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Amazing Women in Kayaking

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Did you know that whitewater kayaking is the most male dominated paddle sport? In 2019, women made up 36% of the whitewater kayaking community. This percentage has remained relatively stagnant with a 1.3% increase over 6 years. These stats make it even more important to highlight all the badass women already killing it in the sport. Below, we’ve put together a non-comprehensive list of trailblazing women who are very accomplished in their own respects, and who have inspired a large majority of us to push our limits when it comes to whitewater kayaking. 

Anna Levesque, USA/CAN

Anna is an adventure coach, yoga enthusiast, author, producer, and kayak lover. After competing in 12 countries across 5 continents, she has so much experience and wisdom to share with us all. She created ‘Mind-Body-Paddle’, which encourages ladies “to live what is important to them through mind, body and adventure coaching”. She is also the creator of the first-ever women only kayaking instruction program, ‘Girls at Play’. Because of her passion, Anna has taught so many women and girls how to love kayaking in a holistic way.

Ashley McEwan, USA

Inspirational kayakers need not be extreme or crowned champions to have great positive impact. Ashley inspires the women who want to enjoy the glories of whitewater in a low- impact way. Ashley is 2nd generation director of kayak school, Liquid Adventures in Bethesda Maryland. She is driven, supportive and full of stoke for the whitewater community. You rock Ashley! 

Claudia Kerckhoff-Van Wijk, CAN

Claudia Kerckhoff-Van Wijkheld the Canadian Women’s champion in whitewater slalom kayaking for ten years, from 1974 – 1985. She also holds a place in the top 10 kayakers in the World from 1976-1985, with a bronze medal at the 1982 World Championships. She is a strong leader and is the co-owner of Madawaska Kanu Centre and OWL Rafting, a raft resort along the Ottawa River.

Emily Jackson, CAN/USA

Emily is a multiple World Freestyle Kayak Champion with an impressive array of achievements beyond freestyle kayaking as well. Emily’s surfing skills go without saying, but it’s her enthusiasm and support for others that will go down in history. #nocompromise. 

Haley Daniels 

The amazing Haley Daniels first paddled whitewater at age 6 and started to compete at age 12. She fell in love with the “rush of whitewater and the competitive nature of the sport.” Since 2009, she has represented Canada on the international stage. Ever since her parent came out as a trans woman, she has missioned to use her platform and spread awareness and support for the LGBTQ+ community

Jen Gratto, CAN

Jennifer Gratto competed for 8 years on the Canadian National Kayak team. During her hiatus from competing, she pursued outdoor education, founding Down to Earth Kayak School & Outdoor Adventure in 2000, leading many into the sport at a young age! She is now the Slalom Programs Manager for Whitewater Ontario. We are excited to have her back at MKC this summer facilitating a youth slalom training camp in July.

Jessica Fox, AUS

At just 28 years old Jessica is an Olympic Champion at the 2020 Games in C1. As well as a renowned slalom kayaker in world championship history. Her lengthy list of sixteen medals at ICF slalom World champs coincide with her love for animals- she currently nurtures a greyhound at home and expresses that “It’s nice to have those moments to just slow down and be present – and have a cuddle as well. It’s helping with the stress of competitions.” Very relatable! 

Katrina Van Wijk, CAN

Katrina is known as one of Canada’s top whitewater kayakers. She is a third-generation kayak champion. In 2012, Katrina founded TiTsDeep, “a hub for women in extreme sports to connect and be empowered. In the male-dominated world of extreme sports, Van Wijk is a rarity. Something she’s fighting to change. TiTS Deep is about getting out there and getting deep into whatever sport is yours; getting deep into the snow, the dirt, or the water.” Now, went she’s not adventuring in the Kooteney Mountains, she’s teaching the next generation of kayak instructors all over Canada, including here at MKC every Spring!

