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BC Hydro natural resource specialist Karla Robison has fun in the whitewater at the Puntledge Paddle Festival.
June 5, 2009
Stay clear of the Puntledge, unless you're a real kayaker
Posted by Rob Klovance
If you happen to be wandering near the Puntledge River at Courtenay this weekend, BC Hydro has a warning for you. Stay clear of the banks, because the volume of water rushing down the river is going to be up to 18 times the norm.
Of course, if you're a kayaker, that's fantastic news. And you'll already know about this annual event and BC Hydro's role in it. For those who haven't heard, here's what it's about.
Each year, kayakers from across North America converge on Courtenay for the Puntledge Paddle Festival. It's a product of BC Hydro's limited release of high volumes of water from the Comox Dam.
This year, it's set for this Friday and Saturday (June 6-7), with the initial release of water scheduled for 11 p.m. tonight (Friday) and the official start of the fest at 9 a.m. Saturday. Kayakers and rafters will be lining up to take their turn, especially in places such as Stotan Falls.
“There is nothing like this river for its fun and diversity” says Vancouver Island Whitewater Paddling Society coordinator Shayne Vollmers. "It has been a poor weather year for water flows and everyone is eager to get on this wonderful river for this planned event.”
If you're a paddler looking for more information on the festival's planned activities, check out www.surfkayak.org. As of last week, 120 kayakers had registered in advance, and the number is almost certain to hit more than 200.
The kayaking event, which takes place annually in May or June, is a component of BC Hydro’s consensus water use planning consultative process for the Puntledge River.
“It is a unique experience to run the Puntledge and see things from the river’s perspective,” says Destiny River Rafting owner, Jim DeHart. “It’s a fun, exhilarating, memorable ride that’s suitable for teens and adults.”
Destiny will be running a series of rafting trips during the event and can be reached in Campbell River at 1 877 923 7238.
Again, if you're not paddling, please be careful around those river banks.
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Source: BC Hydro
