Rollway Rapids... Slowly

This is a departure from the poling theme of this channel, but it is all canoeing and applies even more for poling. Whether to run rapids faster than the current or slower than the current has been debated in canoeing manuals from the early part of the twentieth century to the present. (maybe well before anyone wrote a manual!) I believe that there is a time and place for both. This was a great trip on the Petawawa River in Algonquin Park last summer, with higher than average water for the time of year. For me, this was the highlight of the trip. I hope you enjoy it.

[@PaddleTV]

Great view of running the rapid... and nice line!

[@canoepoler]

Thank you very much. High praise indeed!

[@retiredoutside]

Nicely done! You made that look pretty easy.

[@canoepoler]

It is nice that it looked pretty easy... it was certainly pretty busy!

[@openboat42]

Nicely done. Like you, I try to tell people slower is better.

[@canoepoler]

I think that folks just like getting the air as they launch off the waves... and then they swim. :(

[@steveshapiro6825]

Yep,but air is sometimes nice. There is a wave river right on the Ocoee that sometimes calls to me at Bell Hole :)

[@canoepoler]

@@steveshapiro6825 That would be one of thoses times, for sure! :)

[@ThePursuitofPassion]

Those are fun rapids! Good run! Water levels looked great. I've done it twice, one at similar levels and another time lower.

[@canoepoler]

Oh it is a great run for sure. Weather was perfect, river was perfect and a great group!

[@andreachappell4575]

Nice angle to see what's coming up and how you two worked together. What a great trip that was, even if this was my only experience of that rapids.

[@canoepoler]

I am hoping (if folks are interested) in doing a little more demo/correction/practice on the Spanish. Little pointers make a big difference. Of course you need a partner who doesn't just laugh it all off! Good luck with that!! ;)

[@downeastprimitiveskills7688]

Yeah, whats the rush? smooth run, well coordinated.

[@canoepoler]

Good point, I think I'll use that, "What's the rush?"

[@Lenair1]

Great Video, commentary, and of course a great rapid on a fun river. It was a pleasure doing bow business with you :)

[@canoepoler]

The pleasure is always mine... then i don't have to think or make decisions (or shoulder the blame!!!)

[@wildernesscanoeassociation]

I think you are justified in changing the title from slowly; to properly.

[@inthewoodswithbigfoot3941]

Way to work a line! Thanks!

[@canoepoler]

Thank you. It was a team effort!

[@shinysidedown9090]

Good run! Its' better to hit a rock going slowly than crashing into it.

[@canoepoler]

Oh, so very true! :)

[@jamieporter6305]

Sweet run. Now upstream with your pole!

[@canoepoler]

Love to try... but not at that level!

[@grahamjordan9170]

Class 3 moving water?

[@canoepoler]

Oh ya. Guide book puts at CIII at low and medium water and CIV at high water.

[@openboat42]

How did you film this?

[@canoepoler]

I fabricated a Gopro mount that sticks out the back of the boat. It is made out of this odd polyethylene and aluminum gas tube, so it is bendable. This is probably Mark 10 design over the years. Does beat a short strut on a gunnel or jerking around on someone's head, though. Works a treat for my poling videos with a little bend up. :)

[@wildernesscanoeassociation]

Just tell Jean Lefebvre to wear a helmet next time.