Canoeing

Biography

I learned how to hold a paddle at a young age while visiting my grandparents' cabin in the woods of Meadow Lake Provincial Park, Saskatchewan. Although I do not remember when I first paddled a canoe my passion was well developed as a young teenager when I spent most of my small income from papers and camp honoraria on a paddle, PFD, and canoe.

Through the late 1970s and early 80s I was well known as "Mr. Canoehead" in southern Winnipeg -- regularly making the 1.5km hike down to the river to paddle. This tradition continues to this day though the hike the trusty aluminum canoe has been replaced, usually, with a Kevlar model. I regularly took, and led, trips through eastern Manitoba and NW Ontario during this time. From the mid-1980s to 1990s I worked as a biologist in central Manitoba allowing me to paddle the rivers and lakes around The Pas and Flin Flon. My work also took me to the rivers and lakes near Timmins Ontario.

My first formal canoe training happened at YMCA Camp Stephens as a camper and then as a leader. I went through the early CRCA (Canadian Recreational Canoeing Association) paddling program in the mid-1970s. I taught canoeing and wilderness awareness for a City of Winnipeg camp in the late 1970s and early 80s. I received my Red Cross Small Craft Safety Instructor certification in 1982. I received my CRCA Flatwater instructor certification in 1999 and Canoe Poling instructor in 2014. During 2010/11 I developed the Paddle Canada Style Canoeing program. I am a Paddle Canada Advanced Lake and Style Canoe Instructor Trainer, and Intermediate Poling Instructor.

Information

• Courses

• Thoughts on Paddling

• Winnipeg Destinations

• Poling

• Water Levels

• References

The Spirit

The spirit has moved within me
and draws me back each year.
It calls to me each spring,
every fall it draws a tear.

Every stroke's a blessing
each spring and summer day.
Moving forward with my life
in such a wondrous way.

How I love the tranquil sound
of water rushing by.
The quiet laughter on the hull
lifts my spirit high.

To paddle with you is a joy;
across the lake each fall.
Of all the things I keep inside
this I tell to all.

Once the spirit finds you
your life will be complete.
The love of paddle and canoe
will keep your soul replete.