The weather at end of January and early February was mild enough to allow dedicated paddlers to get out for some kayaking on our area rivers.    It is still too cool to venture out on a windy day, but if the temperatures are above 4º C and the winds are light, we can launch a kayak at the Pioneer Park boat launch and go up or down the river.    the first day for 2026 was on Feb. 5,  the earliest day in decades.     The water is still cold, so wearing a dry suit is the safest practice to follow for safety and for comfort.

Paddling at this time of year is a lot more work than going for a hike.    Loading all the gear and the boat, driving to the launch spot, unloading at the water’s edge, reloading again, and then unloading at home doubles the time on the water.

On this day I paddled upstream to the Yellowhead Highway Bridge and back, about an hour on the water.    Most of the first days out will be about an hour.

A short video of the first paddle is embedded here:

An Early Season checklist:

• drysuit (or a full wetsuit)
• toque or hat
• neoprene gloves
• spray skirt or half-skirt
• paddle
• neoprene boots
• PFD
• all the usual safety gear
• a change of clothes