Laura Farrell, USA

Laura is an instructor, avid mountain biker, lover of the great outdoors, skier, kayaker… and the list goes on. In her early days after high school, she was a whitewater raft guide, and competed in kayaking competitions. Laura’s adventurous spirit and years of experience make her an awesome instructor and great guide in the kayaking community.  Laura is one of the main organizers of the Green River Takeover, where, since 2014, hundreds of women kayakers, of all skill levels take over the Green River in South Carolina. 

Linda Harrison, USA

Competing at the ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in 1977, 79, and 81, Linda broke the barrier for women as she showed us we could paddle as good as a man. Linda organized women’s training camps, and a newsletter for women athletes to communicate during the off-season. At Madawaska Kanu Centre she started our first Women’s Week, which we continue to run today. We have her smile surfing Gravelpit photo in the MKC archives and on the dining room wall.

Louise Jull, NZ 

Louise was a great friend to so many paddlers, reminding us to become our full selves. She brought so many people into this sport teaching and coaching kayaking at the Madawaska Kanu Centre, in New Zealand and around the world. Whether it was freestyle, extreme racing, or slalom, Lulu always raised the bar. We miss her always. We love you, Lulu. 

Maria Noakes, NZ/ USA

Maria was an astounding kayaker and inspired many to get on the river. She lived every moment to the fullest and passionately journeyed the river with her brave and adventurous spirit. Her contributions to the whitewater community will always be remembered. She was truly a beautiful soul, close friend and supportive adventure mama. #livelikemaria

Nicole Mansfield, USA

Buffalo N.Y is where Nicole was first introduced to whitewater kayaking. Since 2005, she’s been working internationally and in various locations in the U.S enjoying the great outdoors via whitewater kayaking and skiing. Her warm spirit is unforgettable and her love for all things whitewater is contagious. 

Nouria Newman, FR

Nouria is famous for her kayaking excellence. She is an Ottawa XL champion, crowned extreme kayaking world champion, ICF Canoe Slalom (Kayaking) World Championship gold medalist… and the list goes on! As shown in her feature length film, she is the first woman to run a 100+ foot (30 m) waterfall. She has achieved awesome titles yet remains humble and focused…. We love you Nouria! 

Sheryl Boyle, CAN

Born in Renfrew, Ontario, Sheryl first started kayaking at Madawaska Kanu Centre while working on our kitchen team! She competed on Canada’s Slalom Team from the late 1980s- 1990s. Competing in 2 Summer Olympics, she came in an impressive 22nd within the K-1 event in Barcelona in 1992. She is a gem and a force to be reckoned with, famously known by her statement during her first week of kayaking, “I like your National Team helmet, Claudia. Soon I will have one of those.”

Stef McArdle-MacDiarmid, CAN

Stef has been a whitewater guide and instructor for many different companies over many years. Stef is now managing Black Feather, the Wilderness Adventure Company. She brings everyone around her up, as she’ll never settle for, well, good enough.

Tanya Faux, AUS 

Tanya’s goal to paddle every river in the world led her to become a well-known professional athlete! With a Freestyle Championship medal under her belt, Tanya inspires so many young paddlers to train hard to do what they love. She wears her pride on one shoulder, and her passion for kayaking on the other. 

Thea Froelich, CAN

With over 9 years of racing and training on the river, Thea has decided to share her passion for kayaking through teaching and instructing. She is a Canadian slalom team athlete, coach, instructor, and now teacher with World Class. But it’s her humor that’ll really get ya. 

Women’s Whitewater Kayaking & Canoeing Courses

One of our goals at Madawaska Kanu Centre is to help more women find their river smile and show them how exciting it is to navigate whitewater; that’s why we started our Women’s Week & Women’s Weekend programs. These programs help link women with similar values & interests to push each other and communicate on a deeper level. Cis-women, trans-women and non-binary folks are all welcome!

There was no way to include even to close to all the amazing women in whitewater. so, if you’re not on this list, you’re still awesome.

Please let us know who has inspired you and we’ll add them to our list! 

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Sources:

What Can You Learn From The River?

