The Haw River Paddler

“We allow engineers and scientists to convert nature into dollars and into goodies.  A river is a thing to be exploited, not treasured.  A lake is better as a repository of sewage than a fishery or canoe-way.  We are replacing a natural environment with a synthetic one.”  Justice William O. Doulas

River Rescue Training

What would you do if you turn over in your canoe or kayak and the current sweeps you downriver?  Would you know what to do if someone-else turned over in their canoe or kayak?  What rescue gear do you take along with you on a river outing?  In addition to first aid supplies, do you have a throw rope and know how to use it?  How would you un-pin a canoe or kayak?  What knots would you use?  If someone is hurt, do you know what to do?

Fully enjoying a river outing comes from two things.  First, being connected with the rhythms of the earth creates a sense of wellbeing.  Knowing what to do to rescue either you or someone-else, brings peace of mine.  Besides always wearing your PFD when out on the water, knowing what to do in a rescue situation is very important.

We have a new 3-hr. course you may want to take advantage of whether you paddle a canoe or a kayak.  It is called River Rescue for Beginners.  It is offered four times a year, Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.  If interested, give us a call (336/260-6465) or send us an e-mail message (admin@hawrivercanoe.com).

Selling Used Boats

Perhaps the three most common questions we get asked are:  is it going to rain, am I going to get my feet wet and do you have any used canoes or kayaks for sale?  The answer to all three questions is YES.  There is always a 50-50 chance that it will rain.  It either will or it won’t.  Getting your feet wet is totally under your control.  Used boats are a fact of life.  We tend not to sell any of our fleet until after the end of the season; however, because we are in the paddling business, we are always coming across used boats.

Without getting into the “new” boat business, we have decided to offer used canoes, kayaks and stand up paddles boards in three ways.

1. Consignment – Bring us a used boat or board that you want to sell.  Let us know how much you want for it and we will put it on display either in our office or outside.  We will add a little to your asking price for our time and trouble.
2. Search Image – Let us know what kind of boat or board you want, and we will keep an eye out for one.  If we find one at a price where we can get a little for our time and effort, we will buy it for your required price.
3. You can either put down a deposit or buy one of our canoes, kayaks or stand up paddle boards now, but not take title to it until mid-November.  Keep in mind that the boat or board will be used by us until then.

The Haw River Paddler

“There is magic in the feel of a paddle and the movement of a canoe, a magic compounded of distance, adventure, solitude, and peace.” – Sigurd Olson, The Singing Wilderness, 1956

Radio Show

Recently, Joe Jacob, owner of The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co., was interviewed by Sharon Hill on WCHL Radio (97.9 FM).  During the interview, he talks about the company, what is offered and why & how people enjoy paddling.  If interested in hearing the interview, click on http://chapelboro.com/topic/play_window.php?audioType=Episode&audiold=6289675.

Lending Library, Lectures & Advice

We have a pretty extensive lending library of books, videos and DVDs you might enjoy.  Topics cover canoeing, whitewater kayaking and sea kayaking.  Other references include trip planning for day and wilderness paddling trips, as well as various books on where to paddle throughout the southeast United States.

In addition to our lending library, we are available to offer free lectures on most topics involving paddling and wilderness adventures.  Let us know of a topic that interests you and we will see if it is of interest to others.  If it is, we will schedule an evening presentation.  If not, we will still provide information and advice in an informal setting.

Fall & Winter Extended Paddling Adventures

We are planning extended canoeing and sea kayaking adventures for the Fall of 2013 and the Winter of 2014 to such places as the Roanoke River Swamps of North Carolina, ACE Basin in South Carolina, Okefeenoke Swamp of Georgia, Horn Island off the coast of Mississippi and the Florida Keys.  The trips will be scheduled over various holidays so that you will be able to have an extended vacation of 7-9 days by only taking four days off from work.  If you would like to know more information about the trips, just give us a call at 336/260-6465 or send us an e-mail message to admin@hawrivercanoe.com.

The Haw River Paddler

“My family —- Homo sapiens —- was born of a planet in which every stone were a teacher and a teaching, every breeze a language, every lake a mirror, and every tree a ladder to infinity.  But we have worked so hard to redefine the world, turning all into a commodity, human-made or human-used, that to a large extent we have succeeded.  And now? … Now, all too often, life seems trivial and meaningless, precisely because we have so diligently removed or ignored all the meaning.” – Douglas Wood

Haw River Festival — Saturday, May 4^th, 4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Saxapahaw, NC

Join the Haw River Assembly to kick off the Saturdays in Saxapahaw Summer Music Series and celebrate the Haw River!

 Free Canoe Rides for kids under 100 lbs. from 4-6 p.m.
River Monitoring from 4-6 p.m.
Silent Auction from 4-7 p.m.
Kayak Raffle at 7:30 p.m.   Deep Chatham at 5 p.m. at the Hay wagon stage

Live Music, Kayak Raffle, River Monitoring, Guided Canoe Rides for Kids 12 and under, environmental info, Farmer’s Market, Haw River T-shirts, Food Trucks and More!!!!

No admission charge, but donations gratefully accepted to support the projects of the Haw River Assembly.  Kayak Raffle tickets can be purchased at www.hawriver.org.

Festival followed by benefit concert at the Haw River Ballroom featuring Orquesta Gardel

Please note:  this information taken from the Haw River Assembly’s website.

 WOW!  SPRING BURST OUT THIS PAST WEEK

Unless you hate wildflowers, you have noticed that the redbuds and dogwoods are popping out all over.  It is like the trees were so tired of winter that they couldn’t help but burst out in flower as soon as it got a little warmer.  Birds, too, seem to be a little early.  Our guests are seeing lots of great blue herons, ospreys, cormorants and bald eagles.

Water levels are good.  Water is warming up.  Air temperatures are still a little cool.  What a wonderful time to be alive and out in nature!

The Haw River Paddler

“The nation behaves well if it treats its natural resources as assets which It must turn over to the next generation increased, and not impaired, in value” – President Theodore Roosevelt

YEE- HAW! RIVER PADDLE SLATED FOR MAY 11TH

2013 marks the sixth year of the Yee-Haw! River Paddle.  This year the Haw River Partnership is happy to once again be working with the community of Saxapahaw for a day-long celebration of the Haw River.  The format is undergoing a slight change this year, eliminating the shuttles needed in previous years.  All paddlers will start simultaneously with a shotgun start on Saxapahaw Lake.  The racers will then begin their 5 or 10 mile race, while paddlers participating in the Fun Paddle can paddle upriver and return at their own pace.  The event will conclude in the late afternoon, just in time for participants to enjoy Saturdays at Saxapahaw in downtown Saxapahaw.  The event will have live music, food and vendors and is a great end to a day on the river.  The Yee-Haw! River Paddle is the Partnership’s largest fundraising event of the year.  Full event details and registration are available at www.thehaw.org/yeehaw.

The Haw River Partnership is a cooperative effort on the part of Alamance & Chatham Counties and the Cities of Burlington, Graham, Haw River, Pittsboro and Swepsonville to acquire land along the Haw River for both a paddle trail and a walking trail.  Their efforts to date have done an amazing job in establishing put-ins and take-outs all up and down the river.  If the Partnership has a motto, it is “Conservation through Recreation”.

JOIN THE “5280 CLUB” TO ADOPT A MILE OF HAW RIVER TRAIL

Spring is the time of year when we all begin venturing outdoors to hit the trails.  Its is also the time of year when the Haw River Trail Partnership makes its annual fundraising push to secure the future of those trails.  With tightening budgets and dwindling grant programs, finding funds to acquire and build trails is an increasingly difficult job.  So this year the Partnership is trying a new approach.  Rather than relying on large donors and shrinking grant programs, it is asking for support from the people who use and enjoy our trails, the public.

The new fundraising initiative is called the “5280 Club”, so named because the Partnership is asking community members to sponsor 5280 feet, or one mile, of Haw River Trail.  By joining the 5280 Club for $100 you will be sponsoring 5280 feet of Haw River Trail for one year.  Thanks to the support already received from Haw River Trail Partnership member governments, overhead costs are covered. That means 100% of your support will go directly to acquiring and building new sections of the Haw River Trail.  To acknowledge your support, a plaque will be placed at the access leading to the mile of Haw River Trail you choose.  In addition, the Partnership is offering one FREE 2013 Yee-Haw River Paddle registration for each mile sponsored.  Visit www.thehaw.org to choose your mile and make payment, or send in a check payable to “Haw River Trail” to 3916 R.D. Coleman Road, Burlington, NC 27215.  If you are mailing your payment, in the memo line, please indicate which mile of the Haw River Trail you would like to sponsor. Thank you for supporting the Haw River Trail, and please let us know if you have any questions.

