Paddling the Main Channel of the Ottawa

When I finally reached New River Academy’s base in West Virginia just a couple days ago, it finally hit me that I actually am apart of all of it now. This has been something I have dreamt about and it’s all right in front of me now happening so fast. The drive up to Canada was something else entirely. I think all of us were really pumped meeting new people and were feeding off each others excitement about reaching the Ottawa River. Even though near the end of the drive I think everyone was so worn out from the whole ordeal, I mean 16 hours of anything would wear anyone out. But after a day a rest we all felt refreshed and were stoked to get out on the water. We paddled the Main channel of the river and I know I enjoyed all the big wave trains a lot. Right now, the level is at a lower level which means we have “Corner Wave” to enjoy and we’re hoping for “Babyface” or “Garbarator” to come in too. It’s so weird seeing the Ottawa at this level because when I was here as a Keener it averaged 8 and seeing a river at different levels is definitely interesting. I’m so excited for school to start tomorrow and just for the new experience of it all. I think its going to be an awesome year with a bunch of great people.

Happy Paddling,

Taylor Cote