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A Reflection

By: Leanne Hennessy 

In 2003, the late Ojibway Elder/Grandmother and founder of the Mother Earth Water Walkers Josephine Mandamin began a series of journeys for the water, eventually walking over 25,000 kilometres around the shorelines of all the Great Lakes and other waterways of North America. Grandmother Josephine knew that the water was alive. She knew that it needed to be respected as a living entity; it needed to be prayed for and protected. Walking in ceremony with great love and respect for the water, Grandmother Josephine helped me to understand my relationship to the water and taught me to care for it as a living relative. She helped to bring awareness to the waters that had become sick with pollution, and she has become an important, influential role model in my life. Through Josephine’s example and teachings, and paddling through countless lakes and rivers, I have learned many things.

I hear 

Paddling the river, I listen carefully to the sounds of its rushing waters up around the bend. I hear the voice of life, the voice of Being.

I understand

Observing the swift-moving currents and swirling eddies of the water over the river rocks from my canoe, I understand that with persistent effort over time, I too can affect change, just as the action of the water sculpts the rocks over millennia.

I sense

Leisurely paddling the river or sitting silently on its banks, I intuitively sense that there is no such thing as time. I know that the river is everywhere at this moment. It is at the source, the waterfalls, the confluence; at the current, in the ocean and in the mountains.

I touch

Offering my hand to the water, I feel its gentle and loving caress. I touch its essence – it never turns its back on anyone or anything, giving life to all things equally and without discrimination.

I know

Traveling the length of the river, I know that it is not just water, but a living, breathing entity; my relative. It carries the blood of my ancestors. It holds human memory, emotions, and consciousness. I close my eyes and envision generations of people before me passing this way; holding their hopes and dreams in their hearts and paddles.

I drink

Pausing to quench the thirst of the mid-day sun, I drink the first medicine provided for all human beings and all living things on Earth. I taste its sacredness; imprinted with the energy of creation from human existence and human emotions. I offer my love, prayers, and asema in gratitude.

I heal

Breathing in the early morning mist rising off the river, I heal. I am renewed, refreshed, reborn; connected to all living things; ever-flowing, giving life – medicine. I am You and You are Me.

From the river, I learned all of these things. Following Grandmother Josephine’s example, I sing to the river…

Ne-bi Gee Zah gay-e-goo Water, we love you

Gee Me-gwetch-wayn ne-me-goo We thank you

Gee Zah Wayn ne-me-goo We respect you 

A Sit Down with Willa Mason

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I recently had a chance to chat with the lovely Willa Mason, one of our long-time staff here at Madawaska Kanu Centre. She’s been an instructor with us for 6 years, providing quality teaching to all those who have the pleasure of enrolling in one of her courses. Our conversation brought some insight into the paddler lifestyle, the uniqueness of the Madawaska Kanu Centre community, and the importance of ‘bringing something to the table (or the river)’ in a group setting. 

I began by asking “What is your favorite thing to bring on a day trip?” She smiled and said, “Snacks to share! I was paddling down a river in Tennessee and ran into a kayaker I look up to. He was having a rough day. It was snowy, cold, and he had just flipped over. He is normally an upbeat person that has everybody’s back, but that day he didn’t have his usual smile. I pulled up beside him and opened my life jacket pocket, gave him some chocolate covered coffee beans, and then BOOM, he snapped back to life! If anyone is feeling a bit nervous or too tense, I always give them snacks to remind them that we’re all here for fun. This can be for safety reasons as well; low blood sugar can be a risky factor if a paddler stays out longer than intended.” Now, this is the epitome of ––– sharing is caring!

We shifted gears and spoke about whether Willa felt pressure from competition amongst whitewater paddlers. She explained, “I wouldn’t say it’s competitive, however, it can get intense, either because someone wants to challenge themselves, which can lead to tough decision making, or they’re not having the day they envisioned. Paddlers share mentality & values, but these similarities end when it comes to approach. Some like to continuously push themselves, while others are motivated by spending time in the outdoors with their friends and family. Whitewater rivers host an array of challenges and opportunities for paddlers, and what I love most about this sport is that there’s space in the community for everyone, wherever you may fall on the approach spectrum. In Canada, we are especially lucky to have a large choice of rivers with varying features, and a passionate community that’s spread out across the country.” Her assurance of being welcomed into the community regardless of experience is what makes whitewater paddling so special. Learning at your own pace and approaching the river however you wish is welcomed and normal. It’s more of a solo journey that you venture on with like-minded crews of people. 