Please note:  this blog is a modification of the Spring edition of the “Mouth of the Haw”, the newsletter of the Haw River Trail Partnership

The Haw River Paddler

“To see the world in a grain of sand, and heaven in a wildflower, to hold infinity in the palm of your hand, eternity in an hour” – William Blake

The Health of our Nation’s Waterways

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says more than half of rivers and streams in the United States are in such unhealthy shape they cannot adequately support aquatic life.  EPA sampling found more than 55 percent of waterways tested were in poor condition, compared to just 21 percent in good health. The most widespread cause was pollution fueled by human activity, with high levels of phosphorus — a component of fertilizers, pesticides and detergents — found in 40 percent of rivers and streams.

There are a couple of tributaries in the Haw River Watershed that are impaired according to EPA standards.  That is why the State of North Carolina passed the Jordan Lake rules; i.e., Jordan Lake was receiving too much nutrients from upriver.  The next time you think about adding fertilizer to your lawn or purchasing laundry detergent with added phosphorus, please think twice.  There are other creatures that share this planet with us that need our good stewardship.

By the way, the Clean Water Act was passed over 40 years ago.  It aimed at making all of our waterways drinkable, swimmable and fishable.  Why hasn’t that happened?  In the name of jobs and the economy, we allow development to pass on the price of pollution clean-up to current and future generations to pay while a few benefit financially now.

River Clean-up Results

We conduct three river clean-ups each year where we provide canoes for free to volunteers willing to pick up trash out of the river and along the river banks.  The first clean-up of the year is always held in conjunction with the Haw River Assembly’s Clean-Up-A-Thon.  Joining with our team of 15 volunteers picking up 20 bags of trash and 3 tires upriver of Saxapahaw, was a total of 17 other teams with 303 volunteers that picked up 720 bags of trash, 167 tires and lots of big and weird junk.  Some crazy stuff retrieved from the river included a Jeep panel, Easy Bake oven, purple bowling ball, front end of truck, mailbox door and leopard skin underwear!

By the way, most of those trash bags contained plastic bottles, Styrofoam chunks and cans.  It is pretty amazing when you think of all the energy and raw materials that are wasted by our “throw-away society”.

The Haw River Paddler

“Some will tell you that creation ended when God created the earth in six days.  Those who tell you that have lost their connection to Nature where the life force shows itself every hour of every day and every season of every year” – Anonymous

American Spending on Outdoor Recreation Is a Major Driver to State Economies
Outdoor Industry Association Releases Economic Data for All 50 States

According to a press release by the Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) economic impact of outdoor recreation demonstrates that outdoor recreation is an important driver of state economies, supporting jobs, businesses and communities. “Americans spend almost twice as much on outdoor recreation as they spend on pharmaceuticals each year, and outdoor recreation supports more than twice as many jobs as the oil and gas industry.”

Figures compiled for each of the 50 states indicate that with nearly 140 million Americans participating in outdoor activities each year, outdoor recreation is a larger and more critical sector of the American economy than most people realize.  “The outdoor industry can continue to generate jobs and be an economic driver in the United States if parks, waters and trails are managed as a system designed to sustain these economic dividends for America.”

–And you just thought that paddling was a way to relax and distress.  Little did you know that in your attempt to be a healthier person, you were actually contributing to a healthier economy?  If you would like to know more about OIA’s study, you can go to www.outdoorindustry.org/recreationeconomy.

A New Look to Our Office

It is amazing how a little paint (Is 6 gallons a little?) and a lot of imagination can turn a poorly lit office into a bright, fun place to be.  Thanks to Jake, Corey, Lawrence, Cassie and Katie, our office walls have been transformed into an outdoor scene complete with a running river, forest, mammals, fish, turtles and birds.  The ceiling is about to be transformed into the golden colors of the sun, not too unlike part of our logo.  If you are in the neighborhood, come take a look.  Who knows, if we aren’t finished, me just might put a paint brush in your hand and see what you come up with.

The Haw River Paddler

“My family – Homo sapiens – was born of a planet in which every stone were a teacher and a teaching, every breeze a language, every lake a mirror, and every tree a ladder to infinity.  But we have worked so hard to redefine the world, turning all into a ‘commodity’, human-made or human-used, that to a large extent we have succeeded.  And now? . . . Now, all too often, life seems trivial and meaningless, precisely because we have so diligently removed or ignored all the meaning” – Douglas Wood in “Paddle Whispers”

Last weekend, we had over 20 folks come out on our first of three river clean ups for the year.  All in all, they collected over 20 large trash bags full of mostly plastic bottles and Styrofoam, 3 tires and a lawn chair.  I am sorry to say that in the brief 2-hours that they worked, they hardly touched on all the trash that can be found intermingled within riverbank vegetation.  They got the easy stuff and we are grateful because every little bit makes a difference.  If someone had gotten that six pack ring in the past, it would have made a big difference to this turtle.  

If you happen to be listening to WCHL radio (97.9 FM or 1360 AM) either this Saturday or Sunday at either 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. both days, you will hear us talk about The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co.  If you do, please let us know what you think.

The Haw River Paddler

“Man is whole when he is in tune with the winds, the stars, and the hills . . . Being in tune with the universe is the entire secret.” – Supreme Court Justin, William O. Douglas

I intended for all of our blogs to be about nature, paddling, conservation, upcoming events and the Haw River, but I am diverging this time to brag about two people who work here at The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co.; Jake Matheny and Lawrence Petersen.

Late in the day last Sunday, we received a call from a private paddler whose friend pinned a kayak in the Haw River and was calling for help.  She described where the incident had taken place and wanted to know where they might walk out.  They tried to free the kayak, but it was getting late, and they were not sure how far downriver their planned take-out was.  After her brief description of the area, we were able to tell her how far downriver she could go ashore and begin walking to the nearest residence and eventually the take-out.  We also described how her friend could safely ride on the back of her kayak so that the two of them could reach land.  Leaving the pinned kayak, the two women were able to make it to where we told them they would be able to walk out.  It did not take long to find someone at home to help them get to their car.

Lawrence was able to stay in communication with the two women, so he was aware that they were safe and the kayak was left behind.  After we closed up shop for the day, both he and Jake went to retrieve the kayak.  Jake threw a kayak and rescue gear into the back of his pickup truck and Lawrence led him the 9 miles are so to where Jake could gain access to the river.  Jake paddled upriver, got the kayak un-pinned just before dark and brought the kayak to our office.  The women will pick it up this coming weekend.

The reason I am writing about this is because I am so proud of who Lawrence and Jake are.  They didn’t have to go rescue the kayak.  They could have left that problem for the two women to solve.  The fact is they put themselves out because it was the right thing to do, not because somehow they would benefit.  If they were my sons, I could not be prouder.

The Haw River Paddler

“For me, and for thousands with similar inclinations, the most important passion of life is the overpowering desire to escape periodically from the clutches of a mechanistic civilization.  To us the enjoyment of solitude, complete independence, and the beauty of undefiled panoramas is absolutely essential to happiness.” – Bob Marshall, Founder of The Wilderness Society

Where does a river begin?  My friend, Anne Cassebaum, in her book about the Haw River entitled Down Along the Haw:  The History of a North Carolina River wrote “in rain, falling rain.  A river is rain, cycled from earthly evaporation that started long ago from volcanic vapors and icy comets and asteroids melting in our atmosphere.”  Wow, imagine that.  What a gift from the Universe the Haw River is and we take it so for granted.

Anne, an Assistant Professor Emeritus at Elon University, spent many years hiking and paddling the 110 miles of the Haw River from its origin in two springs northwest of Greensboro, NC all the way to its confluence with the Deep River in Chatham County, NC.  She eventually condensed the 700 page manuscript describing her experiences to complete the 200+ page reference cited above.  For those of us who know the Haw River and some of the characters she met along her path, Anne’s book is a delight to read.  We highly recommend it.

The Haw River Paddler: A blog of inspirational quotes, upcoming river events, conservation issues, paddling “know-how” and nature “tidbits”

“The wonder of the world, the beauty and the power, the shape of things, their colors, light and shade.  These I saw.  Look ye also while life lasts.” – From an old gravestone in Cumberland, England

March 1^st. represents the beginning of our 2013 paddling season.  We are set to go.  The website is up-to-date.  New boats, stand-up paddle boards and paddling equipment have been purchased.  Additional staff has been added.  New paddling courses and guided trips have been designed.  Summer camps are shaping up.  Partnerships have been established so that our new Bynum Outpost is a reality.  Now, we just need the weather to cooperate.  We are anxious to get on the water.

By the way, we have decided to turn our monthly newsletter into a regular blog, so if you received our monthly newsletter via e-mail in the past and found it worth reading, you will want to start going to our blog which will be updated weekly.  Just click on the word “News” on the homepage of our website and you will immediately be taken to our blog.

Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga

Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga is a natural extension of Yoga – it encourages calm and focus, but it’s done outside, with nature serving as the studio space. Being on the water will add a little more balance challenge too!

