We are currently preparing a plaque in memoriam to Andy Smith to be installed on a solid rock base next to Gridiron Falls on the Tusket River. At a recent gathering at the site, Ginney Smith shared a few readings from Andy’s book.

We are currently preparing a plaque in memoriam to Andy Smith to be installed on a solid rock base next to Gridiron Falls on the Tusket River. At a recent gathering at the site, Ginney Smith shared a few readings from Andy’s book.
1. Shout out to Christopher Lockyer who has set up a FREE Zoom workshop for SWPA members on Tuesday April 21st from 7-8:30 p.m. Christopher says the outcomes for the program are to: bring the paddling community together in these challenging times; look at a framework for planning paddling trips; gain confidence looking at route planning; and become a safer paddler.
NOTE:
2. Andrew “Andy” Smith is now paddling in the next world. As most of you know, Andy passed away March 20th. He was a co-founder of Southwest Paddlers Association back in 1999, and the author of Paddling In The Tobeatic which remains a classic (Nimbus). Ginny tells us that a memorial will be held for Andy in 2021 when family members and friends are able to travel. SWPA and TREPA will be arranging for a plaque to be installed in Andy’s memory, on one of the many river systems he especially loved, per the family’s recommendation.
3. Paddling during COVID-19. As recorded in the minutes from Executive meeting held April 7, 2019:
It was moved by Dan, seconded by Barrie and carried unanimously that the South West Paddlers Association supports the province’s guidelines and encourages all members to do so.
4. Ods & Sods
Kayaking wet exits and rescues pool session
In preparation of the coming paddling season, the Southwest Paddlers Association is sponsoring a Wet Exit and Rescue Session for people who have never wet exited their kayak or those who have, and are still anxious about the experience.
The pool session is at the Yarmouth YMCA Sunday, March 29th, 9 AM – 11 AM. Fee: $40 Register by sending e-transfer to Dan Earle [email protected] or by calling 902 742-6382
Though there will be a short demonstration of the techniques involved beforehand participants should note that these sessions are essentially of a peer-to-peer, paddler-to-paddler and friend-to-friend nature. Those with more experience will be encouraged to work with those who have less.
Sea kayaks and paddles will be provided. Participants need their own PFD’s (personal flotation devices). Session leaders are SWPA volunteer: Vernon Doucette, Verna Wirth and Ken Pothier.
NEXT DINNER GATHERING! Pot luck at the Wedgeport Tuna Museum, Tuesday March 3, at 6 pm. PROGRAM: Anna Mallin will present a slide show about her trip to Greenland and paddling to the Equip Glacier.
Hello everyone ~
1. We now have 40 paid up members for 2020. WHOOP! If you still want to get notices of meetings, events etc. and haven’t paid up for 2020, please send $15 to Dan Earle, via e-transfer to him at <[email protected]> or mail a cheque made out to Southwest Paddler Association and mail to Dan 97 Chebogue Point Road, Rockville NS, B5A 5E8
2. We continue our monthly off-season dinner meetings, first Tuesday of the month. Upcoming one is Feb. 4th at 6 pm at The Argyler Lodge. PROGRAM this month is a double feature:
3. Planning a beach clean up at Comeau’s Hill (May 2) and cleanup of a mess in Second Carrying Lake, Birchdale (TBA). Details will follow.
4. Interested in learning how to paddle a Voyageur Canoe a.k.a big boat? We may be able to set up a training session at The Argyler Lodge (in partnership with Canoe/Kayak NS). Then we’d tack on a day trip in the region or even a 2-night camping trip around islands from the lodge this summer.
This is all possible but we need to assess the interest. Contact Sandra if you are interested in either training or tripping in a big boat.
5. Items that members can borrow:
a) Garmin InReach … for use on wilderness trips. It’s a huge safety feature knowing you can reach family via email and/or get a helicopter to rescue you in case of emergency.
b) We also have a “bothy bag” that comes in handy when there’s a downpour or snow squall and you want to pull ashore but not set up tents etc. Available to members to take on outings.
6. Mark your calendars: UPCOMING PROGRAMS:
Tues. March 3 … POT LUCK dinner at the Wedgeport Tuna Museum. 6 pm. PROGRAM: Anna Mallin will present a slide show about her trip to Greenland and paddling to the Equip Glacier.
Tues. April 7 … our AGM … Dessert party and guest speaker at the Yarmouth Co. Museum at 7:30 pm. Guest speaker TBA.
PROGRAM SUGGESTIONS for next year? Send along any ideas you have!
Cheers, Sandra <[email protected]>
Over 35 people attended our monthly get together at the Olde Argyler lodge. Johnathan cooked up a variety of excellent dishes and the service was great. The meal was followed by socializing and slide shows.
Next SWPA gathering Tues. Jan 7th at The Argyler Lodge at 6 pm. Please let Sandra know if you plan to attend ([email protected] or 902 648-0462) so she can make reservations. (Guests welcome!) PROGRAM: Will Poole will be doing a slide show about his trip down the mighty Bonaventure River PQ. Hope to see you there.
SWPA monthly dinner meeting will be a POT LUCK on Tuesday, Dec. 3rd at Beacon Church in the parlour at 6 pm. PROGRAM: Nancy Lacusta and Karlyn d’Entremont will be sharing slides and thoughts about their SUP trip into the Tobeatic last spring. Please let Sandra know if you plan to attend so we have enough plates & forks! [email protected]
Paddle or sail in, or however, and join us.
SWPA monthly dinner meeting at Argyler Lodge 6 p.m. Tuesday Nov. 12th Note: 1) change of date for this month. 2) Our meetings are open. Bring guests! PROGRAM: Vernon Doucette will be giving a slide show/talk titled Modern paddling-ancient roots. He says, “My talk has two threads. One follows the history of recreational kayaking from its beginnings in mid-nineteenth century England while also looking at the subsequent moments of popularity in Germany between the wars, the UK in the late 1950’s and early 60’s and in North America subsequently. Parallel to that theme I’ll talk about how at certain moments in that evolution Native kayaks and techniques would significantly influence how the sport developed. I’ll also touch on aspects of Greenland kayaking, paddles and techniques and endeavor to answer any questions in that regard.” *** Let Sandra know if you plan to attend so she can make reservations. [email protected]
South West Paddlers
Executive Meeting
October 29th, 2019
Sip Coffee Shop
Present: Sandra Phinney, Dan Earle, Sue Hutchins, Elaine Howatt, Karlyn d’Entremont, Vernon Doucette, Verna Wirth, Ken Pothier, Kerri Pothier and Barrie MacGregor
Nov: Vernon Doucette, History and making of Greenland kayaks
Dec: Nancy Lacusta: Tobeatic trip with Karlyn on SUP
Jan: Will Poole: PQ trip + tips for packing for kayak and canoe trips
Feb or March: Anna Mallin – Greenland or NL
Feb or March: Members send Sue 3 – 5 photographs of their favourite best/worst paddling moments and share stories
April: TBD
Suggestions for future programs:
Vernon will head a committee to come up with a proposal re: shore line clean ups. Inland waterways will also be considered. He also suggested we look into what the Main Island Trail Association is doing, for ideas.