When Willa is on the river, she has more of a technical approach; her movement execution dictates her sense of accomplishment. She shared, “My personal preference is to challenge my technical side, and not my ‘risk-tolerance’ or ‘fear- conquering’ abilities. It’s not about running intimidating rapids and pushing through fear, it’s about executing the physical movements that are required to run a rapid. This execution is what makes or breaks a rapid for me.”

Speaking of techniques, her favorite canoeing maneuver on the river is the Jet Ferry! Have you tried it? According to Willa, it will make your experience a lot more free-flowing and intuitive on the river; “the concept of the Jet Ferry is that you use a wave to funnel your boat laterally across the river. It feels cool when you’re doing it because you’re using a feature to propel you faster than that amount of physical exertion normally would. This maneuver highlights one of the most important aspects of canoeing: when you work with the river and learn from it, your journey becomes a lot simpler. My favorite ‘aha’ moment is when my students figure out that you can’t just focus on yourself, you must focus on the unique features of the river. This is the biggest distinction between beginner and advanced whitewater canoeists.” 

Willa then shares that she is also a 911 dispatcher. She explained, “When I started as an ambulance dispatcher, the feeling of answering the phone was very similar to the feeling of running a rapid; you pick up the phone and you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into. Sometimes it runs smoothly, and you have all the time in the world, while other calls are intense, and you must make split-second, life-altering decisions. When you hang up the phone, your first thought is, “I made it out and I reacted well.” Whether you are picking up the phone or running rapid, you must trust your instincts and knowledge.”

With an increasing amount of time being spent on land these days, she makes a concerted effort to get on the water as an instructor at Madawaska Kanu Centre in the summers. We asked her about what she likes most about this role and she told us that, “as an instructor, you’re present for a student’s entire journey; the good and bad. You celebrate them as they challenge themselves and conquer their fears. It can be an emotional week of growth, so you really get to know everyone on a higher level than if you had simply met them for a coffee.” The same sentiment goes for the staff as well. “The number one thing is the community. I have formed strong connections with both the staff and students. Madawaska Kanu Centre is set up such that it encourages getting to know people through communal dining, campfires & group activities.”

I then inquired, “Do these connections help Madawaska Kanu Centre cultivate a positive team environment?” She replied, “Ever since 1972, when Madawaska Kanu Centre was founded, they’ve had good systems in place. Today, the culture can be accredited to Stefi’s positive and judgment-free attitude towards staff and students. The culture amongst the staff team either rubs off on or attracts like-minded guests. Even with canceled course dates due to the pandemic, there was still so much compassion and gratitude. Staff and students alike were just grateful to be there. Additionally, the Madawaska Kanu Centre leadership team has a critical eye towards the business and is always trying to figure out what they can improve. I love that Stefi and Greg are so open and receptive to feedback about the resort.”

I had to inquire about her future plans before we went our separate ways, she grinned and answered, “My main goal for the next two years is to focus on personal trips with my friends. After guiding the Petawawa River so many times, it was cool paddling it for fun and seeing it from a different perspective. Other focuses for the near future are getting out on local rivers and continuing to teach instructor courses!”

We are so looking forward to having you here again soon Willa! We love you!

>>> Look out for part 2!

Essay Contest Winner!

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What Can You Learn By Paddling a River?

by Courtney Sinclair


When I reflect on what I’ve learned by paddling rivers a whole library of experiential education reveals itself. Rivers are very dynamic teachers, offering a depth of lessons ranging from animal habitats, ecosystems, environmental health, water quality, how to read water, the history of the waters and of its original travelers, and of course the ever-important lessons of personal growth and insight. With gratitude for the flowing waters of this land, I share some of the teachings that rivers have gifted me.

