| Paddling Title |
Scouting the Minesing Wetlands (Willow Creek) |
| Type of Trip |
Day Trip |
| Date |
May 17 |
| OVERALL RATING FOR THIS TRIP |
GRADE C (INTERMEDIATE) |
SKILLS REQUIRED FOR THIS TRIP
Skills required to deal with the following anticipated conditions. |
Grade B (Comfortable Beginner) Comfortable forward stroke; Comfortable reverse stroke; Comfortable turning strokes; Able to perform assisted rescue as swimmer within 2 attempts and as a rescuer * |
| Anticipated Trip Conditions |
|
| Wind |
Grade A (Beginner) Light; 10 kms/hour |
| Waves, Breaking Waves, Swell |
Grade A (Beginner) Under 1 foot waves; No breaking waves (Waves up to the deck seam; water glassy to rippled; no whitecaps) |
| Current |
Grade B (Comfortable Beginner) Mild currents; Up to 2-3 kms/hour |
| Open Crossings |
Grade A (Beginner) No open crossings |
| Landing Type |
Grade C (Intermediate) Steeper slope; narrower landing zone; rocky; slippery; OR Docks |
| Landing Frequency |
Grade C (Intermediate) No more than 5 kms between landings |
| Total Distance Per Day |
Grade C (Intermediate) Up to 20 kms |
| IMPORTANT HOC TRIP RATING INFORMATION AND CANCELLATION |
We can only anticipate what the trip conditions will be prior to the trip; and they are subject to change based on the weather information for that day; therefore, the overall trip rating and the required skills needed to safely attend the trip, may be upgraded on the day of the trip. This eventuality includes the possible cancellation for some or all its participants; or the postponement of a trip for the following day. By signing up for a club trip, the participant assumes the risk that such a cancellation may occur, even as late as on the shoreline.
HOC Paddling Trip Rating Tool-2024-02-29 |
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JOIN US ON A SCOUTING TRIP OF THE MINESING WETLANDS
This will be a scouting trip not previously done by the club, and will be guided by Free Spirit Tours. The Minesing Wetlands are renowned for their wildlife, history and flooded forests in early spring. However, it must be approached cautiously as it can become a maze where even the most adventurous could get lost. For a sneak peak of what can be expected, check out this article - turn to page 52: https://www.escarpmentmagazine.ca/summer-2024/
THIS IS A LONG DISTANCE TRIP WITH RISK OF NO LANDING BREAKS IF WATER LEVELS ARE HIGH; 5-7 HOURS LONG. Please consider your kayaking experience and ability to sit in your kayak for the duration of the trip. Muddy and slippery launching conditions expected.
Cold water immersion clothing will be required (wet or dry suits) given time of year and duration.
SHORT plastic kayaks are recommended, ideally not longer than 15 ft. Short Kayaks are available for rent at an additional fee directly with Free Spirit Tours.
WHAT TO BRING:
Lunch
snacks
water
change of clothes / towel
dress for the weather
Mosquito repellent or gear if preferred
Sun protection
Please note a minimum of 4 participants is required for this trip to proceed, otherwise it may be cancelled. |
| Body of Water |
Minesing Wetlands (Willow Creek) |
| Registration Opens |
6 Weeks Prior to the trip |
| Registration Opens on this date (at 12:00 am) |
06-March-25 |
| Last Day to Register |
30-Apr-25 |
| Name of Volunteer Trip Leader(s) |
Gabriela Sebestyen & Free Spirit Tours |
| Email of Volunteer Trip Leaders(s) |
solis.sebestyen@gmail.com |
| Contingency Phone, Name |
solis.sebestyen@gmail.com |
| Trip Address |
George Johnston Road - Canoe Launch |
| Google Map Location of Parking |
Willow Creek Canoe Launch |
| Is this a scouting trip? |
Yes |
| Paddling Vessels Permitted |
Recreational kayaks not permitted |
| Boat Launch Location |
Willow Creek Canoe Launch |
| Arrival time - To get boats, equipment ready for launch |
8:30 AM |
TIME - SHORELINE SAFETY MEETING (PRE-LAUNCH)
(PDFs on; Kayaks, equipment on the shore, ready to go) |
9:00 AM |
| Maximum number of paddlers including leader(s) |
6 |
| Boat Rental Available |
Yes |
| Boat Rental Details |
Contact Free Spirit Tours directly to arrange at your own additional expense: info@freespirittours.ca |
| Bathroom Facilities |
Portapotty |
| Trip Safety Requirements, What to Bring |
Kayak with sealed fore and aft bulkhead compartments unless the paddle has been specified to permit recreational boats;
Inflatable boats are not permitted;
A properly fitting PFD or lifejacket must be worn at all times while in your kayak; Inflatable PFDs are not permitted:
One (1) buoyant heaving line at least 15 m (49’3”) long;
One (1) bailer OR One manual bilge pump;
One (1) pealess whistle;
If paddling before sunrise or after sunset or in periods of restricted visibility like fog, one (1) all-round light (A light showing an unbroken light over an arc of the horizon of 360 degrees);
For multi day trips, one (1) magnetic compass (handheld or deck);
For kayaks over 6m (19’8”): One (1) watertight flashlight with working batteries AND Six (6) flares of Type A (Rocket parachute flare), Type B (Multi Star flare) Type C (Hand flare) Type D (Smoke Signal), however, only two (2) can be Type D;
A minimum of one spare paddle per 2 participants;
A spray skirt is required unless you are in a recreational boat (a boat which lacks either a fore or aft sealed bulkhead) or on a Grade A trip;
Each participant must have completed their wet exit practise within the past 12 months
Please note the club does not provide equipment. If rentals are noted above, it is at the expense of the club member. Please read the details. |
| Trip Cost Per Participant |
$88 |
| Incidental Costs |
Additional expenses may arise on this trip and the participant assumes the financial responsibility. These are costs which have not been factored in the trip budget and will typically, but not exclusively, entail unforeseen expenses, such as evacuation, ambulance, treatments, food lodging due to illness. |
| Trip Cancellation Policy - Trips Under $100 |
No refund unless your spot is filled from the waitlist. Should you qualify for a refund, a $5 cancellation fee will be applied.
To cancel your trip at any point; you must email the Club Manager: manager@haltonoutdoorclub.ca or phone: 905 332 4318 |
