River Signals
Access Granted I really appreciated the article, “Access Granted” by Ian Merringer, in your latest issue. As paddlers we do not always know the story behind our river access points. I think that what Owl Rafting did [purchased land to ensure free paddler access on the Ottawa River] is a very generous action. With your permission I will translate this
article and send it via email to our 350 members of the Club de Canoë-Kayak d’eau-vive de Montréal (Montreal Kayak Club). Everyone should know about this, many of our members frequently use this access.
Carole Ouellet Ville Saint-Laurent, Québec
No news is good news The news brief [“Rutherford Project Too Dangerous To Paddle,” Rapid online V7 I3] in the spring issue came up a bit short. Some things were correct: the opening was delayed, some features need more work, and everyone involved learned a huge amount.
Some things were incorrect: the delay is not due to recirculations, but due to a missing generator that was damaged falling off a trailer. Once it is installed, test- ing has to be completed and only then will the developer, the engineers, and the WKABC be able to sign off on the course as available to paddle. Sure, some things have to be changed. But the real achieve- ment is that so few things need work. I also understand undocumented
sources provided information about how difficult the course is. To date, only a cou- ple of paddlers have ever seen water run through the course, for two brief periods of time. There are two kinds of inputs here – those that are informed, and part of the solution, and those that are not informed, and part of the problem. Then there was the blood-red title… Negative press regarding artificial courses is a problem; a problem for the Pumphouse in Ottawa, for feature enhancements in North Vancouver, and for a wave in Saskatoon. If people looking in from outside the paddling community think that even pad- dlers feel artificial courses are dangerous, then why would any developer, city plan- ning department, or regulatory agency even want to consider allowing them? How about a more positive approach; a
follow up article that focuses on the truly unique and really exciting aspects of the Rutherford course? As the only course in Canada where users will be able to vary the flows at will and rearrange obstacles easily to change the course, and as the only course the paddling community will own outright, there are clearly some positive aspects to focus upon.
Stuart Smith Squamish, B.C.
Rapid has been following and supporting the Rutherford Project with editorial cover- age from the beginning. And yes, the devel- opment of this, or any, whitewater park is positive for paddlers everywhere. However, press regarding all river projects needs to report on outstanding achievements as well as unplanned challenges. City planners, developers and regulating
agencies considering a whitewater park and reading Rapid should be pleased to know that paddlers are as honest and concerned about safety on artificial courses as they are. City planners, developers and regulating agencies should also be interested in learn- ing and sharing with other groups to ensure their own whitewater parks provide fun, safe and accessible adventure, just like their chil- dren’s playgrounds, but for big kids. —Ed.
LETTER of the MONTH
Newbie Seeks Holy Grail I just returned from my first two-day whitewater kayaking clinic. I’m aching, sun- burnt, overtired and hooked!
Our instructor had the patience to teach five overworked and slightly hungover paramedics the basics of whitewater kayaking and he gave us a back issue of your magazine. There were only a few things that I couldn’t find the answer to. I feel like a child lost in the wilderness when it comes to gear... I need your help! What would you suggest for a good beginner whitewater kayak that plays well in rapids (and rolls back up easily) but can also track decently on flat water? Oh, and if you’re in the mood to give away free stuff, I would love to start my gear col- lection with something that I can brag to my friends that I got from Rapid.
Debbie Cooper Kingston, ON
You have embarked on a righteous quest for the perfect boat m’Lady. Though it has ne’er been found, good luck on your journey. If ye hear the following on your search for the Holy Grail, you are surely in terrible peril:
Look, you stupid Bastard. You’ve got no arms left. What is the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow? Bring out yer dead.
There are ways of telling whether she is a witch.
Look, that rabbit’s got a vicious streak a mile wide! It’s a killer!
And because it is sure to be a long trip (and to discour- age people hitting us up for free gear) we’re sending you a
three-pack of Travel John disposable urinals, “Designed for men, women and children when a sanitary restroom is unavailable.” — Ed.
6 //
www.rapidmag.com
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