Whitewater Kayaking on the Nith River

Spring is here in southern Ontario and it’s time to break away and live it up a little. That being said, Jamie Kent of Grand Experiences Outdoor Adventure Company was my go-to for the unique opportunity of beginner whitewater kayaking on the Nith River. As a result, a day trip that began at his shop in historic downtown Paris turned into unparalleled adventuring on this beautiful tributary of the Grand River.

After taking the group to our launch site in rural Oxford County, Jamie explained the selection of this locale as the perfect introduction to paddling on the Nith River Experiential Learning Adventure. In calm, clear waters, he and our second guide, Sarah Otto-Kersten, began with instructional techniques for gentle currents and curvatures in the river. Together, they provided all the necessary safety gear and advice for the initial stages of the paddle. And we set out at a peaceful pace in the natural beauty of this relatively untouched part of rare Carolinian Forest region.

Since I’m not the type to actively look for whitewater, I chose this trip because Grand Experiences employs Paddle Canada certified guides. They asked me pointed questions about my prior kayaking knowledge and reassured me that with their instructional techniques, I would complete this paddle having taken my skills up a notch! Jamie and Sarah were encouraging in their instruction, which was ideal for me. They made this Signature Experience for Ontario Southwest something of a journey with skill-testing “quests” on the water along the way.

At points on our trip, we were told of natural river ingresses and egresses, historic details of area settlement, and tales of a famed outlaw hideout! That, coupled with the bird sightings that punctuated the first half of our day made the trip that much worth while. At lunch we went ashore where Jamie started a small campfire and cooked us an amazing maple chili! It perfectly filled the void I had created from paddling and maneuvering my kayak two hours along the calmer part of the Nith and prepared me for what lay ahead. In the meantime, Sarah outfitted us with kayak skirts for our next portion of the trip and the pending class I and II rapids ahead.

The way that Grand Experiences staff taught us how to read the river and progress through some challenging spots definitely put me at ease. I admitted to Sarah after lunch that I was nervous on making my way through whitewater, having only previously kayaked the slower currents of the Grand River. She reassured me that with proper use of their guided instructions I would not only successfully navigate but also safely experience the Arrowhead, Big Curve, and Penman’s Pass rapids. And she was right – but not before we tested our skills and swifter current techniques at the Devil’s Cave!

If anyone asks you the ideal way to enjoy the faster waters of the Nith River (which only happen in the early spring and late fall due to snow melt and rains,) this would be it. The thrill and excitement of making your way through is only surpassed by the beautifully natural space through which you’re paddling. Devil’s Cave was the prequel to that experience. This natural phenomenon resulting from hundreds of years of intense swirling water, in effect drilling a hole (hence the name) into its limestone base an estimated 20-feet, had me gripping my paddle a little tighter. The stories the guides told of area access and use were fascinating. And winding our way around its swift eddy was about to give way to the exhilaration of the rapids ahead.

Just before this trip takes out at Lion’s Park in Paris, the Nith River’s elevation begins to sharply drop. Because it is largely undammed with no reservoirs to supplement its flow, the water levels can change quickly based on precipitation and weather. And with this steep elevation change, rapids are generated when the flows are high. With a riverbed consisting of mainly gravel and sand and minimal boulders, it makes for a much more forgiving beginner whitewater adventure that Grand Experiences has intimate knowledge of.

Armed with the step-by-step instructions of our guides, each set of rapids became a unique learning experience in which instinct, senses, and ability merge! Challenging and exciting (especially when the waves rushed over the tip of my kayak,) discovering the twists and turns on the Nith River Experiential Learning Adventure with Grand Experiences was one-of-a-kind! I made some good memories on this trip – a primer for greater adventures ahead.