5.3°C Not observed 
Experienced and beginner kayakers are invited to dunk their heads and dip their paddles at the Mamquam River Whitewater Festival on Friday and Saturday (June 26 and 27).
The Mamquam River Access Society (MRAS) is hosting a paddling film night fundraiser at the Howe Sound Inn and Brew Pub on Friday night before offering free kayak rentals and clinics to local residents looking to tap into one of Squamish’s hidden gems Saturday morning.
The more proficient paddlers can compete in a series of races in the afternoon.
The event is meant to celebrate one year since the put-in off the Mamquam Forest Service Road, near the east side of the Farther Side Trail, was repaired for greater accessibility. But more importantly, the day is meant to introduce water enthusiasts to the area, said MRAS director John Harvey.
“It’s an opportunity to support not only the whitewater paddle sports but also that the town understands that this resource is fantastic,” said Harvey, an avid canoeist.
“I don’t even kayak. I’m doing this because the town needs to recognize the beauty of this resource.”
There will be about a dozen kayaks available, along with helmets, lifejackets and wetsuits. There is a safe zone downstream from the put-in where beginners can sharpen their skills with help from local instructors, or simply chill on the sandy beach, enjoy the barbecue, and watch the whitewater lovers do their thing.
There is also about 500 m of trails upstream and downstream from the put-in area so that hikers can easily explore the area. Part of the trail leads to a beautiful viewpoint where Harvey has built a viewing platform, he said.
Although Harvey doesn’t have an official membership list for the MRAS, he said there is a solid base of paddlers who use the gate key system in co-ordination with Valhalla Pure Outfitters. Paddlers can obtain a key to the gate in exchange for a deposit and gain access to the put-in on any given day.
He said he’s hoping the film night and free paddling day will increase river recreation.
“The information is getting out there and more paddlers are coming by. I’m just keeping it grassroots and low key at this point,” he said.
The film night will feature a Fat Cats Productions piece documenting British paddler Ali Marshall’s whitewater kayak trip to Greenland. Tickets cost $10 and include a beverage and the chance to win door prizes. The show starts at 9 p.m. The money raised will go to maintaining the access road to the put-in.
The free clinics run from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. the following day and the races follow throughout the afternoon.
