Two Decades on the Madawaska

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 ratingWonderful time at Madawaska Family Rafting Wednesday, July 31 2024 @ 12:30pm - 2:30pm We went rafting with our 10 year old twin granddaughters and friends Andy, Dianne, Maggie and Abbie. Our guide Alix was excellent. Alix explained every detail of the trip before we entered the rapids. It is very safe for all ages. We had a great time and will not forget our memories. We plan on making this a yearly event. Thank you to Madawaska Family Rafting for the wonderful time! Andrew and Marlene
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Marlene S Avatar
Marlene S
8/08/2024
5 star ratingA great time. I highly recommend MKC This was my 3rd, five day white water kayaking trip with MKC. It was another fabulous week.

I always choose the all inclusive option. I camp, but there are a number of indoor options for those who prefer that. I select the full meal plan, as I really don't want to do my own cooking before I paddle, or after a long day on the water. Don't let the young cooks worry you. (They're students working the summer months. Some of them are in culinary arts training.) The meals are better that a lot of restaurants. There's always vegetarian options at every meal. I like this because, and I like variety, and sometimes I want a change.

It doesn't matter what your skill level is, you'll have fun and will learn. On this last trip, there was a couple in their 80s, who wanted a new adventure to try out. How great is that. The instructors/guides always give positive feedback. You'll never hear you did anything wrong. (Typically, you all ready figured that out.) The guide will say something like: "Try this technique, and see how you like it." The guide will then demonstrate the technique a couple of times, and watch you trying it, while shouting encouragement to you. Plus, the rest of the people in your group will be cheering you on. When someone in the group does their first practice roll, or any combat roll, the cheers are thunderous. The grin on the person who just did the roll, says it all.

This year I was in seniors week. (I'm 73.) Virtually everyone had their own equipment. No worries if you need gear. MKC has excellent equipment, and will outfit you with everything you need, appropriate to your experience level. If you want to try a performance boat, they'll let you try one.

All in all, it's a great experience. I plan to return next year for my 4th time.

Give it a try!

Alan - Registered Maine Guide in Sea Kayaking
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Sky K Avatar
Sky K
9/08/2024

Splash into
Spring Sale

Save up to $300 on select 4 & 5 day Whitewater Kayak and Canoe Courses from May 5th – June 16th, 2025.

Spots are limited—book now before they’re gone!

Wednesday November 27th

Early bird sale.

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KAYAK AND CANOE PROGRAMS AT MKC

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Must place deposit between 9am and 6pm EST November 27th to receive discount.

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March 4th - 8th 2024

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5 day kayak + canoe courses

5% of all revenue from this week is donated to your choice of three organizations

We are forever grateful for the support we continually receive from our communities. To say a small thanks, we want to give back.