The Rideau River taught me that headwinds could be relentless but that I could respect its commitment and match it with mine, slowly but surely moving forward with patience and perseverance.

In the darkness of night on the Muskoka River, I was taught that although I may be a solo paddler, I’m never really traveling alone. The spirit of the river kept me company as the shadowed reflections of trees lined the riverbank as beacons guiding me to safe passage.

Playing in the whitewater of the Madawaska River I received river running education on crossing eddy lines, the joy of standing waves, finding deep water, that failing gracefully means trying again, and that my skills will develop in proportion to my courage to try.

It was on the Mattawa River that I learned about camaraderie. I learned that I can push my own physical limits while simultaneously encouraging those around me to be at their best as well. I learned that happy people on the water make other people happy, on the water.

The Bonnechere River revealed to me the sound that cattails make as the wind rattles through them on a September day. I learned that otters live amongst weeds, wind, and waves, and they move as if it’s all just a big playground.

On the Ottawa River, I learned to love my own company and find solitude at sunset. I learned about fluctuating river levels and their impact on users, saw the remnants of logging history, and came to know the locations of deadheads along my favourite routes.

Over many stunning misty morning sunrise teas on the Amable du Fond River, I understood that there is no better place in the world that I could paddle out to early in the morning to feel speechless, present, and alive.

On the Riviere Noire, I learned that a Yeti cooler can keep ice cream frozen all the way to the take-out, that a day on the river with friends is a day well spent, and that it is without a doubt my very favourite river.

The lessons from these rivers live within me and shape who I am becoming, just as the current shapes a riverbank. Perhaps what lies in the beauty and allure of a river is that you never know what lessons you’ll stir up from beneath the surface of the water each time you set out to dip your paddle in.

MKC Launches Essay Contest to Celebrate 50th Season

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Known around the world for its unique approach to canoe and kayak instruction, the Madawaska Kanu Centre (MKC) is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary in 2021.

To mark the occasion, MKC is launching an essay contest, and the winner will get a free weekend getaway at MKC with meals, accommodation and paddling instruction (value $600).

To enter, contestants will be asked to write a short entry on the topic “What can you learn by paddling a river”. The contest will run until September 2021 and a winner will be selected in November. The essay will be published in MKC’s Anniversary cookbook that celebrates the paddling centre’s confluence of good food and river experiences.

Essays must be between 150 and 500 words. Please submit via our Contact Us page!

The contest winner will join the ranks of more than 50,000 students who have learned the joys and thrills of whitewater paddling at MKC, which is nestled alongside the Madawaska River in Eastern Ontario.

Students as old as 86 and as young as 2 have ventured onto the rapids with MKC instructors, many of them world class competitors eager to share their love and passion with novices.

Over the years, MKC has launched the careers of many top tier paddlers. For example, Dana Chladek worked one summer at MKC when she was a teenager. She went on to win multiple Olympic and World Championship medals.

Founded in 1971 by Christa and Hermann Kerckhoff, MKC’s mission was to create a safe, fun learning environment where beginners could learn the basics and expert paddlers could refine their skills. The common thread was to instill in everyone a love for the outdoors and the wonders of whitewater paddling.

MKC also pioneered a landmark agreement with the hydro-electric authority that operates a dam on the Madawaska River, guaranteeing water releases on weekdays so paddlers have consistent flows to play in.

MKC has been a family affair since the day it opened. Christa and Hermann’s oldest daughter Claudia took over operations in 1982, along with her husband Dirk Van Wijk. And, just recently, a third generation, Claudia and Dirk’s youngest daughter Stefani, assumed responsibility of the Centre.

She is eager to build on the solid foundation laid by MKC’s 50 years of introducing students to the thrills and joys of whitewater paddling. “This river has been gathering paddlers for decades, I’m grateful to call it both my home and my career”

In addition to the essay contest, MKC is planning to host (subject to pandemic restrictions) a gathering on the Labour Day weekend to celebrate its half-century anniversary. The Anniversary Recipe Book will be published in the Spring of 2022, filled with recipes and the many memories 50 years on the river has generated.

