Whitewater Riders 2018
Becoming a great paddler takes more than just skill. Using the river as their classroom, WW Riders learn how to support each other on and off the water. They face fears, share knowledge and learn what...
View ArticleRiver Ramblings
Sometimes we are asked by our students “Why do we practice so much before we run the river?” I reflect on this as I watch a momma duck and her 3 ducklings expertly ferrying in and out of current at the...
View ArticleBark Lake Dam and the Madawaska River Management Plan
Bark Lake Dam defines the start of the middle Madawaska River. Built for flood control, and peak power production its mandate now extends to a much broader scope, including white water recreation. Bark...
View ArticleRecognition of a Lifetime of Dedication
I am still happiest when in my kayak!-Claudia Kerckhoff van Wijk We’re excited to announce that our very own Claudia Kerckhoff van Wijk has received the World Paddle Lifetime Achievement award. There...
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An MKC Family Story
by Adrick Brock Up until he turned 40, my dad received from my grandma a $50 bill for his birthday. He was bashful about the money (surely he was too old for it) and invariably spent it on something...
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Canoe Like a Canadian
Written by Susan Nerberg, published by Explore Magazine, June 2019 The rock comes straight toward us. I swear I was keeping an eye out for obstacles from my vantage point in the bow, but now that...
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Two Decades on the Madawaska
Q&A with Michael Hodgins Michael Hodgins is a whitewater kayaker and Ottawa-based physician and one of the more familiar faces around MKC. He took his first kayak course with us in 1999 and has...
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5 star, 5 day whitewater canoe class
We received this review from Paco_Jazztorious, on Trip Advisor, and we were so blown away, that we just had to share it. Thanks Paco! We hope you’ll be back soon! I took the 5 day whitewater canoeing...
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Hermann and Christa Kerckhoff’s Story:
Induction into the International Whitewater Hall of Fame Pristine waters coursing through river beds nestled in the coarse rock of the Canadian Shield.The thunderous sound of rushing water, foaming...
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International Whitewater Hall of Fame Announces 2019 Honorees
July 26, 2019 – The International Whitewater Hall of Fame (IWHoF) has announced its inductees for the Class of 2019. The selected honorees join an esteemed group of the world’s most accomplished...
View ArticleMadawaska Kanu Centre builds on success
DANIELLE PAULMADAWASKA VALLEY It’s no surprise that the van Wijk family of the Madawaska Kanu Centre (MKC) and OWL Rafting are “reading the river” ahead. The Current recently met with Claudia and...
View ArticleStefi Van Wijk sits down with Level Six for a liquid lunch
Our very own Stefi Van Wijk on growing up in a paddling family, her journey to becoming MKC director and the dynamics of running a paddling school. An important message to take away from this:...
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Kayak Session profiles MKC
We are honoured and hyped to be featured this month’s international paddling mag; Kayak Session Magazine. “When Hermann and Christa Kerckhoff decided to build a kayak school on the banks of the...
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MKC Launches Essay Contest to Celebrate 50th Season
Known around the world for its unique approach to canoe and kayak instruction, the Madawaska Kanu Centre (MKC) is celebrating its fiftieth anniversary in 2021. To mark the occasion, MKC is launching...
View ArticleEssay Contest Winner!
What Can You Learn By Paddling a River? by Courtney Sinclair When I reflect on what I’ve learned by paddling rivers a whole library of experiential education reveals itself. Rivers are very dynamic...
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A Sit Down with Willa Mason
I recently had a chance to chat with the lovely Willa Mason, one of our long-time staff here at Madawaska Kanu Centre. She’s been an instructor with us for 6 years, providing quality teaching to all...
View ArticleWhat Can You Learn From The River?
A Reflection By: Leanne Hennessy In 2003, the late Ojibway Elder/Grandmother and founder of the Mother Earth Water Walkers Josephine Mandamin began a series of journeys for the water, eventually...
View ArticleCanada’s History with Whitewater Canoeing
The Historical Importance of the Canoe The canoe was essential to the First Nations for millennia, specifically here, in what is now called the Madawaska Valley – home of the Algonquin and Anishnabek...
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