DUMOINE RIVER: CAKAWITOPIKAK SIPI: EKONAKWASI SIPI

River rating: Class II+/III

Flowing through unceded Algonquin territory, the Dumoine River is beloved by whitewater paddlers, fisherfolk and avid nature lovers alike.

The Dumoine is the name given to her by French fur traders, but she also known as Cakawitopikak Sipi (Alder River) and Ekonakwasi Sipi (Desire River) by the original people of the area, her Algonquin kin. She flows from Machin Lake near La Verendrye Wildlife Reserve and empties into the Ottawa River. Her sisters are the Noire and Coulonge Rivers. While all three flow home to the Ottawa and share similar characteristics, the Dumoine boasts more elevation drop and rapids than do her sister rivers.
Like you, The Dumoine has many facets to her personality; fierce, unrelenting and powerful at times, yet in others she is slow, gentle and generous. Always she is wise. She is the reason for Braiding Rivers and has brought the gift of sacred sisterhood to your guides —Ashley, Keira and Rachel — so many before and more to come.
We cannot wait for you to meet her.

MADAWASKA RIVER/MADOUESKAK SIPI

River Rating: Class II/II+

Flowing through unceded Algonquin territory, the Madawaska River offers warm waters and an ideal gentle learning environment.

The Madawaska flows through unceded Algonquin territory, beginning at Source Lake in Algonquin Park and winding 230km before she meets up with the Ottawa River in Arnprior. On our trips we spend time with a section known these days as “The Lower Madawaska”. She is the river the three founders of Braiding Rivers learned to paddle on, and we all feel deeply connected to her. The Mad offers us a drop-pool section to paddle, meaning a rapid is followed by a big, calm pool of water. Depending on water levels, there are about 8 rapids in this section of river, with a portage trail running alongside the whole river. This trail gives us options to scout, walk or portage rapids you’re not comfortable with.

The Rapids

The rapid names we know have been given by the paddling community:

Jessup’s Chute (Class II/II+): A classic play spot for the Madawaska valley, this rapid is short and sweet. We’ll begin by jumping off of halfway through the rapid from Piano Rock into a fun, deep wave train to learn how to swim in moving water; if you’re feeling it (and loving it) we can swim from higher up for a longer, wavier ride.

The Lower Set (Class II): A perfect rapid to learn on, the Lower Set is a longer rapid than Jessup’s with lots of options to make it more or less difficult. This rapid has three different entrances, with a section in the middle to learn how to rock dodge, point our boats where we want them to go, and stop in calm pools of water partway down the river. At most water levels, there is a fun wave at the bottom to finish this off. One of the best parts is that we can run this rapid over and over again!

Island (Class II+): A short, yet fun and challenging introduction to the Day Run. This rapid varies a lot depending on water levels, ranging from a big wave train to a more technical, precision-based rapid. This is a great one to start with, as we’ll be able to hop out of our boats and “scout,” which provides an excellent way to sharpen our river reading skills and make a plan with our paddling partners.

Dog’s Leg (Class II): The longest on the Day Run, this rapid offers cruisey, rock-dodging flow with a fun surprise at the bottom.

The Narrows (Class II/II+): Again, this rapid is water-level dependent. At higher levels, there are two bigger river features that require a “thread-the-needle” maneuver; at this level, you can also practice putting your boat in places midway through the rapid to hone your skills. At lower levels, The Narrows features a straightforward step-like rapid ending in a big, calm pool of water.

Exam Time (Class II): If your guides are feeling cheeky, they may challenge you to pick your own line through this rapid. Nothing more, or less, complicated than finding the most water flow and dodging some rocks.

Rifle Chute (Class III): This is the rapid with the most elevation loss, creating some of the biggest wave trains at higher water levels. We’ll be able to get out and scout this one too, but regardless, be prepared to put your hands up and say “YEEEOW"!” Unless, of course, you’re the one steering.

Split Rock (Class III): Rachel’s favourite rapid at all water levels. Split Rock is split into two channels by (you guessed it) a big rock. The righthand channel features a horizon line that obscures the water downstream right up until you get to the lip of the rapid, which makes this a reaction-based based. Not much time for thinking or planning, just doing — flow state at its finest.

Post-Split (Class II): Just downstream is the little brother of Split Rock, Post-Split. Just make sure you line yourself up right and enjoy the bump n’ grind water slide into the calm pool of water below.

Racquette (Class III): Probably the most technical rapid of the day, Racquette requires you to slow waaaaay down, maybe even backpaddle! The entrance requires a lot of maneuvering to line up and make sure you miss the infamous “Can Opener” rock at the bottom of the channel.

The Rattle (Class II): What’s at the end of a snake? A rattle! This is a fun, straightforward wave train to end the day with a bang. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.