We try to get our kayaks in the water in the river as soon as enough ice and snow melts to allow us easy access to launch and land.   Our first choice is Pioneer Park.   In early March when the gate to the boat launch is still locked, we have to transport our kayaks on wheels down to the river shore, and on our first launch, we had to pull the boat over layers of ice to get to the open water.   In later paddling sessions, we were able to use the boat launch to unload and launch.   When we ready the kayak for a paddle, there are no other boats in sight, but dog walkers are common.    We launch and paddle upstream or downstream, alternating, but adjusting to wind conditions too.

The  most common route is to paddle upstream first.   It is 1.6 km to the Yellowhead Bridge.   There is some faster water in the big S-turn east of the bridge.   Turn-around spots vary according to the length of the paddle session planned and on wind conditions.   We paddle up for somewhere from 40 – 80 minutes then turn back downstream.

On a sunny day, the sun glares down as I paddle upstream, reflecting in the river.

On a day with no wind, the going is slower upstream, about 3.5 km per hour, but much faster downstream.

When the wind blows from the west, the paddle downstream can be slow too.

We also paddle down to the Confluence then west on the Thompson River and back upstream.   If we want a harder workout, we paddle up the North Thompson river and back.

Some Early season Paddling Tips:

• The water is cold so either a dry entry or good boots helps to keep the feet warm.
• to stay warm , we use a spray skirt, a paddling jacket, and paddling gloves.
• If there is a cold wind, we usually wait for a better day.
• Paddle close to the shoreline.   If you capsize, it will be better to go to the shoreline than to try a wet, cold self-rescue.