Babes in boats
Babes in boats: Madawaska Whitewater Workshop
Long Weekend Madawaska Whitewater Workshop
This is one of our most popular offerings as a way to get women+ in the door to whitewater canoe tripping. Babes In Boats is gentle introductory, or refresher, whitewater paddling workshop on the beautiful Madawaska River, who is known as an amazing learning river for new-experienced paddlers. We will spend our first two days learning how to move ourselves and our boats in rapids and. On our last day, we celebrate our accomplishments with lots of time playing in and on rapids.
Recommended Skill Level: I-II
Babes In Boats is meant for paddling newcomers and those who have tripped with us and want a skills refresher without a big commitment.
The flow
Pre-trip: intentions
After booking, take some time for yourself to reflect on what inspired you to join this trip. What are you hoping to learn or experience? What relationships do you hope to nurture? (e.g. With yourself? If so, which parts of yourself? With other women? With the land?)
Two weeks before our workshop, we’ll meet virtually to chat about our weekend together and take the time to answer any questions. This will be your chance to introduce yourself, share your questions, concerns, fears, hesitations, excitements, hopes, and intentions for the trip. When you share your intentions, it gives the rest of us an opportunity to support you.
Remember that at any point before the trip, you are always welcome to call Braiding Rivers with any questions or concerns.
Day 2: play
Today, we learn how to paddle tandem canoes in rapids, which includes the how-to’s of paddling strokes, self-rescue, scouting and paddling rapids! If you want to learn more about the Madawaska River, check out The Rapids section.
At the end of the day, we’ll return to our campsite for dinner, laughs and an evening around the campfire
Day 1: learn
An exciting evening! We get to meet each other in person, set up our tents, learn about the river and hang out at the Paddler Co-op campground. Once we’re set up, we will get dressed for our swim-through, where we’ll jump into whitewater (see above photo!). Afterwards, we’ll head back to our site and warm up with some delicious dinner and a campfire.
Day 3: Celebrate
On day 3, we celebrate! Today we’ll do decide what the group needs and the choice is between a Day Run — a 3-4 hour trip through the beautiful Lower Madawaska River Provincial Park with 7-8 rapids back-to-back — or another day learning and playing at Palmer Rapids, our training grounds. Either way, there is auaranteed lots of smiles, swimming (either intentional or not), and a lifetime of memories.
We’ll return to our campsite at the end of the day to pack up and say our goodbyes!
have more questions?
