The Cornwall Recreational Whitewater Club

This year, just like every year past, Sylvie, Zachary, Emily and I loaded up the car and boat trailer and headed out to Palmer Fest on the Madawaska River at Palmer Rapids.
Of Course, just like every other year, we brought with us a great group of friends from the Cornwall Recreational Whitewater Club. We were joined by Cheryl MacGregor, Sean, Adam and Mary Jane Hakvoort.
Scot MacGregor and the good folks at Rapid Media and The Paddlers Co-Op put together another great event.

The clinics were great. This year we were fortunate to be able to take clinics taught by people who many of us consider standards in the kayaking game. Billy Harris, Ken Whitting, Carly Harris, Ryan Whetung, Pikey and so many more.
We worked on Flatwater skills, surf skills, hole riding and creek skills all under the watchfull eyes of our instructors.
Cheryl showed us that she has no fear. Carly and Annie pushed her to do new tricks on the water.
Zachary continues to show us all how to be in control.
Sylvie pushed herself and showed us and more importantly herself, what she can really do. I am very proud of her.
Sean took in the lessons and at the end of the weekend his surf and spin skills showed really significant improvement. Way to go Sean.
Adam learned a lot about river reading and getting down the river his way. Awesome. We will be counting on him one day when we run new and exciting rivers.
Mary-Jane: What can we say about someone who does so much for her kids (and for our Club). Thanks for bringing your boys out with us. They are great kids and we enjoy your company, sense of humor and support very much.
And then there was Emily. Emily really turned it on Sunday afternoon. After 3 kids clinics she clearly wanted more. So Sunday afternoon we brought her eith us to Hass and she joined in a womens only clinic! And guess what? She got on and surfed that afternoon!!! Who hoo! I am even more proud than before
As for me, what do I get out of it? More than I can really express: I improved my flat skills (bow stalls and started towards the helix), got rid of a few bad habits (thanks Billy), learned new hole skills (kartwheels thans to Ryan), improved my boof and got to spend time with friends.
Nothing is quite as much fun as watching Zachary get taught (and worked) by Billy and Pikey. They teach him well and ride him hard (10 second surfs is a limit we will continue to impose!:). Watching my wife improve her confidnece and skills under the watchfull eye of the pros. Wow, it makes me smile inside and out. Seeing Emily take it to the next level with so much entusiasm…
Watching from the sidelines as our club members (all students of mine) move on in their kayaking adventures and taking beyond what they learned in my classes.

So is Palmer Fest just about paddling? No it is also about community.
Evenings with fellow paddlers and instructors, newbies to pro’s and everything in between.
Every year we see folks from other areas and our kids hook up with kids they only see once a year. But whether they meet as strangers or as friends from last year, they all leave as friends and the experience is remembered and held close until next year when we do it all over again.

Looking forward to getting out on the river again soon with everyone,

We are taking the club to Qyuon for an intro to waterfalls this mong Saturday. See you there.

Robert
www.cornwallwhitewater.com
www.asag.ca
www.worldkayak.com/seaywayvalley