| Paddling Title |
Cunningham Island: Kayak, Cards and Currents |
| Type of Trip |
Backcountry Trip |
| Date |
August 14 to 17, 2026 |
| OVERALL RATING FOR THIS TRIP |
GRADE C (INTERMEDIATE) |
SKILLS REQUIRED FOR THIS TRIP
Skills required to deal with the following anticipated conditions. |
Grade C (Intermediate) Confident forward stroke; Confident reverse stroke; Confident turning strokes; Comfortable with performing an assisted rescue as a swimmer within 2 attempts and as a rescuer *; Comfortable self rescue *; Able to tow another paddler * |
| Anticipated Trip Conditions |
|
| Wind |
Grade C (Intermediate) Moderate 21-30 kms/hour |
| Waves, Breaking Waves, Swell |
Grade B (Comfortable Beginner) Waves up to 2 feet; Small breaking waves Waves up to armpit; light to moderate chop; scattered whitecaps) |
| Current |
Grade B (Comfortable Beginner) Mild currents; Up to 2-3 kms/hour |
| Open Crossings |
Grade B (Comfortable Beginner) Up to 2 kms |
| 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 |
| Trip Details |
The Cunningham Island - Kayak, Cards and Currents is a fun weekend on the water that combines adventure, navigation, teamwork, and friendly competition. Modeled after a tradional Poker Run.
For this event, teams of three paddlers will use their navigation skills to travel around Cunningham Island, stopping at checkpoints to collect poker cards and hints leading to the next destination. Teams will work together to interpret clues, plan routes, and navigate the waters of Georgian Bay. At the end of the event, the team holding the best poker hand will be declared the winner.
VERY IMPORTANT Participants are required to carry Canadian Hydrographic Service Chart #2204 - Byng Inlet to Kilarney - while navigating the course.
Camping will take place on Cunningham Island. Thunder boxes are available on site. All meals are self - relient, and participants are responsible for bringing and packing all personal supplies and equipment.
A pre-trip planning meeting will be scheduled on Zoom for all registered participants. The meeting date and time will be announced prior to the event.
|
| Body of Water |
Georgian Bay |
| Registration Opens |
Backcountry camping - 8 weeks before the trip start date |
| Registration Opens on this date (at 12:00 am) |
June 19, 2026 (a stoke ps midnight June 18)
|
| Name of Volunteer Trip Leader(s) |
Liz Brunato, Dan Sidsworth, Katrina Bloom |
| Email of Volunteer Trip Leaders(s) |
ebrunato@cogeco.ca,
dansidsworth@gmail.com
kat.blom@gmail.com |
| Contingency Phone, Name |
Liz Brunato 289-828-5211
Dan Sidsworth 905-749-4862
Kat Blom 647-991-2454 |
| Trip Address |
1587 Riverside Drive, Britt, Bying Inlet Ont. (Rock Bottom Getaway) |
| Google Pin of Parking |
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3JxiCoLCMKjgu4A76 |
| Paddling Vessels Permitted |
Recreational kayaks are NOT permitted |
| Google Pin of Boat Launch |
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3JxiCoLCMKjgu4A76 |
| Arrival time - To get boats, equipment ready for launch |
10:00 AM |
TIME - SHORELINE SAFETY MEETING (PRE-LAUNCH)
(PDFs on; Kayaks, equipment on the shore, ready to go) |
11:00 am launch |
| Maximum number of paddlers including leader(s) |
12 |
| Bathroom Facilities |
Outhouse at Rock Bottom Getaway Parking
Thunderbox at camp |
| 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 |
No cost to the participant to join the trip. Please be courteous with regards to signing up and cancelling.
The participant pays for parking and launch fee. CASH ONLY
Lauch fee is $5 and Parking fee is $10 per night.
Please bring extra cash to cover any possible increase in fees.
|
| 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 - Extended Trips,
No Payment to the Club |
For extended trips with no cost, please self cancel. Go to the club website. From the menu, select: ATTEND EVENTS > HOW TO SELF CANCEL |