In Stand Up Paddleboard Yoga, we’ll offer a short tutorial on paddling a board and after a short paddle, we’ll move through a Yoga practice as a group. The practice will be tailored to participants’ experience with yoga. You’ll learn to perform Yoga poses while floating on water. Because of the moving surface, you’ll be engaging muscles that you would not normally, which makes this a fun and challenging class! Adding the imbalance of floating means that you’ll have to use your core much more than you would in a studio yoga class. We’ll finish  with seated meditation on the board and of course some time floating in Relaxation Pose. You may want to plan to get wet; falling off the board has been known to happen.

This 1.5 hour course is taught on the Haw River above the dam in Saxapahaw, NC. Participants are responsible for providing clothing and footwear that can get wet, a towel and a change of clothing for the ride home.

Fee: $40 per person.

Bynum Downriver Paddle

4.0 miles, 2.5 hours
Class I-II rapids
Min. river level – 3.5′ Bynum gauge (340 cfs)
Access points – easy
$40 per single sit-on-top kayak

This whitewater stretch of the Haw River flows through the Lower Haw River State Natural Area which is approximately 1,000 acres in size and extends on both sides of the river from Bynum to Highway 64 in Chatham County.  Long popular with hikers and canoeists, the Lower Haw River State Natural area is remarkable for its steep slopes, large trees and rock outcrops.  Preservation of the natural area aids in the protection of water quality which is critical to at least two endangered species, the Cape Fear shiner and Septima’s clubtail dragonfly.

Bynum Upriver Paddle – short trip

3.0 miles, 1.5 hours
Class A flat water
Min. river level – none above 15-501 dam
Access points – moderate
$30 per single kayak or stand up paddleboard, $40 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak

An easy, short paddle for beginners and experienced paddlers upriver of the dam at Bynum.  This is a great introductory experience particularly for parents paddling with small children. This is a loop trip ending at the same place where you begin.

Quick Start Stand Up Paddleboard

Stand up paddleboarding is a new and exciting way to get out into nature while, at the same time, having a full-body, paddling experience.  This introductory course is for those without previous stand up paddleboard experience.  It begins with learning to paddle in the prone position, progresses to the kneeling position and concludes with the stand up position.  Students will learn how to identify the “sweet spot”, conduct basic turns, paddle efficiently by using the “paddler’s box” and utilize techniques for safely falling off the board.

This 2 hour course is taught on the Haw River above the dams at both Saxapahaw and Bynum, NC. Participants are responsible for providing clothing and footwear that can get wet, and a change of clothing for the ride home.

Fee: $60 per person.

The Haw River Paddler – August 2012 edition

“Rivers flow not past, but through us; tingling, vibrating, exciting every cell and fiber in our bodies, making them sing and glide.” 

John Muir

Table of Contents

 * Hot Summer Days and Paddling

* What is That Large White Flower on the River Banks?

* Schedule of Courses & Trips – August & September 2012

* We are Sad to Say

* Anyone Interested in Whitewater Kayak Instruction?

Hot Summer Days and Paddling

It always amazes us that most of our business takes place during the summer months when it is hot and humid.  Spring and fall are so much more pleasant, but who is to argue with what people want.

The key to enjoying a summer paddle trip is to keep hydrated, wear a hat and use sunscreen if your complexion is fair.  Of course, a dip in the river doesn’t hurt, either.  Avoid paddling in the heat of the day.  Morning and late afternoon or evening paddle trips are cooler.

What is That Large White Flower on the River Banks?

Most of you have seen the cultivated variety of the plant that is common along the banks of the Haw River at this time of the year.  Hibiscus has a beautiful white flower, often with red or maroon coloration at the interior base of the petals.  Like the garden variety, hibiscus flowers close up in the shade or at night.  What is striking about it along the Haw River banks is how large it is compared to what is often found in urban flower beds.  Perhaps it is the extra nutrients found in the river and the constant water supply that makes them grow so large.  Whatever it is, they sure are beautiful; worth going paddling just to see them.

Schedule of Courses & Trips – August & September 2012

If you are interested in a paddle course or a guided trip, you can find a schedule of activities on calendar.  A brief listing of activities for August & September 2012 follows:

August

4             Family Paddle – Carrboro Recreation & Parks

11            Pedal & Paddle

12            Sunrise Paddle

17            Stargazing Float – Haw River Assembly

18            Canoe & Kayak Classes

                          Quick Start for Kayak – 3 hrs.

                          Introduction to River Kayaking – 8 hrs.

                          Quick Start for Canoe – 3 hrs.

                          Introduction to River Canoeing – 8 hrs.

19            Paddle Brunch – Saxapahaw General Store

19            Wine-Maker’s Dinner – Benjamin Vineyards & Winery/The Eddy

25            Sunset Paddle

26            Picnic & Paddle

31            Full Moon Paddle

September

2             Women’s Evening Paddle – Benjamin Vineyards & Winery

8             Sunrise Paddle

9             Paddle Brunch – Saxapahaw General Store

15            Canoe & Kayak Classes

                          Quick Start for Kayak – 3 hrs.

                          Introduction to River Kayaking – 8 hrs.

                          Quick Start for Canoe – 3 hrs.

                          Introduction to River Canoeing – 8 hrs.

15            Stargazing Float

16            Sunset Paddle

22            River Cleanup

23            Paddle Dinner/Brewery Style – The Eddy

29            Full Moon Paddle

30            Picnic & Paddle

We are Sad to Say

We are sad to say that our two newest members of The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. family will be leaving us this month.  Tati Brezina has accepted a job in Boston and Annie Huth is off to India.  Both will be helping others find their potential and we are confident they will be successful.

Although part of The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. for such a short time (we really knew they would be moving on) they have made a tremendous difference and brought a lot of joy to what we do.  If they are but a small example of the younger generation, the world has a bright future.

Anyone Interested in Whitewater Kayak Instruction?

As you may know, we offer three kayak courses: Quick Start for Kayak, Introduction to River Kayaking and Kayak Rolling.  We are going to offer this fall and next year a Whitewater Kayaking course.  We think we have a plan to take students from knowing nothing about whitewater kayaking to an ability to paddle in Class III whitewater.

The course will be taught by Jacob (Jake) Matheny.  If you have any doubts about Jake’s whitewater paddling ability, take a look at his photo.  You will find it under “About Us” on the homepage.  Just click on “The Core Staff”.  We could not find a better instructor than Jake who has the skill, patience and desire to make everyone he meets a whitewater paddler.

The Haw River Paddler – June 2012 Edition

“Alone in the wilderness, you can feel the life force of the universe in everything you see.  That is not as easy to do in a ‘civilized’ landscape.  You have to work hard to look beyond the man-made destruction.”  — Anonymous

Table of Contents

* Paddling and Adventure Camps

* New Faces at The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co.

* River Tales – A Lecture Series of the University of Saxapahaw

* Schedule of Courses & Trips – June & July 2012

* Registration & Paying Online – What Do You Think?

* SaxOnTheHaw: Paddle, Bike & Run Race

* Bike Rentals in Saxapahaw

Paddling and Adventure Camps

Beginning the week of June 11, 2012, we are offering eight weeks of week-long, half-day Paddling Camps and week-long, full-day Adventures Camps aimed at kids 8-11 and kids 12-15.  Paddling Camps will emphasize basic paddling skills and include a variety of fun, on-water games.

Adventure Camps include the morning Paddling Camps and afternoon team building, hiking and outdoor skills activities.  For more information or to register for a Camp, contact us at 336/260-6465 or info@hawrivercanoe.com.

New Faces at Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co.

In years past when you came to our office you would find three men; Lawrence, Jake and Joe.  This year when you come, you are just as likely to find three women; Tati, Tracy and Annie.  All three are involved in our summer camps and guide or instruct from time to time.

Although we had wanted to create summer camps for a long time, it has been Tati who brought her creativity and enthusiasm to the job.  Tracy recently “appeared”, and we are very fortunate that she shares so much of what The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. is trying to promote.  She brings years of experience as a guide, instructor and educator.  Annie, a recent graduate of Elon University and part-time worker at The Eddy, will be with us for part of the summer before she heads off to India to follow her passion for helping others.

Others will certainly be involved this summer since we are always looking for new, enthusiastic folks to help us.  Jesse Gates is one of those quiet, very capable young people who help us more than he will ever know.

River Tales –

A Lecture Series of University of Saxapahaw

Tom Magnuson of the Trading Path Association was our recent lecturer.  His topic dealt with river crossings in times gone by.  If you have ever listened to Tom, you know that his lecture was both entertaining and informative.

Our July River Tales lecturer is Mark Chilton, Mayor of Carrboro, NC and excellent historian.  Mark will be telling us about the Chatham Crossroads an area of Alamance and Chatham Counties with a tremendous amount of historical significance.  His presentation will be in the Haw River Ballroom starting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 3, 2012.  Part of the University of Saxapahaw (U of S), River Tales is a free lecture series and open to the general public.

