This past weekend was one for the books. I had the chance to hit the river with Grand Experiences, diving into some thrilling whitewater action while kicking off the first stages of my Paddle Canada certification. It was equal parts exhilarating and educational — and a big step in my paddling journey.
I was partnered up in a tandem canoe with a young paddler named Alex, who, like me, is working toward Paddle Canada certification. Right from the get-go, we found a good rhythm, working together to navigate the rapids with growing confidence. It was awesome to paddle with someone equally eager to learn and get soaked in the process (literally).
The rapids were so much fun — the kind that test your skills but also leave you grinning from ear to ear. We practiced ferrying, eddy turns, and bracing techniques, and by the end of the day, both of us had made huge strides in our comfort and control on moving water. I’ve paddled a lot over the years, but there’s nothing quite like whitewater to remind you of the river’s power — and your own progress.
Huge thanks to the team at Grand Experiences for organizing such an awesome day on the water. Their guidance, safety-first approach, and deep passion for paddling made all the difference. I’m stoked to continue the certification path and can’t wait to see where the next chapter of this whitewater journey leads.
If you’ve ever thought about leveling up your paddling skills or just want to experience the thrill of running rapids with great people — get in touch with Grand Experiences. This is just the beginning, and I’m already hooked.