Kayak Session profiles MKC

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We are honoured and hyped to be featured this month’s international paddling mag; Kayak Session Magazine.

“When Hermann and Christa Kerckhoff decided to build a kayak school on the banks of the Madawaska River and model it after the European ski schools of their youth, they had no idea the legacy they would leave behind. Three generations later, the Kerckhoffs and MKC are still spreading the joy of whitewater.”

Link to buy single issue or subscription.

International Whitewater Hall of Fame Announces 2019 Honourees

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July 26, 2019 – The International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHoF) has announced its inductees for the Class of 2019. The selected honorees join an esteemed group of the world’s most accomplished whitewater pioneers, explorers, champions, and advocates.

“We are extremely excited to honor this year’s inductees with our partners at the ACA,” said IWHoF Board of Governors Chair Risa Shimoda. “This year’s voting was extremely close and very competitive, and should make for a special induction ceremony at the PaddleExpo event being held in Nuremberg, Germany on October 5th, 2019.”

As with years past, nominations for consideration were submitted through and vetted through IWHOF Affiliate Organizations.  From the list, the IWHoF screening panel developed the ballot of Pioneer and Advocates candidates for electorate voting June 2019. The Explorer and Champion nominations were too few in number to support their ballot categories:  those nominees will be moved forward for consideration in 2021.

The following have been elected to the International Whitewater Hall of Fame Class of 2019 and join 46 previously inducted leaders and legends:

Pioneer:  Hermann & Christa Kerckhoff (Canada) – As the founders of Canada’s longest-running whitewater instruction school (Madawaska Kanu Centre), Hermann and Christa have introduced thousands of Canadians to the thrills and joys of paddling…. believed to be the first commercial whitewater paddling school in the World.   Their visionary leadership also led to the creation of Canada’s first whitewater management plan, working with numerous government agencies and power authorities to guarantee consistent whitewater flows.  They also are responsible for the development of the Ottawa River as a world-class whitewater destination. Hermann and his daughter Claudia being the first to kayak the Ottawa rapids in 1974, then starting OWL Rafting in 1981. They also have taken steps to ensure public access to the Ottawa River, a legacy that will benefit future generations of paddlers.

Advocate: Joe Pulliam (USA), an outstanding contributor to whitewater as a manufacturer (Perception, Dagger, Jackson Kayak) and supporter of whitewater river stewardship for four decades;  and Chris Hawkesworth (UK), early adventurer, early filmmaker, contributor to the development of standards for helmets and other safety equipment, and advocate for whitewater course development through a fifty-plus year period.

The Class of 2019 Induction Ceremony will take place in Nuremburg, Germany on October 5th during the annual PaddleExpo industry trade show. Attendees will see the debut of a video presentation ceremony honoring the inductees. “We are an International Whitewater Hall of Fame, and we recognize the size and importance of our international membership base,” said IWHoF board member Pamela Dillon.  “Holding the ceremony in conjunction with the PaddleExpo festivities will provide an opportunity for international paddlers and other individuals seeking stories of whitewater history and inspiration for the future to witness the induction and meet these revered whitewater heroes.”  While the trade show is for industry attendees only, a limited number of induction ceremony tickets are available for the public: contact IWHoF@americancanoe.org for more information.   IWHoF is seeking event sponsors! Sponsorship information is available at http://IWHoF.org/sponsorship-2/.

About the International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHOF)

The International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHOF) is a program of the American Canoe Association (ACA) and is designed to recognize and celebrate significant contributions to paddlesports. IWHOF is led by an international Board of Governors who hail from various paddling backgrounds. Nominations are sought and submitted through IWHOF Affiliates around the world and screened by an international panel. Over 100 members of the IWHOF electorate are eligible to cast votes in each category to determine the honorees. Submitted recommendations are good for six years, after which they must be re-submitted. Each year up to two honorees may be chosen in the categories of Pioneer, Explorer, Champion and Advocate. See past inductees and find more information at:  www.IWHoF.org

For more information, contact Risa Shimoda +1 301 585 4677, risa@theshimodagroup.com.

