Spring into Rough Water & Campfire Nights
This is a base camp adventure, and camping is included in the price.
The dynamic waters around Moon River Falls near Massasauga Provincial Park can be a perfect local spot to practice surfing a small standing wave. This two-day clinic is designed for intermediate paddlers to tune up their skills and start a new season of kayaking adventures.
Building on your experience at our Niagara River clinic, we will move on to more advanced paddling techniques in a small standing wave and sharp eddy lines. With its stunning natural beauty and exciting conditions, Moon River Falls is always a pleasure to visit, especially in the spring when it isn't that busy.
The clinic covers essential skills for paddling in currents, including:
Day 1: Currents and Dynamic Water
- Fundamental strokes in moving water: Building on flatwater skills in dynamic environments.
- Core current paddling techniques:
- Practice ferrying techniques to cross currents with control.
- Perform s-turns to link eddy-to-eddy transitions.
- Learn to peel in and out of eddies.
- Practice ferrying techniques to cross currents with control.
- Progression from smaller currents to more challenging flow, ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment.
Day 2: Surfing a Standing Wave
Building on Day 1, participants will explore the exciting challenge of surfing a standing wave:
- Wave Dynamics and Safety:
- Understand how standing waves form and how to assess their conditions for safety.
- Approach and Entry Techniques:
- Practice the correct approach to a standing wave, including ferrying and positioning.
- Learn how to read water to find the wave's sweet spot.
- Surfing Skills:
- Balance and edging techniques to maintain stability on the wave.
- Use strokes and body position to stay on the wave and control movement.
- Exit Strategies:
- Safely exit the wave zone and return to an eddy.
- Safely exit the wave zone and return to an eddy.
Who Is This Clinic For?
This program is designed for paddlers who:
- Have Introduction to Sea Kayaking in Current clinic or Level 2 certification.
- Want to build confidence paddling in dynamic water and surf a standing wave.
Accommodations
Participants will stay at either:
- Moon Basin Marina & Cottages, Georgian Bay, MacTier, ON
- Massasauga Provincial Park camping
The location will be determined based on road and weather conditions leading up to the clinic. There may be a difference in price depending on the accommodations we choose.
What You’ll Need
To participate, you’ll need:
- A sea kayak with 2 bulkheads (rentals available).
- Safety equipment: Pump, whistle, and a 15m floating rope (available for purchase).
- PFD and paddle (must bring your own).
- Dry suit (available for rent).
Additional Details
- Food: Participants are responsible for their own meals; no food is provided.
- Parking: Parking permits are included.
- Conditions: The course runs rain or shine, but adjustments may be made for severe weather.