Winter Run – CANCELED

We’ll be running a Winter Kananaskis run from Windowmaker. Join us if you are not afraid paddle in cold. While Kananaskis run is normally a class 3, our plan is to make this a class 2+. It means that:

• • We start below Widowmaker
  • Santa Claus rapid will be skipped. Portage will be mandatory, even if you are comfortable running it
  • Takeout and trip end at the start of the race course

Meet at the Widowmaker at 1:00pm. Once everyone has arrived and is ready we will shuttle cars to the Canoe meadows and get on the river.

Because rivers flow and weather will likely change – check your email before trip. Start time could be adjusted 1-2 days before trip AND the trip could be moved to a different date if it will be too cold that weekend. Be prepared to paddle in temperature around 0.

Requirements:

• • Be comfortable on class 2+ water. It is highly recommended that you did upper Kananaskis before. Going there first time and having Out-of-the-boat experience in winter won’t feel great.
  • You must be an active 2022 member of Paddle Junkies to sign up (if you’re having issues signing up for the event, please ensure that you are signed into the website and have paid your 2022 membership fees. If it still doesn’t work, please message us!)
  • Bring your own gear – your boat with two functional flotation bags, PFD, helmet, and paddle.
  • Special requirements for winter paddling:
  • Dry suit is mandatory. You should have 2-3 warm layers under it. The idea is that after you put drysuit and start moving you become a bit warm.  If your body is cold or only ‘ok’ then this could be not enough as you need a heat buffer in case you will flip or swim. But also don’t get too warm. Check if your drysuit and pdf fit with these additional layers. And a very warm pair of socks (or 2 regular pairs) is also a good idea.
  • You NEED to have hood/cap. It is not only to keep you warm when you paddling. If you flip that will prevent having a cold shock. I use NRS Storm Cap that have 2.5 mm neoprene. Check if you helmet fits with that hood.
  • Regular paddling gloves, even thick ones are NOT enough for winter paddling. You should have warm paddling pogies or mitts. What you choose it’s a personal preference. I use NRS toaster mitts.
  • If that will be your first winter paddling and have question regarding gear – ask us on facebook.