The event started in the village of Shubenacadie and was timed to miss any actual incoming wave of tidal water and to ensure that the paddlers experienced the very best which the Shubenacadie River can offer. The weather was partly sunny but cool in the morning and with such a colourful display kayaks, canoes and safety boats on the water, it was a beautiful scene.
Paddlers were given a briefing on river conditions beforehand by experienced paddlers familiar with the river and then tracked for the whole route by safety boats from Shubenacadie River Runners outfitters. Added to that, several colonies of bald eagles kept a careful eye out enroute.
The biggest concern for the organizers was the provision of enough safety boats to cover the potential rough spots on the river, including Caddell Rapids, Anthony’s Nose and a spot of low water just north of the Gosse Bridge. The river is a beautiful place to paddle but at certain tide times extra caution is required to ensure it is a safe and fun experience.
Due to high winds at South Maitland on the lower part of the river a few of the less experienced paddlers went ashore to be met by a shuttle bus which took them the rest of the way to Maitland.
Canoe to the Sea 2017 was followed by a luncheon, the awarding of prizes and a few trophies for the happy finishers, including Paul Pilon and Karen Fowler. As it has since 1989, the event provided a high-profile activity for the waterway plus a very positive experience for the paddlers. Hopefully, the sponsors, including the Shubenacadie Canal Commission, agreed.