Schedule of Courses & Trips – June & July 2012

If you are interested in a paddle course, a guided trip or a summer camp, you can find a schedule of activities on our Paddle Calendar.  A brief listing of activities for June & July 2012 follows:

June

2 Paddle Buffet – Benjamin Vineyards & Winery

3 Full Moon Paddle

9 River Clean Up

11 Paddling/Adventure Camp ½-day Hybrid

16 Quick Start for Kayak

17 Sunrise Paddle

18-22 Paddle Camp w/HRA

18,19,21,25&26 Paddle Camp Hybrid w/Elon

23 Quick Start for Canoe w/ Carrboro Parks & Rec.

23 Sunset Paddle

24 Paddle Brunch – Saxapahaw General Store

25-29 Paddle Camp w/ Burlington Parks & Rec.

30 Pedal & Paddle

July

1 Full Moon Paddle

7 Picnic & Paddle

8 Sunset Paddle

9-13 Paddle Camp w/HRA

14 Canoe & Kayak Classes

- Quick Start for Kayak

- Introduction to River Kayaking

- Quick Start for Canoe

- Introduction to River Canoeing

15 Sunrise Paddle

16-20 Paddle Camp

15 Wine-Maker’s Dinner – Benjamin Vineyards & Winery/The Eddy

20 Stargazing Float

21 Owl Prowl

23-27 Paddle Camp w Carrboro Parcks & Rec.

28 Pedal & Paddle

29 Paddle Brunch – Saxapahaw General Store

30&31 Paddle Camp w Carrboro Parcks & Rec.

Registration & Paying Online –

What Do You Think?

Now that our new website has been up and running for a while, we would like to know if you like the way we handle the registration process and if paying through PayPal has made it easier for you to do business with us.  What do you think?

While you are at it, we would also love your feedback on whether or not we are meeting our motto – “Reconnect with Nature & Have Fun Paddling”.  Any suggestions on how we can do what we do better would be greatly appreciated.

SaxOnTheHaw: Paddle, Bike & Run Race

It is no secret that the businesses in the Village of Saxapahaw are working hard to create a living environment that is both healthy and fun.  In keeping with this idea, a triathlon is being planned for the first Sunday in November.  Named SaxOnTheHaw, the three legs of the race are a 3 mile paddle, a 7 mile bike ride and a 3.3 mile run.  There will be more about the race in future editions of “The Haw River Paddler”.

Bike Rentals in Saxapahaw

It is true.  Beginning in June, The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. will be offering bike rentals in Saxapahaw.  A brain child of Tati Brezina (mentioned earlier in this newsletter), this new aspect of our business is in keeping with our desire to get folks out into Nature and having fun.  Like SaxOnTheHaw, there will be more about our bike rental program in future editions of “The Haw River Paddler”.  For now, just give the office a call if you want to rent a bike and we will make it happen.

“The Haw River Paddler” – May 2012 Edition

“Still I yearned for silence so complete it would swallow me up like a slow snowstorm, blinding me with its brilliance of non-sound.”

 Louise Freeman

Table of Contents

 * River Tales – Haw River Trail Partnership

* YEE HAW! River Paddle, Saxapahaw Lake Family Paddle, Eastbound & Downriver Race and Haw River Festival

* Our New Website is Alive & Well Plus We Now Accept Plastic

* Schedule of Courses & Trips – May & June 2012

* Paddling and Adventure Camps This Summer

River Tales – Haw River Trail Partnership

Brian Baker, Upper Haw River Trail Coordinator, is the next presenter in the River Tales Lecture Series offered in partnership by The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. and Cup 22.  Brian’s lecture will include a history of the Haw River Trail and a glimpse into its future.  His presentation will be in the Haw River Ballroom starting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1, 2012.  Part of the University of Saxapahaw (U of S), River Tales is a free lecture series.

YEE HAW! River Paddle, Saxapahaw Lake Family Paddle, Eastbound & Downriver Race and Haw River Festival

The Fifth Annual YEE HAW! River Paddle is scheduled this year for May 5, 2012.  It will again be held in conjunction with the Haw River Assembly and the Village of Saxapahaw for a day-long river celebration of fun, friendship, food and music.  Like last year, the Eastbound and Down River Race will take place, and the Family Paddle will be brought back from past years.

Full event details and registration is available at  www.thehaw.org/yeehaw.

Our New Website is Alive & Well Plus We Now Accept Plastic

Please take a look at our new website (www.hawrivercanoe.com).  It is now live, and we hope, more attractive and easier to use.  We would love your feedback, so don’t hesitate to either call or write (admin@hawrivercanoe.com) and let us know what you think.

In addition to the new website, we are using a PayPal feature that allows us to invoice you and for you to pay online for a course, guided trip, boat rental, summer camp or platform rental.

Schedule of Courses & Trips – May & June 2012

If you are interested in a paddle course, a guided trip or a summer camp, you can find a schedule of activities on our paddle calendar.  A brief listing of activities for May & June 2012 follows:

May

3                                  Saxapahaw Lake – The Raleigh School

4                                  Full Moon Paddle

5                                  YEE HAW! River Paddle & Race

Eastbound & Downriver Race

Haw River Festival

6                                 Paddle Brunch – Saxapahaw General Store

6                                  Wedding Paddle & Lunch

12                                Photography Paddle – Chatham Conservation Partnership

12                                Family Paddle – Carrboro Recreation & Parks

13                                Paddle Dinner – Grove Vineyards & Winery

13                                Sunrise Paddle

19                                Canoe & Kayak Classes

Quick Start for Kayak (3 hours)

Introduction to River Kayaking (8 hours)

Quick Start for Canoe (3 hours)

Introduction to River Canoeing (8 hours)

20                                Stargazing Float

26                                Sunset Paddle

27                                Picnic & Paddle

June

2                                  Paddle Buffet – Benjamin Vineyards & Winery

3                                  Full Moon Paddle

9                                  River Clean Up

10                                Paddle Dinner – Grove Vineyards & Winery

11                                Paddling/Adventure Camp ½-day Hybrid – Graham Recreation & Parks

15                               Saxapahaw Lake – IPAS Teambuilding

16                                Canoe & Kayak Classes

Quick Start for Kayak (3 hours)

Introduction to River Kayaking (8 hours)

Quick Start for Canoe (3 hours)

Introduction to River Canoeing (8 hours)

17                                Sunrise Paddle

18-22                           Paddle Camp – Haw River Assembly

18,19,21,25&26          Paddle Camp Hybrid – Elon Academy

23                                Canoe & Kayak Classes

Quick Start for Canoe/Carrboro Recreation & Parks

23                                Sunset Paddle – Haw River Assembly

24                                Paddle Brunch – Saxapahaw General Store

25-29                          Kayak Paddle Camp – Burlington Recreation & Parks

30                                Pedal & Paddle

Paddling and Adventure Camps This Summer

Beginning the week of June 11, 2012, we are offering eight weeks of week-long, half-day Paddling Camps and week-long, full-day Adventures Camps aimed at kids 8-11 and kids 12-15.  Paddling Camps will emphasize basic paddling skills and include a variety of fun, on-water games.

Adventure Camps include the morning Paddling Camps and afternoon teambuilding, hiking and outdoor skills activities.  For more information or to register for a Camp, contact us at 336/260-6465 or info@hawrivercanoe.com.

Explore Saxapahaw – Weekend Getaways

Escape the stress of busy schedules and experience the quiet, historic village of Saxapahaw with all-inclusive getaway packages for couples, groups and corporate retreats. You relax while we handle all of the details which include lodging at River Landing Inn, a comfortable, four-room bed-and-breakfast, dining at The Eddy, wine tasting at the award-winning Benjamin Vineyards and Winery and nature-based paddling with The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co.
Specially-designed weekends help couples rejuvenate their relationships or anyone to get away for a much-needed period of relaxation. Customized corporate retreats combine comfortable meeting space, wine-and-cheese breaks and teambuilding activities with escapes onto the river and other amenities.

Bynum Upriver Paddle

Because of its biological and ecological signifcance, land on both sides of the Haw River upriver of the dam at Highway 15-501 in Bynum is part of the Haw Slopes State Natural Area.

A diversity of habitats includes rich forested slopes, islands, rocky outcrops and wetlands. Both rare and ancient plants are found along the shore. Great blue herons, belted kingfishers, Canada geese, red-tail hawks and eagles are commonly seen while paddling. Occasionally, deer, beaver and muskrats present themselves.

Flat-water upriver of the dam is especially well-suited for both the beginner paddler and anyone intersted in nature. Parents paddling with children find the experience particularly gratifying.

Fee: $25 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $20 per person with your own boat.

Full Moon Paddle

Nothing can be more beautiful than a full moon rising above a Piedmont lake. There is just something magical about moonbeams and water — and sharing the experience of looking at the moon with someone special, even if that someone special is just you.

Participants arrive early enough in the evening to practice paddling, enjoy a beautiful sunset and adjust their eyes to the night sky. As the moonlight gets brighter, we will paddle around the lake to enjoy the night sounds. Eventually, we will “raft-up” and lay back to fully take in our surroundings.