5 star, 5 day whitewater canoe class

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We received this review from Paco_Jazztorious, on Trip Advisor, and we were so blown away, that we just had to share it. Thanks Paco! We hope you’ll be back soon!

Canoe Course Great Review Ottawa River

I took the 5 day whitewater canoeing class at MKC. I camped in their cozy campground and bought the full meal ticket as well.

First, ALL of the employees (and ownership) are open and welcoming and friendly beyond all reason. These folks are stoked that you’re there, stoked that you want to learn to paddle, and stoked that they are there too. As soon as you set foot on their facility, you are family. I’ve never experienced such a positive atmosphere ANYWHERE.

Second, their facility is second-to-none. Have you dreamed of a piece of nirvana in Ontario’s cottage country? This is it. Everything is super well-maintained, clean, environmentally friendly, and just plain beautiful. The grounds of their facility are like a botanical garden of the Algonquin forest ecosystem, beautifully landscaped in a very enchanting, subtle, and natural way. I even had a pine martin stroll through my campsite one afternoon! Indoor showers, outdoor showers, massages on Wednesday afternoons, sauna with spring-fed, cool-off dipping pool (with its own resident frog)…seriously, it doesn’t get any better than this.

Third, the instruction. Hey, how’d you like to learn whitewater technique from the progeny of the most famous tripping canoeist in Canadian history? Check. (The other instructor on my course was equally awesome!) And learn with the very best boats and equipment in the safest on-river experience you’ve ever encountered? Check. How about the perfect river to learn whitewater on, with absolutely dependable, consistent flows of warm water? Check. Both instructors gave the clearest and most easily understandable explanations of each technique I’ve ever experienced—and I’ve read a number of books on technique and own a handful of technique DVDs as well. The instructors will allow you to explore your limits or back off from a challenge if you feel you’re not ready for it (no worries, you can walk any rapid you don’t want to run). No pressure, just F-U-N.

And last but certainly not least: THE FOOD. OMG, every meal is the best meal you’ve ever had! Along with being the nicest kitchen staff in the history of kitchen staffs, they are also the most creative and talented at cranking out insanely wonderful (and locally-sourced) comestibles meal after meal. Communal mealtime is also an opportunity to bond with your classmates as well as rub elbows with the awesome staff and instructors. I’ll be frank: you’d be a complete IDIOT to not get the meal ticket.

If only MKC could bring together the world’s leaders for a five day whitewater class, we’d have world peace by Wednesday afternoon.

A bit about me: I’m in my early 60s, male, with moderate fitness—whose ephemeral appearance is achieved fleetingly between chronic and acute injuries—with decades of deep backcountry experience. I was a hard core climber in my 20s and 30s: rock-, ice-, and alpine-climbing all over the western hemisphere up to this hemisphere’s highest point (22.8K feet). I’ve also logged thousands of miles backpacking, sea kayaking, and flatwater canoeing in trips up to a month long, many times solo. I have also done two guided, multi-week canoe-tripping vacations in very remote locations (but nothing over class II-plus-ish).

I came to MKC to reboot my river skills in anticipation of another remote northern rivers trip I’m off on next month. Although I love recreating on water, and was even a fairly consistent triathlete and waterskier at various points in my life, I have always held a deep-seated and irrational fear of water. One of the absolute worst things I could imagine happening to me would be to fall out of a boat in a churning, wild rapid. Not unreasonable, really. I never mentioned this to MKC, of course *insert sheepish grin here*.

Over the course of the week, I was able to work through my fear of swimming rapids through MKC’s gentle and thorough introduction to swiftwater safety and my own ineptitude at paddling which produced a handful of “swims,” ostensibly for my own good! (I’m declaring myself the founder and president of the new MKC Swim Team!)

