Hoot & Blat White Squall News

Georgian Bay Kayak Crossing
In late July, some top young White Squallions (Aleesha, Christine, Kevin, Ashley, Owan,Kaitlin and friend John) made a pretty historic crossing of Georgian Bay (80km) by kayak. I only know of one or two individuals who have paddled across the Bay ever (any more out there?) and it is an achievement they should be very proud of. They encountered 3 metre waves and sea sickness from Lion’s Head to Snug Harbour, but were able to do it in just over 15 hours. The best part I think is that they didn’t make a big fuss or seek out sponsors and fame, they simply said let’s do it and did it. I’m gonna see if Rolling Stone will cover the story.

View a short Video of Georgian Bay Crossing

Fall Boat Sales
Our little boat orphanage is a happy place, and we’ve taught them the ways of being afloat in the sea of life, but it’s time to find them a home. Heather and I have lowered prices on all new, used and demo kayaks and canoes ( see whitesquall.com)

Fall Paddling
We’ve got lots of gear in for fall paddling to keep you toasty in the best paddling time of the year. Drysuits, Wetsuits, Drytops, Paddling Pullovers, Neo Mitts, Socks and Hoods and Fuzzy Fleece! We’re open through Thanksgiving weekend and hope you have a chance to discover the perfect paddling that fall on the Bay has to offer.

Tim’s Tip
This is the time of year when we get colder arctic air moving further south and meeting head on with warm and moist southern air masses. The northern air pushes the warmer stuff up like a bulldozer, and you can see it in the clouds that spring skyward like popcorn. Anytime you see these cauliflower clouds climbing steeply, it means lots of instability and that means a good chance of rain and lightning. The difference in temperature between these opposing bodies of air creates whirlpools in the sky…just like in a river - and that can translate into waterspouts over open water. Nothing to stay awake at might thinking about - but it’s good to be aware if you’re planning an open water crossing. This kind of weather isn’t large scale system weather and it’s tough for forecasters to get right so it often pops up out of nowhere, and disappears just as quickly. So what’s your tip tim? OK, so don’t take the forecast as gospel, and start looking for cauliflower in the sky instead of your ear…and if you let the bluebird of happiness fly up your nose then you’ve got two major orifices covered….and that’s gotta be a good thing when on the water…..

The staff headed out one evening early June for some white water fun.  We find there is nothing better than some white water playing to improve your strokes, steering, edging and bracing confidence.  The bugs were horrendous, however despite this and low water, all had a great time playing in the rapids and surfing the one nice wave.  We especially had fun with the canoe - royalex Nova Craft 16 Prospector & the Wilderness System Ripper Sit On Top.  In fact everyone that got on the Ripper that night could not stop giggling and laughing - it’s so stable and fun. It surfs great too - side surfing not so much - just spits you off and you go for a little floating swim, then climb back on and you are ready to go again.  We’ve been selling a lot of them at White Squall Paddling Centre - go figure since for 2008 they retail for $ 330. !!!  What a great deal for so much return in fun!  Enjoy our little video

Moon River Staff Training Night - White Squall June 2008 (13 min video)

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