New Year's Paddle

Annual New Year's Day Paddle 

Our New Year's Paddle is an annual event on the Grand River, from Cambridge to Glen Morris. 

Moving water

Participants must be moderately experienced and must wear either a wet suit or a dry suit.  Dress warmly and bring extra socks and mitts. The persons with a wetsuit must bring extra clothes in case of a submersion.

Cold water paddling can be very dangerous if you end up in the water.  Cold water can kill by:

1) Cold shock – possible heart attack due to sudden submersion and exposure to cold water

2) Gasp – Sudden immersion in cold water results in an involuntary gasp. This means you cannot stop the gasp, which is followed by 1 to 3 minutes of involuntary hyperventilation. Hyperventilation can cause cardiac  arrest, cramping, disorientation and confusion.

 All paddlers must be aware of the risks, and must be prepared for submersion, cold weather, wind, and rain.

There is a group of hikers from the club that hike along the trail to cheer on the paddlers on their first adventure of the year.