15.0°C Not observed 
Just add whitewater.
That’s exactly what the Mamquam River Access Society did Saturday (June 27) while bringing together beginner and experienced kayakers, and a few canoeists, to celebrate a year of improved access to a local river run.
Over 30 paddlers showed up to the Mamquam River Whitewater Festival, taking part in either morning beginner classes, which featured free kayak rentals, or afternoon races. The event kicked off Friday night (June 26) with a sold-out fundraiser at the Howe Sound Inn and Brew Pub.
John Harvey, director of the Mamquam River Access Society, said he was pleased with the turnout, and especially the interest from the beginner crowd. A young wave of paddlers is not only what the society needs to both grow and maintain the site, but also draw more attention to whitewater sports in the area.
“We need to see more young people finding out more about kayaking and getting into it,” he said.
But it’s not just more kayakers that are needed, he added. The festival also aimed to raise awareness and possibly gain outside support.
“We’ve got a great outdoor recreation resource in the heart of Squamish,” he said. “We’ve got a society to help preserve it, but I would like the municipality to recognize the value of this resource and help promote it.”
Last year, the society spent over $10,000 to improve the road to the site, just off the Mamquam River Forest Service Road, so now paddlers can obtain a key for the gate from Valhalla Pure Outfitters and drive to the river, rather than hike gear down. Harvey said the society aims to make the festival an annual event that would take place the week following Test of Metal.
While mountain biking and climbing have throngs of followers in the region, there are fewer paddlers. Part of the reason can be attributed to the frustrations of learning the sport.
“People who start kayaking are more likely to stop more than any other sport,” said instructor Alain Cote, between teaching basic paddling lessons.
At the beginner classes Saturday, just downstream from the rapids at a flat pool along a beach, there were a few spills, and a few swimmers, but all under the eyes of experienced kayakers.
“You have to be comfortable with the basics – how to get in and get out safely and how to steer the boat,” said Cote.
Harvey said with the right gear and proper instruction, which also includes how to roll and exit the kayak underwater, beginners can be on the river “playing” in a matter of weeks. And that’s where the value of the stretch of the Mamquam River comes in.
Local kayaker Dave Berrisford said although it’s a short run, it’s fun and challenging for first-time paddlers to Class 3 enthusiasts. It also has gates set up for time trials.
“For a pretty small area it offers a lot of options in terms of kayaking. There’s a flat-water pool at the bottom for beginners, and a little Class 3 section for more experienced paddlers,” he said. “You can drive your vehicle in, and you don’t have to set up a shuttle. It’s a really user friendly, safe site.”
Anyone seeking more information on the society can contact harvcom@shaw.ca.