Fee: $25 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $20 per person with your own boat.

Greater Alamance Creek to Saxapahaw Lake

Greater Alamance Creek, a major tributary of the Haw River in Alamance County, has a great deal of historical significance. At one time, the creek served as a significant trading path for both indigenous people and early settlers. During the War Between the States, the junction of the creek with the Haw River was an important crossing for the Underground Railroad.

Today, a trip down the creek offers the paddler a remote setting with lots of birds and wildlife. There is even a greater variety and abundance of birds and wildlife to see by continuing downriver to Saxapahaw Lake.

Fee: $45 per single kayak, $60 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak,
$20 per person with your own boat.

History Rediscovered

The rivers in the Piedmont of North Carolina are rich in the cultural history of the 1700s and 1800s. Evidence of fords, locks, dams, canals, bridges, grist mills, home sites and graveyards can be found, if you have previous experience looking for such things.

Occasionally, we team up with the Trading Path Association to offer educational and exploratory river trips in the spring and fall. TPA has a history of offering afternoon hikes to historically significant sites and is very familiar with long forgotten cemeteries and old roadways that crossed the Haw River.

Fee: $45 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $40 per person with your own boat.

Owl Prowl

Big Alamance Creek, upriver of its confluence with the Haw River, and the river itself, upriver of the dams at Saxapahaw and Bynum, NC, are great places to search for and watch birds and wildlife, especially in the early evening hours. The banks are heavily forested along the shoreline, creating ideal habitat for barred owls, one of the largest of owls. It isn’t always easy to see barred owls at night, but it is very easy to hear them as they call to each other. Male and female barred owls have different and distinctive calls, so it’s easy to identify them, even when you can’t see them. Their loud, sometimes hysterical sounding hoots, along with the slapping of beaver tails, make paddling at night an uncommon adventure.

Fee: $25 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $20 per person with your own boat.

Paddle Brunch

Weekends are for recharging the mind, body and spirit. What better way to do that than to eat a nutritious meal of locally-grown food prepared by folks who know how to make it delicious, then exercise the body and renew the spirit while paddling on the Haw River?
The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. has partnered with the Saxapahaw General Store to offer a relaxing brunch followed by a river trip. Getting in touch with our natural surroundings will be the focus of this 2.5 hour paddle.

Fee: $45 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $40 per person with your own boat.
*The fee includes brunch with beverage.

Paddle Buffet

Like our popular Paddle Dinners, this afternoon guided river trip ends with guests sitting down together to enjoy a buffet meal. Designed to be less expensive than the Paddle Dinners, Paddle Buffets still feature the wonderful wines and great food from our partners.

Fee: $55 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $50 per person with your own boat.
*The fee includes a buffet meal and a glass of wine.

Home School Education Trips

Whether your child’s interest is environmental science, biology, geography, history, economics or math, the Haw River is an ideal place to develop new knowledge and apply information gained from independent study to real-life situations.
Expedition-based education from The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. requires students to research a topic of personal interest and then make a presentation on what they learned during an outdoor, recreational expedition lasting from a few hours to several days.

Below is a detailed description of our expedition-based education for home-schoolers.

Homeschool expedition based education

Paddle Dinner: Brewery Style

Want to have some fun, perhaps pick up a new skill and enjoy meeting new friends? What better way to top off a relaxing afternoon in nature than to share a wonderful meal with fellow paddlers? The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. has partnered with The Eddy Pub and The General Store in Saxapahaw to offer a unique experience, a Paddle Dinner with NC crafted beer. The river trip, enjoyed by paddlers of all skill levels, is a 2-3 hour scenic canoe and/or kayak trip with a naturalist. Immediately after the trip, guests sit down to a catered dinner with local NC beers. If you would like to meet new paddling friends, break bread together and enjoy a few beers, this is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon and evening.

Fee: $75 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $70 per person with your own boat.
*The fee includes a catered dinner with beer pairings.

Paddle Dinner: Wine Makers Dinner

Known for its importance as a refuge for animals and plants, and for the well being of humans that are nature deprived, the Haw River Valley is also an important agricultural region in the Piedmont of North Carolina. In recent years, grapes have begun taking the place of tobacco as a crop. The unique soils and climate of the Valley are proving to be a world-class region for growing grapes, and a number of award-winning artisan wineries and vineyards are located near the Haw River.

Recognizing the health benefits of wine and getting outdoors on the river, The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company is offering a unique experience, a Paddle Dinner. The river trip, enjoyed by paddlers of all skill levels, is a 2-3 hour scenic canoe and/or kayak trip with a naturalist. Immediately after the trip, guests sit down to a catered dinner with wine.

Fee: $75 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $70 per person with your own boat.
*The fee includes a catered dinner with wine pairings.

Paddle & Pizza Party

A variation on our popular paddle dinner. Enjoy a leisurely two to three hour paddle on the Upper Haw River. This afternoon guided river trip ends with a visit to Grove Vineyards & Winery, where guests sit back and enjoy a Patio Pizza Party with a dinner consisting of pizza, salad and a beverage of your choice. A relaxing afternoon on the water followed by a memorable winery experience is a wonderful way to spend a day.

Fee: $45 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $40 per person with your own boat.
*The fee includes the pizza dinner and a glass of wine or beverage of your choice.

Paddle & Pedal

Rural Alamance County offers many miles of generally flat land with gentle rolling hills and, usually, very little vehicular traffic to take away from the pleasant experience of getting out and exercising on a bicycle.

What better way to exercise different muscle groups than to paddle a three-hour flat- water or whitewater river trip followed by a bike ride on your choice of one of several loop trips around Saxapahaw, NC.  Throw in a little relaxing and a picnic lunch between the paddle and pedal and you have an ideal day of exercise and de-stressing.

Fee: $25 per person with a canoe or single kayak provided for the flatwater river trip or
$45 per person with a sit-on-top kayak provided for the whitewater river trip.

Photography Paddle

The eye of the camera can see more than images; it can capture feelings, emotions and expressions. Lighting, colors and perspective can be transformed by the camera lens into art.

The Photography Paddle is not intended to be an introductory course in nature photography. Participants should already know how to use their cameras. The purpose of this guided trip is to offer amateur and professional photographers an opportunity to get closer to water, birds, wildlife and reflections not ordinarily possible from land. Participants must provide their photographic equipment.

Fee: $45 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $40 per person with your own boat.
*The fee includes a river guide with professional photographic experience.

Picnic & Paddle

Spirit Island in the Haw River is located just downstream from a dam and powerhouse
that in the early part of the twentieth century supplied electricity to a textile mill in
Swepsonville, NC. Today, the Island is remote, wild, peaceful and a wonderful place to
escape the stresses of an urban lifestyle.
We begin this canoe and/or kayak trip with a picnic lunch on Spirit Island. Following
lunch, our paddle will take us downstream to Saxapahaw. Because of the remote nature
of this stretch of river, birds and wildlife are easily seen. Volcanic rock outcrops along
the shoreline show evidence of an interesting geologic past.

Fee: $25 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $20 per person with your own boat.
*Lunch can be provided at an additional charge.

Poker Paddle: Fundraising for Non-profits

Non-profit organizations always have a need to raise money to support their programs. Since we at The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company believe that you cannot expect people to care about nature unless they feel some connection with it, we are offering a way for non-profit organizations to raise funds while getting out on the river to have fun paddling.

We will place five 5-gallon buckets, in plain view, along an easy stretch of the Haw River. In each bucket will be a deck of cards. Each deck will have a distinctive design. Within a bucket, each card in the deck will be in a separate, sealed envelope. Poker Paddle participants will paddle to each bucket, withdraw one envelope from each bucket and return to the registration table. At that point, each envelope will be opened and the participant will know her/his poker hand.

The non-profit organization will determine the entrance fee and provide winning prizes.

Fee: In addition to the non-profit entrance fee, there is a boat rental fee of $25 per person for those needing a canoe or kayak. There is no additional fee for individuals bringing a personal canoe or kayak to participate in the fundraising event.

Polar Bear Paddle

There is no better way to start the New Year off right then to get out on the river and enjoy what nature has to offer. It seems that at this time of year, most of us are making resolutions about how we want to make improvements in our lives. So, start the year off right doing what you love to do — paddling.

This annual tradition is always held the first Saturday in January, and is for those with a boat, paddling gear and the necessary clothing for cold weather paddling.

Fee: There is no trip fee, though registration is required.

Pumpkin Paddle

Both the Villages of Bynum and Saxapahaw have Halloween traditions.  Before launching at either Village, your carved pumpkin is attached to each boat and either a candle or a glow stick placed in each pumpkin provides illumination. For those not accustomed to paddling in the dark, a night-time paddle is a truly unique and special experience.
After a magical time on the water, participants can either enjoy a walk on the pedestrian bridge in Bynum which is lined the entire way with artistically carved and lighted pumpkins or for those padding in Saxapahaw, enjoy a riverside bonfire.

