great photo opportunities. Those who RSVP and don't show will be noted on their profile. More than one no show without proper explanation, your profile will be regarded as a fake profile and deleted.

There is no better way to spend time than on the water with other outdoors singles. Paddles and lifejackets are included, however, you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer.

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Things to bring:

• swim suit / towel

• snack and water / juice

• camera (dry sack to protect camera - owner assumes own risk to device if lost or damaged).

• suntan lotion

• hat

• rain gear

• water shoes

• change of clothes

• BYOB / $ for the Apres paddle refreshments.

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About the leader:

John Gaudaur Savage is a voyageur descendent on both sides of the family. Family lore maintains that one of his voyageur ancestors, Antoine Gaudaur, fought in the War of 1812 against the Americans at the Battle of Mackinaw Island (http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/battles_mackinac_island_1812.html) when he was part of the Northwest Company (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_West_Company). He has led local canoe and rowing trips on the Ottawa and Gatineau Rivers for the past decade. He is willing to share his knowledge of local history and its environment. He is also an advocate to defend the river against bad government planning. After paddling this most beautiful stretch of river, you will understand why he is passionate about preserving this waterway. Find out from Captain Savage the secrets of our River and why an evening on the water is better than any day in an office.

Rob Bush is a longtime paddler, familiar with a multiple number of routes along the Ottawa River. He has a good relationship with local restobars, knows how to build a dockside fire, and has been a wonderful host for all who come out to these social paddle events. You may also know him for organizing curling, snowshoeing, and skating outings in the past as well.

** Risk: All participants agree to assume their own personal risk, as ALL outdoors activities come with a measure of risk inherent in the activity. Even so, everything is risk in life and no one gets out alive. Enjoy your life and come paddling! Please ask John to borrow a dry sack or bring your own, to protect cameras and other valuables. (Please note, since 2008, we have only had one capsize during lesson when a storm whipped up. The crew was easily rescued. Our track record is very good. )**