With the weather warming up and the North Saskatchewan River open for the summer, Albertans are getting eager to hit the water.
Rita Fowler, with the Eagle Point Blue Rapids Parks Council, has some advice for Drayton Valley residents thinking of purchasing their own vessel to enjoy this summer.
First of all, Fowler recommends getting an understanding of what your needs really are by asking yourself questions such as:
- Will you be taking multi-day trips?
- Do you plan on doing most of your boating on the river or on lakes?
- How is your mobility? For example, is it easier to get in and out of a kayak or canoe?
- Will you be travelling alone, or with pets and/or children?
When it comes to canoes, Fowler notes that too large of a keel can make maneuvering in swift river waters difficult.
“Around here, the North Saskatchewan River, you could use a lake canoe on that river in and around Drayton Valley because it’s very slow-moving water, there’s not a lot of rapids,” she added as an exception.
For lighter trips, Fowler suggests trying a kayak on for size, adding they are fit for both lakes and maneuvering in swift river waters.
Paddle boards are also an increasingly popular option.
Fowler explained, “One of the fastest growing paddle sports is the stand-up paddle board. A lot of people are just finding they just feel a lot of freedom when they’re standing up on that board on the water, and they can be taken on rivers – calmer rivers – as well as lakes, and they’re much more portable.”
If you still have questions or you’re looking for some aquatic company, the Drayton Valley Paddling Club can connect you with other boaters/paddlers this summer.
The club is hosting its second annual Fish and Float this Saturday, June 7, on the Pembina River. The float will begin at 11 a.m. at the Highway 621 bridge and end at the Easyford Campground.
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