A WORD OF WARNING…DO NOT COME HERE IF:
You despise having fun.
You hate laughing and smiling nonstop all day long.
You can’t stand being around happy, positive people and role models.
You abhor the best eats on planet Earth.
You want to remain in your comfort zone forever with no path out.

TLDR; Everything was absolutely exceptional in every way. It was worth every penny spent.

Two Decades on the Madawaska

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Q&A with Michael Hodgins

Michael Hodgins is a whitewater kayaker and Ottawa-based physician and one of the more familiar faces around MKC. He took his first kayak course with us in 1999 and has come back every summer since, making him one of the longest-running students in our 47-year history. We asked him about his passion for paddling and the reasons he’s kept at it over the years.

MKC: What was your experience as a first-time MKC student like?

Michael Hodgins: I remember that I was completely useless in a kayak but that it was one of the most fun things I’d done. Kayaking is so all encompassing, and there’s a puzzle aspect of getting down the whitewater. I honestly cannot think of a more fun summer holiday.

MKC: Do you think we have enough play in our adult lives?

MH: In spite of my Scottish Presbyterian genes I feel that fun is a very important part of a full life. That may seem a bit trite, but on some level most people enjoy being happy and having a bit of fun. A very elderly lady who I once had the privilege of attending at her nursing home advised me that it’s “good to scare yourself a little every day.” Sound advice, as it certainly makes one feel alive. 

MKC: Why do you like being on the river?

MH: I like the intensity of the paddling, the mental and physical challenges posed by working with moving water. A recent popular trend in mental health counselling is mindfulness, a good part of which involves living in the moment. With paddling this is pretty automatic. Being on the water is so engrossing that it’s hard to think of anything else. 

MKC: Why do you keep choosing MKC for your vacations?

MH: It is my belief that our bodies are designed for activity.  Even on holidays I like to keep moving.  I also really love being outside, especially in nature, away from the city, especially when water is involved.” Some of the nicest MKC moments are just sitting in an eddy with the sunlight sparkling and the water swirling around, watching the boats go by.  As a get-away-from-it-all vacation, MKC is perfect.  And with the accommodation and meal plan one literally has no other responsibilities for five whole days. It is truly awesome.

MKC: Any stand out memories from the past twenty years as an MKC student?

MH: One of the most memorable days of my life was last August when my class went to the Upper Petawawa. I paddled over my first waterfall and it was like jumping into a glass of soda water.

MKC: So, paddling has the doctor’s approval?  

MC: I think anyone should consider giving it a go, and I could point out all sorts of studies that show the clear health benefits (both physical and mental) of physical activity, being out in nature and being active near water. In these days of pervasive screens and virtual reality, it is really good to reconnect with the natural world. I also feel that it’s important to try something new every now and then. When I’m in my boat I feel like I’m about 25. (Sadly, upon trying to get out of my boat after a day of wet frolicking I feel like I’m about 100. But that wears off pretty quickly.”

Interviewed by Adrick Brock, journalist and MKC instructor

Reviews

5 star ratingSunny days on the Madawaska River with the Madawaska Kanu Centre Absolutely fantastic experience!!!! I took my three grandchildren, aged 7 - 15 for the two hour family raft experience. Our guide made the adventure so much fun for all of
us. Our neighbours also joined our raft, so we had a total of 11. We will definitely return for another adventure.
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vera g Avatar
vera g
8/11/2024
5 star ratingExciting, fun experience! Great experience. Reagan did an awesome job on our family rafting experience. She along with her partner, Tatiana made us feel safe at all times. My 10 year old grandson had an amazing first time experience and can’t wait to come back to try the Adventure Rafting!
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Marg W Avatar
Marg W
8/16/2024
5 star ratingGreat family experience Amazing team. Excellent safety equipment and instructions. River is beautiful and was warm. The rapids are not too strong so was great first time experience.
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alexandretV6087PD Avatar
alexandretV6087PD
7/30/2024

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