The first of the Downriver Paddle Series for 2016 (proposed date):

• we will organize vehicles to shuttle paddlers back to their vehicles in Chase (help required)
• please comment to the event with your plans to drive and shuttle
• we will drop off one or two vehicles at the Pritchard Bridge area (NW side)
• the launch area is in Chase at the beach on Little Shuswap Lake (see Google location map)
• we will paddle along the lakeshore, then down the river
• suitable for canoes and most kayaks
• there is a bit of faster water in the first river section, then it smooths out
• the river route is about 21km and takes about 3 hours
• lunch along the way at Banana Island
• landing at the beach by the bridge – load, shuttle the drivers while others stay with the boats
• by the time we do all the unloading, loading, shuttling, and driving, the event takes up much of the day
• article on the route – Chase to Lafarge Paddle
• more details to be added when the event is enabled for registration

Notes on Boats, Paddling and Safety:

• when we paddle the river a rudder is very helpful, but a skeg or paddling skills also works
• the longer boats are faster so if you have a shorter, wider boat, you will be paddling harder to keep up (but we will wait for you)
• Nav Canada requires all safety gear to be with the boat – paddle float, towline, whistle, and a PFD for each paddler (also required for all KHC paddling events)
• we cannot permit someone to join us without the required safety gear
• knowledge of self-rescue is required (we will help, but you should know the basics)
• all paddlers must stay in visual contact for safety reasons
• the river is not the best choice for novice paddlers; get some experience on the small lakes before going on the river
• participants are advised to get some paddling sessions in to build some endurance before attempting a longer paddle on the river
• strong winds can make the paddling difficult; you may wish to cancel if weather is an issue

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Doug Smith

Retired now, I get into the outdoors most days to hike, paddle, camp, snowshoe, run, walk, or explore. More information can be found at: KamloopsTrails.net.

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