This December has been fantastic for whitewater kayaking. The paddling community has been flourishing on the island. It seems like lots of people are out and about exploring the rivers of the island. Some groups are hitting the classics (ie, Nanaimo, Gold, Koksilah, Puntledge) while others have been on some less familiar runs. Had a couple of really good group paddling days on the Puntledge at 85cms and about twenty people. Then another day on the Nanaimo with a group of 10. Love these sessions. A joy seeing so many stoked paddlers on the river.
When you have good groups to get out with and good people enjoying the rivers, it equals amazing days. There is such a grand selection of rivers on Vancouver Island. This December, it has included the Browns, Puntledge, Nanaimo, Gold ( Upper, Middle, and Lower ), Elk, Upper Salmon, and Lower White rivers.
The Puntledge River offers numerous play options for playboats, creekboats, and half-slice options. Thanks to our good relationship with BChydro, we can sometimes target great recreational flows.
With several atmospheric rivers hitting the coast, it was hard to choose sometimes where to paddle; however, when the puntledge comes in, and big water surfing is happening, it’s an easy choice. Ten minutes from the door and waves galore, if you pair it with the browns and hit a 12 ft waterfall and two slides, it’s pretty choice kayaking.
Photos above are snow kayaking in Gold River, the drive out of GR, and loads of boats on a grand Nanaimo lap with a bunch of people.
See ya on the Island
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