Karl Vollmer details his adventures kayaking, surfing, hiking and camping in and around the many amazing bodies of water in Nova Scotia; a true Ocean Playground.
The site of the annual World Kayak Bangs Falls Rodeo the Medway is the river to be on here in Nova Scotia.
The leaves have dropped from the trees, we've had our first major snow, and the meteorologists have started using the term 'above zero' for those odd times when it's not freezing. While it might be a little chilly, don't head into hibernation just yet. There are still a lot of things to do, and lots to see around Nova Scotia.
This coming Monday, August 1st, is Natal Day and this means it's going to be a long weekend for a lot of us. What better way to spend it then on the Tidal Bore! With a 14.5m tidal variance it's looking to be a bumpy and fun ride. Myself and at least four other kayakers will be there, will you?
Until I moved to Nova Scotia just two and a half years ago I had never even heard of a Tidal Bore. Caused by the large tidal change in the Bay of Fundy twice a day the lower 30km of the Shubenacadie river changes direction and flows upstream. This reversing flow can create standing waves of almost 5 meters. For the sane you can ride the waves in high-horse power zodiacs through the local tour operators. For the brave, and experienced you can paddle it in a sea kayak.
If you're a whitewater kayaker here in Nova Scotia, Rain is good news, Rainfall warnings are cause for celebration. Most Nova Scotia rivers are only fun to paddle after significant rainfalls. Mid June we were treated to a Rainfall warning giving us four great days on the lower section of the Musquodoboit river.
June 6th, 2011 was a calm day on the Ocean. Liz, Marc and I took advantage of the calm seas to paddle around Mar's Head just off of Lower Prospect, NS. Half-way to Peggy's Cove, Marr's head marks the final resting place of the SS Atlantic; the White Star Lines first major maritime disaster.
When people think of Nova Scotia surfing often isn't one of the first things that comes to mind. Surfing in Nova Scotia is a year round event for some hearty locals. Dead of winter, snow, freezing spray and -11C air, sure the waves look sweet! Not interested in freezing? Good news, spring is here.