Summary
What it’s Like to Learn Whitewater Kayaking in Ontario
Dave and I have had our share of extraordinary adventures, from cycling across Africa to climbing to Everest Base Camp and summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, Gunung Batur, and Mount Kinabalu, to kayaking in both the North and South Poles.
However, our most challenging adventure to date occurred in Ontario, Canada, when we undertook the thrilling experience of whitewater kayaking at the Madawaska Kanu Centre.
Accepting the Challenge
Sometimes, we find ourselves questioning our status as true adventurers. After all, there are always those who seem braver, more extreme, and possess greater skills than we do.
That perception shifted when we signed up for whitewater kayaking at the Madawaska Kanu Centre. Whitewater kayaking is regarded as the epitome of adventure activities, where skill and courage are essential to navigate the raging waters of rivers.
It’s one thing to hop into a raft and let an experienced guide take you down a river filled with rapids; it’s an entirely different challenge to learn how to steer and navigate your own tiny kayak through unpredictable whitewater. Instead of being led by someone else, we were excited to take control of our adventure!
We’re known for taking on challenges, but even our guide Fidel admitted he had doubts about two travel bloggers committing to a week of intensive kayak training.
The Kayaking Experience
The week kicked off with the unexpected news that our whitewater canoe course had been transformed into a whitewater kayaking course.
Initially, we had envisioned our future canoeing trips across Canada and were eager to embrace this very Canadian activity.
However, due to insufficient participants, we had only an hour to prepare ourselves mentally for the challenge of learning to roll and perform flips in small kayaks.
As we geared up and journeyed to the river’s mouth, my heart raced. Could I truly take on this challenge? Had I become too hesitant in my maturing years?
Facing My Fear
When Fidel asked us to share our motivations for taking this course, I admitted it was about overcoming my fear of water.
On the other hand, Dave stated he wanted to master the Eskimo Roll, now commonly referred to as simply “the roll.” Despite being surrounded by water on our adventures, I often participate but have never truly enjoyed it.
In contrast, Dave loves the water and never wants to leave it. This summer, however, all that was about to change.
On the first day, we practiced our paddling skills. With extensive kayaking experience from our travels, we received praise from our instructors, Fidel and Juroj, for our bracing, hip flicks, and balance.
I explained that after years of paddling, my fear of flipping over drove me to perfect my skills. Gradually, I began to imagine that maybe, just maybe, I could complete the week without flipping! A far-fetched dream, I chuckled to myself.
Overcoming Fears on the Water
Rather than dodging the flip, I volunteered for every activity.
I felt there was no reason to delay the inevitable; when they asked who wanted to practice bow rescues and wet exits, I eagerly raised my hand.
The more I participated, the more at ease I felt.
Daily Progress
The next day, during our group sessions, Dave and I were thrilled to find ourselves in the stronger paddle group.
We started the day by practicing bow rescues (often referred to as T-rescues). Soon, we transitioned from still waters to the moving current, honing our skills in C turns, S turns, and ferrying across small rapids.
The youngest member of our group, Evelyn, was fearless and flipped right over. Instead of executing a wet exit, she calmly tapped on her kayak’s bow and hung upside down in the water until Fidel came to her aid. Once he reached her, she pulled herself upright.
This incident boost my confidence tremendously.
Celebration of Achievements
Before long, Dave flipped over, and our fellow student Kouris did as well—both executed beautiful bow rescues. They displayed such confidence and skill, while I fought valiantly to stay upright.
I focused diligently on my technique, utilizing my paddle to brace and flicking my hips, reluctant to flip. It worked—until it didn’t. My first flip happened sooner than expected and, to my surprise, I remained calm.
My training took over. I tucked my torso into my kayak, knocked three times, and felt for Fidel’s boat to signal for help.
Once he made contact, I grabbed hold of his bow, resurfaced for air, thanked him, and then elegantly flipped my kayak back into an upright position.
The Ultimate Adventure in Ontario
Ecstatic doesn’t even begin to explain our emotions! Dave and I celebrated our achievements at dinner, discussing the challenges we had overcome.
Dave later confided that he too had felt uncertain about his ability to face challenges as he’s grown older, often experiencing small waves of anxiety.
Nonetheless, after confronting those fears, the worries seemed trivial.
We reflected on how we could easily choose a more leisurely path as food or luxury bloggers—nothing wrong with that at all—but adventure pulses in our veins. As we mature, embracing challenges and confronting fears becomes essential.
The exhilaration of overcoming fears and anxieties is unparalleled. Our journey has transitioned from participating in safely guided adventures to developing our own skills and self-reliance. Now, looking back at our initial day of whitewater kayaking, we can hardly comprehend our fears.
Everything we learned was in a carefully designed progression, guided by world-class instructors. We were indeed in capable hands, and I have undoubtedly conquered my fear of the water.
By the end of the week, both Dave and I had mastered the Roll, attempted it in rapids, navigated raging rivers, and cherished every second. We’re thrilled our initial canoe course morphed into an exciting kayaking experience.
Indeed, it was the greatest adventure we’ve ever undertaken, surpassing even hiking and winter camping across frozen rivers and lakes.
Conclusively, Ontario, Canada, stands out as the premier adventure destination for both Dave and Deb. We have faced unprecedented challenges in this spectacular location.
For additional information on whitewater kayaking, canoeing, and rafting, consider visiting the Madawaska Kanu Centre’s website—a gem located in Barry’s Bay, Ontario. They also provide thrilling whitewater rafting experiences on the Ottawa River at Owl Rafting.
