Paddle, surf and play.
It’s what whitewater enthusiasts can expect at the 13th annual Puntledge River Paddle Festival May 27-28.
The Vancouver Island Whitewater Paddling Society hosts the event — which was cancelled in 2015 because BC Hydro could not perform its usual spring spill due to a mild winter and lack of snowpack.
“We get anywhere from 140 to 200 paddlers from all over the Pacific Northwest of the United States, and as far away as Alberta,” festival organizer David Prothero said. “And we get some international travellers. A lot of people come and see the beauty of the Puntledge River. It’s amazing. I’ve worked all over the world. It’s a top whitewater river when there’s water in it.”
The Puntledge contains beginner, intermediate and advanced sections. The weekend might include a few ad hoc events, but the festival is generally a fun time to paddle and hang out at Maple Pool Campground, the base of operations from where shuttles will be provided. There will also be evening events.
“Usually people just do laps up and down the river,” Prothero said. “We do guided tours for people who haven’t seen the river before that are experienced kayakers.”
Jamie Turko of Destiny River Adventures in Campbell River will offer rafting trips during the weekend.
To register and for more information, visit www.surfkayak.org or check the Vancouver Island Whitewater Paddling Society Facebook page.
Camping is available at Maple Pool at 4685 Headquarters Rd. Call 250-338-9386.