Fee: $25 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $20 per person with your own boat.
*bring your own carved pumpkin.

River Clean-Up Paddle

Over the course of a year, trash builds up along riverbanks and in log piles — causing a hazard to fish and wildlife and spoiling the natural beauty of our waterways. To do our part in cleaning up the Haw River, The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company sponsors three annual cleanups: March’s “Cleanup-A-Thon,” June’s “National Rivers Cleanup Day” and October’s “Big Sweep Cleanup.” Each is focused on a different stretch of river.

Canoes are provided at no charge for those participants who do not have a boat, and private boaters are encouraged to participate as well. We will help them shuttle their boats and equipment. All of the trash collected will be either recycled, if possible, or brought to a landfill by The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Company.

Fee: There is no trip fee, though registration is required.
*You are expected to collect at least one large trash bag of garbage per person and clean your boat.

Roanoke River Swamps Bed & Breakfast Trip

The Roanoke River originates in the Virginia mountains.  As the river crosses the Virginia-North Carolina boundary, it flows through rolling hills and flat land.  It then empties into Albermale Sound near Plymouth, NC.  As it cuts its way across the Coastal Plain, the Roanoke River spreads out over a very large floodplain creating one of the largest swamp ecosystems in the eastern United States.  The swamps are habitat to many common wildlife species such as turkey, deer, bobcat, raccoon, opossum, squirrel and barred owls and rare species like the black bear, bald eagles and the many species of Neotropical migratory birds that are declining in number.  The quality of the swamp forests is itself rare.

This weekend paddle trip begins at 9:00 a.m. on the first day as participants meet at Roberson’s Marina on Gardner Creek near Jamesville, NC.  After meeting and having introductions, we will run a shuttle to Jamesville, NC.  From the put-in on Gardner Creek, our paddle trip will take us down Gardner Creek, through Devil’s Gut swamp, down the Roanoke River and on to Jamesville.  Our accommodations for the evening are a bed & breakfast establishment.

The next day, we will paddle one of two other swamps near Williamston, NC or Plymouth, NC; either Sweetwater Creek swamp or Conaby Creek swamp.  Our canoe trip will end in mid to late afternoon so participants can begin their journey home before it gets to late.

Fees: The trip fees are $208.00 per person (double occupancy), $235.00 per person (single occupancy) and $187.00 per person for those providing their accommodations and breakfasts.  A canoe or kayak, PFD, paddle, lunch both days, breakfast the second day in the bed and breakfast establishment, lodging one evening and an experienced guide/naturalist are provided.

Guests are responsible for transportation to and from the put-ins, dinner, appropriate clothing for the time of year, a waterproof bag for extra clothes and gear, hat, sunscreen, water bottle, light-weight rain gear and foot wear that can get dirty and/or wet.

Spirit Island Overnight Camp Out: Guided Trip

Need to get away for the weekend, but don’t want to go too far from home? Spirit Island, on the Haw River, is an ideal place to shed the stresses of an urban lifestyle and enjoy isolation, beautiful scenery and plenty of birds and wildlife.

Beginning at Saxapahaw, we paddle 4.5 miles to the island on a river section free from rapids, but home to great blue herons, Canada geese, cormorants, muskrats, beavers, turtles, ospreys, red-tail hawks, belted kingfishers and an occasional bald eagle.

At the island, we set up tents on one of two camping platforms and soak up the surroundings before an evening meal. After breakfast the next day, we paddle back to Saxapahaw and arrive by noon.

Fee: $75 per person – canoe, dinner and breakfast provided, $65 per person with your own boat.

Stargazing Float

There is no better way to see the night sky in the Piedmont of North Carolina than by paddling, at night, on a lake, and at the time of a new moon. If astronomy is your hobby — or even if you just want to learn about what you’ve been looking at all these years — this float trip will be both fun and educational.

Participants arrive early enough in the evening to practice paddling, enjoy a beautiful sunset and adjust their eyes to the night sky. As the stars become brighter, everyone will “raft-up,” lay back, and identify stars and constellations.

Fee: $25 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $20 per person with your own boat.

Sunrise Paddle

A great way to begin the day is to get out onto the water to celebrate nature in all of its physical and spiritual forms. For those with the eyes, ears and heart to see, creation visibly takes form in the pastel colors of the rising sun, the song of birds, the scurrying of animals in the woods and the promise and hope that each new day brings.

We start each Sunrise Paddle with a favorite quote, a poem, a prayer or a silent meditation as our way to celebrate our time on the river. Then, we split up to individually explore our local surroundings.

Fee: $25 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $20 per person with your own boat.

Bynum Upriver Paddle – half day

4.0 miles, 2.5 hours
Class A flat water
Min. river level – none above 15-501 dam
Access points – moderate
$40 per single kayak or stand up paddleboard, $50 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak

Flat-water upriver of the dam in Bynum is especially well suited for both beginner paddlers and anyone interested in nature. Parents paddling with small children find the experience particularly gratifying.  This is a loop trip ending at the same place where you begin.

Chicken Bridge Rd. to Hwy. 15-501

6.5 miles, 4 hours
Class I-II rapids
Min. river level – 2.5′ Haw River gauge (280 cfs)
Access points – moderate
$40 per single sit-on-top kayak

Comprised of numerous class I rapids and at least 2 miles of consistent class II rapids, this is a popular whitewater stretch of the Haw River.  It is also remote and scenic and offers many opportunities to watch birds and wildlife.

Glencoe River Park to Graham Landing

8 miles, 4.5 hours
Class I-II rapids
Min. river level – 2.5′ Haw River gauge (280 cfs)
Access points – easy
$50 per single sit-on-top kayak

The first half of this trip offers exciting class I and class II rapids as the river flows through urban and industrial areas. The second half of this trip offers a more remote paddling experience with gently, flowing water and lots of birds and wildlife.

Glencoe River Park to Red Slide Park

4.7 miles, 2.5 hours
Class I-II rapids
Min. river level – 2.5′ Haw River gauge (280 cfs)
Access points – easy
$40 per single sit-on-top kayak

Numerous class I and class II rapids make this a particularly challenging stretch of river. Although the river flows through both urban and industrial areas, the rapids are fun to negotiate and there are enough remote sections with birds and wildlife to observe.

Glencoe River Park to Swepsonville River Park

10 miles, 5 hours
Class I-II rapids
Min. river level – 2.5′ Haw River gauge (280 cfs)
Access points – easy
$50 per single sit-on-top kayak

This paddling experience offers class I and class II rapids during the first third of the trip, remote flatwater for the second third of the trip and ends with class I and class I+ rapids during the final third of the trip.

Graham Landing to Saxapahaw Lake

8 miles, 4.5 hours
Class I+ rapids
Min. river level – 2′ Haw River gauge (200 cfs)
Access points – easy, portage – easy
$50 per single kayak, $60 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak

This trip is best for those with previous paddling experience who want more time on the water. Paddlers maneuver through both natural and man-made objects and enjoy opportunities to watch birds and wildlife. There is one easy portage around the Puryear Dam in Swepsonville on this trip.

Graham Landing to Swepsonville River Park

2.1 miles, 1 hour
Class I+ rapids
Min. river level – 2′ Haw River gauge (200 cfs)
Access points – easy
$30 per single kayak, $40 per tamdem canoe or tamdem kayak

This trip is best for those interested in a little excitement. Class I and class I+ rapids cause the paddler to negotiate both natural and man-made objects.

Greater Alamance Creek Paddle

2.7 miles, 1.5 hours
Class A flat water
Min. river level – none above Puryear dam
Access points – easy
$30 per single kayak, $40 per tamdem canoe or tamdem kayak

Great for beginning paddlers and anyone who likes the feel of a remote, intimate river, this trip offers gentle flowing water, steep wooded slopes and unsuspecting birds and wildlife.

Greater Alamance Creek to Saxapahaw Lake

6.5 miles, 4 hours
Class A flat water
Min. river level – none between Puryear dam & Saxapahaw dam
Access points – easy, portage – easy
$40 per single kayak, $50 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak

Greater Alamance Creek offers paddlers a remote setting with lots of birds and wildlife. An even greater variety and abundance of birds and wildlife is available to see as the paddler continues downriver to Saxapahaw Lake. There is one easy portage around the Puryear Dam in Swepsonville on this trip.

Old Greensboro Rd. to Chicken Bridge Rd.

5.5 miles, 3 hours
Class I-II rapids
Min. river level – 2.3′ Haw River gauge (250 cfs)
Access points – easy
$40 per single sit-on-top kayak

There are many class I rapids and enough class II rapids to make this remote section of river both relaxing and exciting. Like the area upriver of the put-in, the river is particularly beautiful with lots of birds and wildlife to observe.

Red Slide Park to Graham Landing

3.2 miles, 1.5 hours
Class I+ rapids
Min. river level – 2′ Haw River gauge (200 cfs)
Access points – easy
$30 per single kayak, $40 per tamdem canoe or tamdem kayak

Great for beginning paddlers and anyone interested in nature, this trip features easy paddling and opportunities to watch birds and wildlife.

