What a Hoot

Posted on January 16, 2024

What a Hoot! Yes, life can be a hoot. But there is also heartache and hard times. Red Green said ‘we’re all in this together’ and our job at White Squall is to bring you a smile and a dream of springtime paddling on a cold winter’s day. So here we go! And trust me, this is not ChatGPT. No AI could understand my pea brain, or is it ‘pee brain?’…tim

Winter Boat Shows are Awesome, Just Don’t Forget Little Old Us! As you wander the brightly-lit aisles and catch the eye of highly polished boats winking back at you, don’t forget that we, like other paddle peddlars, are still here for you in the backwoods. Shift your wandering eye over here for a second and see what we’ve cooked up by the woodstove for new Canoes, Kayaks & Stand-Up Boards:Best Price in Ontario Promise – yup, we mean it. Any ‘in-stock’ boat10% Off Second Boat – purchased same day, of equal or lesser value15% Off Any Accessories -purchased same day as your boat 30 Day No Guff Return Guarantee – we don’t ask questions and will cheerfully refundFree Test Paddling 7 Days/Week – our quiet lakefront shop is always here39 Years on the Water – helping find the best boat for you, even if we don’t have it!We’ll winter store for free and come spring, can deliver your new friend to the cabin door for peanuts (ok, a small charge! See our fulsome fleet here:) whitesquall.com/kayak-canoe-sup/

Fresh Socks – Favourite Gear – Embarrassing Moment Over many a hoot and many years, we’ve given away well over 100 pairs of Smartwool & Darn Tough socks. We don’t get ’em for free in case you were wondering (well hardly ever) but happy to do it cause who doesn’t like a clean pair! Last time, we asked for your ‘go to’ piece of gear whenever you head out and you gave us plenty, thanks! Here’s a smattering:Fleece-lined BuffMerino wool pullover or long johnsBandanaStorm CagOuch kitLightweight gas stove (Jetboil)Good dark beer (ok, that was mine)Leatherman knifeMany lighters & firestarterLots of accessory cordAquatabsSmall thermosDry socksAir hornWerthers!!Funny how dry socks got in there – who the hell would throw in wet ones! Speaking of socks, send us your most embarrassing camping moment and your name goes in the wool toque for…wait for it…yes, a draw for a pair of socks! Then I might tell you more of the time I fell into a latrine, just as my group was waiting in their boats…

We Rise Again – Paddle Lessons & Wilderness First Aid We are tickled to again be hosting Wilderness First Aid courses through Wilderness Medical Associates: wildmed.com. Best of all, she’ll be on the shores of Georgian Bay at Camp Tapawingo – a classic Ontario waterfront. Check out: whitesquall.com/first-aid/. And Squallion instructors are offering private canoe, kayak & sup lessons this season on the lake. Let us know if you want to get better and we’ll sort it out. [email protected]

Parry Sound Forest School Wants YOU! A non-profit looking for summer & year-round staff in all positions. They pay a ‘Living Wage’ and beyond that for the right person from Apprentices through to Assistant Director and levels in between. I’m lucky to be on their board and blown away at how vibrant and vital this school is for young kids. Their motto says it all: More Green Time, Less Screen Time. Job descriptions and info at: psforestschool.com

Film Fest, Songs & Popcorn – Sat. March 23 Yippers, she’s a comin’ once more to the Stockey. Twice Juno-nominated Douglas John Cameron and his band ‘Whiskeyjack’ (whiskeyjackmusic.com) featuring Doug Fremlin are going to strum away and yup, our near legendary silent auction needs your help – please drop off anything and everything to the Squall Town Shop. Oh yeah, there’s amazing outdoor films and White Squall & Delta Kayaks will giveaway a kayak that night! We’re keeping tickets low & fair so need lots of bums in seats:) All goes to the new Parry Sound Pool & Rec Centre – yippee, can you imagine the splash when it opens! (Tickets on sale soon online at the Stockey Centre).Phew, this was a long one – thanks for hanging in. If you’ve had too much, I get it. Just hit reply and say ‘I don’t give a hoot’ and we’ll merrily, but also somewhat sadly take you off.Fair winds, clear skies and may the bluebird of happiness fly up your nose – tim