Pinch O-Crow River Rendezvous

Crowsnest River (I)

May 21st 2005

This year's event was a stark contrast to the two feet of snow received from last year. The 20+ C weather made this event much more comfortable. Who would have thought about the novel concept of getting into dry gear?

Each morning started off with a pancake / egg breakfast and friendly conversations. These events are really fun as paddlers from all over the region come together to share stories, and to meet new people. Once breakfast was done, groups divided into their respectful groups based on ability. The intermediate group tackled the Castle Falls section (III), the advanced group tackled Cameron Creek and Blackstone Creek in Waterton (III-V), while I led the beginner group down the Lower Crowsnest River. With a group of over 25 people who have never been on a river, I needed help.

Jim Macdonald from the Edmonton Whitewater Paddlers helped me in my group, while Rob Evan Davies took his family and friends down as well. The day consisted of early swims, surprising rolls, working on ferry angles and, learning how to do proper eddy turns. By the end of the 4 km Class I section, people were wiped. A good day had by all.

Carbondale River (III+ -IV)

May 22nd 2005

After paddling the Lower Crowsnest on the previous day, Arend Post and I headed up the Carbondale drainage to check out the water flow. Much to my surprise, it was at a higher level than the year prior. I was keen to let the advanced paddlers know of my find on the next morning.

The following morning I hooked up with Chuck Lee to let him know of the flow, and he then mentioned that I would be leading a group down the Carbondale. I had initially intended to be with Arend as he was just learning, but Chuck insisted. Arend ended up going down a section of the Castle, while I lead a group down the Carbondale.

The Carbondale was great. Good flows, excellent technical whitewater, with a 1-2 punch in the throat at the end. The largest rapid on the Carbondale is just before the take out at the bridge. A small knotched out canyon is host to a man eating hole which extends itself right towards the only way through on river right. This was the day to be in a creek boat. A number of play boats were eaten alive as they were sucked into the backwash of the hole. We were witnesses to a new event at the Rendezvous...the Human Cartwheel Event! Ted from the Northwest Voyageurs won the event when he pulled off some impressive air during his ride. After his 30 second ride, no one else was able to even come close to his score. Way to keep it together Ted!

Lower Crowsnest River (I+)

May 24th 2005

Arend had enough of paddling after fighting the wind on Sunday, so we opted not to paddle on the preceding Monday. I did stay back at the acreage for another week and ended up solo paddling a few rivers. One of the rivers I paddled was the Lower Crowsnest from Lundbreck Falls down. Once again I was fortunate enough to paddle on a beautiful day, and I played to my heart's content. No rescues, no big groups, no yelling, just me..a boat..and an eddy line. It was a relaxing paddle, and a nice way to see the beautiful waterways of Southern Alberta. This section is an easy beginner section with a few drops, and multiple spots for eddy turns. A nice afternoon paddle.

Upper Oldman River (III+)

May 26th 2005

My father-in-law Doug Tillett and I went out for an afternoon drive up Highway 940..of course with the boats in tow. We managed to make our way up to the Oldman drainage, and continued to drive up the river to Shale Creek. Here I doned my gear and solo paddled down to the recreation site. This tight section of whitewater demanded some technical river reading, and focused boat control to avoid the numberous boulders strewn through the stretch. A very swift, fun section of water. A nice reminder that we can always find a sweet place to escape to even in our own backyard.

Eric Albert

Click here to check out an article from the Pincher Creek Echo.