Red Slide Park to Saxapahaw Lake

11 miles, 6.5 hours
Class I+ rapids
Min. river level – 2′ Haw River gauge (200 cfs)
Access points – easy, portage easy
$50 per single kayak, $60 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak
$30 per kayak or canoe for second day
$10 per person per night camping fee or $50 per platform for up to six people

This trip is best for anyone wanting a weekend overnight canoe camping trip that offers different river conditions, including class I and class I+ rapids, different forests and landscape types, solitude, an isolated campsite on Spirit Island and many opportunities to watch birds and wildlife. This trip can also be done in a day if started early in the day. There is one easy portage around the Puryear Dam in Swepsonville on this trip.

Sunset Paddle

Lakes formed behind the dams at Glencoe, Saxapahaw and Bynum are wonderful places to enjoy a calm, late afternoon paddle. The remote margins next to the shorelines are home to turtles, owls, great blue herons, egrets, kingfishers, cormorants, turkey, beavers, muskrats, raccoon, squirrel and deer.

This river trip is designed to give participants an opportunity to get away from the turmoil and stress of work or school, and spend a tranquil, late afternoon on the water. It also provides participants with the opportunity to try different types of boats, look for wildlife, gain more paddling experience and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Fee: $25 per person with the canoe/kayak provided, $20 per person with your own boat.

Introduction to Recreational Kayaking

Paddling technique, safety and enjoyment are emphasized in this 8 hour introduction to recreational kayaking. Instruction is designed to give participants a solid foundation in recreational kayaking — beginning with choosing the correct equipment and moving to proper weld, entry and launch techniques; balance; bracing; strokes; safety; self-rescue techniques; assisted rescue techniques; and trip planning. There is plenty of time to observe birds and wildlife while practicing various techniques. We will break in the middle for lunch so bring a bag lunch with you.

Fee: $80 per person.

Red Slide Park to Swepsonville River Park

5.2 miles, 2.5 hours
Class I+ rapids
Min. river level – 2′ Haw River gauge (200 cfs)
Access points – easy
$40 per single kayak, $50 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak

This trip is best for those with some previous paddling experience. Class I and class I+ rapids add to the excitement of paddling this stretch of river. Birds and wildlife are easy to observe.

Whitewater Paddle

Several sections of the Haw River in Alamance and Chatham Counties offer wonderful class II whitewater paddling experiences. The river between Glencoe and Red Slide Park in the Town of Haw River has many rapids that are exciting to negotiate. Downriver of Saxapahaw, the river feels wild and remote. Many class I and class I+ rapids, along with beautiful class II rapids occur in two 5.5 mile sections of the Haw River between Saxapahaw and Chicken Bridge Road.  After Chicken Bridge Road, there is a 6.0 mile section which includes at least 2.0 miles of consistent class II rapids and culminates in a class II+ rapid.
Whitewater paddles on these river sections will be held in the spring, when water levels are reliably high enough.

Fee: $45 per person with sit-on-top kayak provided, $20 per person with your own boat.

Women’s Evening Paddle

Sometimes, you need to escape the stress of busy schedules, get away from it all and enjoy a peaceful, refreshing evening. That’s the idea behind the Women’s Evening Paddle, where your female river guides lead a “women only” group. The goal is to become rejuvenated through movement on the water, observing nature and enjoying a relaxing post-paddle social.
The 2.5-hour river trip begins while egrets and great blue herons settle for their evening rest, and concludes with a glass of wine, light fare and a relaxing chair massage. It’s a unique trip designed by women for women.

Fee: $55 per person with a canoe/kayak provided, $50 per person with your own boat.

Introduction to Sea Kayaking

This 10 hour introductory course includes the basics of sea kayking, stressing technique, safety and enjoyment — while providing ample opportunity to develop skill through practice. You will learn about equipment, strokes, proper weld, entry, exists, balance, bracing, strokes, safety and rescue techniques.

Fee: $185 per person.

Kayak Roll Classes & Practice

Being able to roll a kayak is an essential part of being a safe and efficient paddler.  The basic principles of kayak rolling are taught in this course.  It is designed for both the beginner and those individuals who want to improve their rolling skill.  Sufficient time is provided to practice both your rolls.

This 2 hour course is taught in a pool at the Maynard Aquatic Center in Burlington, NC.  We maintain a roster of people interested in learning to roll a kayak, experienced paddlers wanting to practice their rolls and fill the sessions on a first come, first serve basis.  It is recommended that the beginning kayaker consider registering for more than one session since it is unlikely that he/she will be able to roll a kayak during the first 2 hour session.

Fee: $25.00 per person for those wanting instruction and $5.00 per person for those just wanting to practice their rolls and have their own boat and paddling gear with them.

Quick Start for Kayak

Designed for the total beginner who doesn’t have time for more in-depth instruction, the “Quick Start” course offers a 3 hour, intense introduction to kayaking. The course emphasizes safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition, and follows American Canoe Association guidelines. Specific topics include personal preparation for the trip, safety and rescue, proper equipment, getting started and maneuvers. A review at the end of the course will help to insure learning.

Fee: $30 per person.

Introduction to River Canoeing

This 8 hour introductory course in the basics of river canoeing stresses technique, safety and enjoyment. Instruction is designed to provide both an understanding of the principals of canoeing and an opportunity to develop skill through practice. You will learn about equipment, strokes, maneuvering in current, river reading, safety, rescue techniques and knot tying. You will also have an opportunity to paddle both solo and in tandem. If the opportunity presents itself, we will take time to observe wildlife. We will break in the middle for lunch so bring a bag lunch with you.

Fee: $80 per person.

Introduction to Whitewater Canoeing

This 10 hour introductory course in the basics of whitewater canoeing stresses technique, safety and enjoyment. Instruction is designed to provide both an understanding of the principals of canoeing in class II whitewater and an opportunity to develop skill through practice. You will learn about equipment, strokes, whitewater maneuvers (e.g., upstream and downstream ferries, eddy turns and peel-outs), river reading, safety, rescue techniques and knot tying. You will also have an opportunity to paddle both solo and in tandem. If the opportunity presents itself, we will take time to observe wildlife.

Fee: $160 per person.

Quick Start for Canoe

Designed for the total beginner who doesn’t have time for more in-depth instruction, the “Quick Start” course offers a 3 hour, intense introduction to canoeing. The course emphasizes safety, enjoyment and skill acquisition, and follows American Canoe Association guidelines. Specific topics include personal preparation for the trip, safety and rescue, proper equipment, getting started and maneuvers. A review at the end of the course will help to insure learning.

Fee: $30 per person.

Saxapahaw Lake & Upriver – short trip

3 miles, 1.5 hours
Class A flat water
Min. river level – none above Saxapahaw dam
Access points – easy
$30 per single kayak or stand up paddleboard, $40 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak

A leisurely short paddle awaits beginner and experienced paddlers alike upriver of the dam in Saxapahaw. This is a great introductory experience particularly for parents paddling with children. This is a loop trip ending at the same place where you begin.

Saxapahaw Lake & Upriver – half day

5.5 miles, 3 hours
Class A flat water
Min. river level – none above Saxapahaw dam
Access points – easy
$40 per single kayak or stand up paddleboard, $50 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak

A leisurely day of paddling awaits beginner and experienced paddlers alike upriver of the dam on Saxapahaw Lake. This is a great introductory experience particularly for parents paddling with children. This is a loop trip ending at the same place where you begin.

Saxapahaw Lake & Upriver – half day

5.5 miles, 3 hours
$40 per single kayak
$50 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak
A leisurely day of paddling awaits beginner and experienced paddlers alike upriver of the dam on Saxapahaw Lake. This is a great introductory experience particularly for parents paddling with children. This is a loop trip ending at the same place where you begin.

Saxapahaw Lake & Upriver – half day

5.5 miles, 3 hours
Class A flat water
Min. river level – none above Saxapahaw dam
Access points – easy
$40 per single kayak or stand up paddleboard, $50 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak

A leisurely day of paddling awaits beginner and experienced paddlers alike upriver of the dam on Saxapahaw Lake. This is a great introductory experience particularly for parents paddling with children. This is a loop trip ending at the same place where you begin.

Saxapahaw Lake & Upriver – full day

9 miles, 5 hours
Class A flat water
Min. river level – none above Saxapahaw dam
Access points – easy
$50 per single kayak or stand up paddleboard, $60 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak

A leisurely day of paddling awaits beginner and experienced paddlers alike upriver of the dam on Saxapahaw Lake. This is a great introductory experience particularly for parents paddling with children. This is a loop trip ending at the same place where you begin.

Saxapahaw Mill Race to Chicken Bridge Rd.

11 miles, 6 hours
Class I-II rapids
Min. river level – 2.3′ Haw River gauge (250 cfs)
Access points – moderate
$50 per single sit-on-top kayak

This trip is perfect for anyone wanting a longer and exciting whitewater experience coupled with beautiful, remote scenery and lots of birds and wildlife.

