Offering something for paddlers of all levels, the Puntledge River will play host to an abundance of kayakers this weekend.The eighth annual Puntledge River Paddle Festival is scheduled for May 25 to 27, and promises an adventure-filled weekend as the Island's only festival celebrating whitewater kayaking."This (festival) is unique due to the feature of the Puntledge River and the fact that during the festival, the flows are regulated by BC Hydro," explained one of the festival's organizers, David Prothero.He added the Vancouver Island Whitewater Paddling Society (VIWPS) has developed a relationship with BC Hydro for a five-year recreational study, which looks for the benefits of having a water release and its impacts on other users of the river.He noted the festival, which will be headquartered at the Maple Pool Campsite at 4685 Headquarters Road, has something for everyone interesting in paddling."We have guided runs for beginner and intermediate paddlers to show them the lines down different sections. We run some beginner sessions on the lower reaches of the Puntledge River, so those with a bit of experience can participate provided they have paddling gear and a whitewater kayak/canoe," Prothero said."For experienced paddlers, there are different sections to paddle, which will provide challenges. The upper run is class four to five, with a number of slides and waterfalls; it is truly a world-class river."Prothero added organizers are hoping to attract between 150 to 200 paddlers this year, with check-in and registration beginning Friday night, and shuttles to the river beginning 8:30 a.m. Saturday and running throughout the day.During the evening, there will be a number of games run by students from Outdoor Pursuits Programme, a throw bag contest, a raffle draw with prizes and a special performance Saturday night.There will also be rafting trips available through Destiny River Adventures Saturday and Sunday, with two to three trips a day.Cost to attend the festival is $35 for adults, $10 for teens and $15 for local paddlers, with a mandatory VIWPS membership of $15 per person. The fee including camping, shuttles, insurance and one raffle ticket.For more information about the festival, visit surfkayak.org.