Saxapahaw Mill Race to Old Greensboro Rd.

5.5 miles, 3 hours
Class I-II rapids
Min. river level – 2.3′ Haw River gauge (250 cfs)
Access points – moderate
$40 per single sit-on-top kayak

The many class I rapids and the long, beautiful class II rapid make this section of the river both fun and exciting, while surrounding mature floodplain forests make it a particularly beautiful stretch of river, rich with birds and wildlife.

Shallow Ford Natural Area to Indian Valley

5.2 miles, 2.5 hours
Class I rapids
Min. river level – 2′ Haw River gauge (200 cfs)
Access points – easy, portage – easy
$40 per single kayak, $50 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak

Originating from the 192-acre riverside park in northeastern Alamance County, this river trip is good for the beginner paddler and anyone who enjoys a remote, intimate river experience. Near the end of the trip, paddlers must carry around, not paddle over, the low-head dam at Indian Valley.

Spirit Island Campout

9 miles, overnight camping
Class A flat water
Min. river level – none above Saxapahaw dam
Access points – easy
$60 per canoe for the first day, $30 for the second day
$10 per person per night camping fee or $50 per platform for up to six people

Need to get away for the weekend, but don’t want to go too far from home? Spirit Island, reached by a segment of river without rapids, is an ideal place to shed the stresses of an urban lifestyle and enjoy isolation, beautiful scenery and plenty of birds and wildlife.

Swepsonville River Park to Saxapahaw Lake

4.7 miles, 2.5 hours
Class A flat water
Min. river level – none between Puryear dam & Saxapahaw dam
Access points – easy, portage – easy
$40 per single kayak, $50 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak

Enjoyed by inexperienced and experienced paddlers alike, this trip offers a variety of flatwater river conditions and landscapes, along with the opportunity to watch birds and wildlife. There is one easy portage around the Puryear Dam in Swepsonville at the beginning of this trip.

Swepsonville River Park to Saxapahaw Lake

4.7 miles, 2.5 hours
Class A flat water
Min. river level – none between Puryear dam & Saxapahaw dam
Access points – easy, portage – easy
$40 per single kayak, $50 per tandem canoe or tandem kayak

Enjoyed by inexperienced and experienced paddlers alike, this trip offers a variety of flatwater river conditions and landscapes, along with the opportunity to watch birds and wildlife. There is one easy portage around the Puryear Dam in Swepsonville at the beginning of this trip.

Summer Adventure Camp – full day

Adventure camps are designed to engage campers with the outdoors through different on-water and on-land activities. In addition to time spent paddling, we hike different sections of trails along the Haw River throughout the week. Campers learn outdoor living skills such as orienteering, shelter-building, and tree and plant identification. We work on developing teamwork and confidence as campers participate through games and exercises on our challenge course.
Adventure Camps are from 9:00AM to 4:00PM five days a week.

Fee:  $250/week per child.

Our camps are operated by The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. and offered in partnership with other organizations. You may contact us for additional information and registration, or with the partner organization. Enrollment in a camp is on a first come, first served basis. Camp dates and the associated partner organization are:

6/10-14/13       Haw River Assembly                                       Adventure Camp

7/8-12/13          Haw River Assembly                                       Adventure Camp

7/15-19/13        Hawbridge Charter School                          Adventure Camp

7/22-26/13        Chatham County Parks & Recreation      Adventure Camp

8/12-16/13        Open at this time

Summer Paddle Camp – half day

Paddle camps focus on developing paddling skills in recreational kayaks. Campers receive instruction in paddling technique, safety, and river navigation. We explore different sections of the Haw River, discover different islands, stop along the way to learn about plants and animals and learn about conservation efforts designed to protect and preserve the Haw River for future generations.
Paddle Camps are from 9:00AM to 1:00PM five days a week.

Fee: $195/week per child.

Our camps are operated by The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. and offered in partnership with other organizations. You may contact us for additional information and registration, or with the partner organization. Enrollment in a camp is on a first come, first served basis. Camp dates and the associated partner organization are:

6/17-21/13        Carrboro Recreation & Parks       *1:00-5:00 pm afternoon Adventure Camp

6/24-28/13        Burlington Recreation & Parks     Paddle Camp

7/29-8/2/13      Carrboro Recreation & Parks        Paddle Camp

8/5-9/13             Carrboro Recreation & Parks        Paddle Camp

8/12-16/13         Open at this time

Haw River Paddler April 2012

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” 

Albert Einstein

Table of Contents: 

• River Tales – A Lecture Series Partnership

• Paddling and Adventure Camps This Summer

• Check-out Our New Website in April

• Schedule of Courses & Trips – April & May 2012

• Brevard College’s Voice of the Rivers 2012

• YEE HAW! River Paddle and Eastbound & Downriver Race

River Tales – A Lecture Series Partnership 

We are very excited by the fact that Anne Cassebaum, author of “Down Along the Haw: The History of a North Carolina River, is our first presenter in the River Tales Lecture Series offered in partnership by The Haw River Canoe & Kayak Co. and Cup 22. Anne’s lecture, entitled “Haw River Revival: A River in Recovery”, will be presented in the Haw River Ballroom starting at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3, 2012. We will have copies of Anne’s book available for purchase. The lecture is free to the public.

Paddling and Adventure Camps This Summer 

Beginning the week of June 11, 2012, we are offering eight weeks of week-long, half-day Paddling Camps and week-long, full-day Adventures Camps aimed at kids 8-11 and kids 12-15. Paddling Camps will emphasize basic paddling skills and include a variety of fun, on-water games.

Adventure Camps include the morning Paddling Camps and afternoon teambuilding, hiking and outdoor skills activities. For more information or to register for a Camp, contact us at 336/260-6465 or send us an e-mail message to info@ hawrivercanoe.com.

Check-out Our New Website in April 

Right now, when you find us at www.hawrivercanoe.com, you are looking at our 2011 site with an updated 2012 calendar. By April 1, our new site will be up and running and will look very different. We hope you like it.

We believe the new website will be more attractive and easier to use. It will contain basically the same information as the 2011 site with the addition of information about our summer camps. For us, the main difference between the two website is that with the new site we will be able to keep it up-to-date in-house.

Schedule of Courses & Trips – April & May 2012 

The 2012 Schedule of all our guided paddle trips and paddling courses can be found under both the Instruction and Guided Trips headings on our website. You can always contact us to rent a canoe or kayak and do a self-guided trip. 

We will update the HRCK schedule with Rental Trips as they are reguested.

March 

31 Women’s Evening Paddle – Benjamin Vineyards & Winery

April 

1 Paddle Brunch – Saxapahaw General Store

6 Full Moon Paddle

8 Sunset Paddle

14 Canoe & Kayak Classes

Quick Start for Kayak (3 hrs.)

Introduction to River Kayaking (8 hrs.)

Quick Start for Canoe (3 hrs.)

Introduction to River Canoeing (8 hrs.)

15 Sunrise Paddle

21 Canoe & Kayak Classes

Quick Start for Canoe/Carrboro Recreation & Parks

21 Stargazing Paddle

22 Owl Prowl

28 Paddle Dinner – Benjamin Vineyards & Winery

29 Photography Paddle

May 

4 Full Moon Paddle

5 YEE HAW! River Paddle & Race

Haw River Festival

6 Paddle Brunch – Saxapahaw General Store

12 Photography Paddle – Chatham Conservation Partnership

12 Family Paddle – Carrboro Recreation & Parks

13 Sunrise Paddle

13 Paddle Dinner – Grove Vineyards & Winery

19 Canoe & Kayak Classes

Quick Start for Kayak (3 hrs.)

Introduction to River Kayaking (8 hrs.)

Quick Start for Canoe (3 hrs.)

Introduction to River Canoeing (8 hrs.)

19 Stargazing Paddle

26 Sunset Paddle

27 Picnic & Paddle

Brevard College’s Voice of the Rivers 2012 

Beginning in April, students from Brevard College will float the Haw River down to its junction with the Deep River, and from there, on down the Cape Fear River to Wilmington. The students will be led by Professor Clyde Carter who has led previous classes down the French Broad River to New Orleans via the Mississippi River.

Clyde came to Saxapahaw in March to meet us and learn more about the logistics involved in their upcoming four-week adventure. His class will stop in Saxapahaw for a discussion of what the river has meant to the Village in the past and how it relates to the Village today.

YEE HAW! River Paddle and Eastbound & Downriver Race 

The Fifth Annual YEE HAW! River Paddle is scheduled this year for May 5, 2012. It will again be held in conjunction with the Haw River Assembly and the Village of Saxapahaw for a day-long river celebration of fun, friendship, food and music. Like last year, the Eastbound and Down River Race will take place, and the family paddle will be brought back from past years.

Full event details and registration will be available April 1st on www.thehaw. org/yeehaw.