2023 marks my first full year in Nakusp since 1990 and as I scroll through my photos I am in awe of the beauty I have seen from my kayaks as well as from mountain peaks on many of my hiking adventures.
In 2023 I paddled more days than not both here in the Kootenays and on the West Coast. I paddled with whales, porpoises, seals and more.
I paddled in rain and snow, high winds and turbulent seas, and glorious sun. I started many of my days in my kayak chasing sunrises and finished many more chasing sunsets.
My beautiful hand built cedar strip kayak, the Nanoq, was finished this year and I added two other kayaks to my fleet. One here in Nakusp and one in Victoria to ensure I can hop on a plane and get my regular ocean fix.
When I look back at these photos I am completely blown away by the number of others who joined me paddling this year.
As much as I’ve enjoyed paddling to new destinations and exploring on longer adventures, my daily paddles on this beautiful lake have filled my heart with so much joy.
My first day this year was a morning paddle on Jan. 2 when I paddled across the lake and to the maker buoy just north of Nakusp near the Kuskanax River. My most recent was my lunchtime paddle yesterday, where I paddled south of Nakusp and watched logging machinery working just off the eastern shore.
While I often travel similar routes on my daily paddles, I never tire of the view or the experience.
One of the best things about paddling in my view, is that due to weather and seasonal differences you can paddle to the same place many times and have an entirely different experience each time.
I enjoy longer trips where I can explore new areas, but I also regularly paddle for fitness going as fast as I can to raise my heart rate and strengthen my body. Ideally, I try to paddle an hour a day at least 3 times a week, preferably daily, to keep in shape and ready for longer adventures.
Kayaking is excellent exercise if proper technique is used. The upper body is fully engaged, and rotational paddling movements are excellent for building core strength. At a reasonable cadence kayaking is a great cardio workout and the water creates natural resistance for strength training.
In the summer, I start my day with a 6 a.m. morning paddle before work, and now that the days are shorter I am paddling during my lunch. As the primary purpose of these daily paddles is exercise I try to make the trip just under an hour including the time to gear up and bring a boat to the water.
I love paddling across the lake and enjoying the view of the mountain backdrop of Nakusp. The trip across the Arrow Lakes varies depending on where you launch, and is approximately 3 km near me, or 6 km return in the summer and slightly shorter at low water. It is hard not to stop and take photos and even with those breaks the return trip is under an hour at a comfortable speed.
When I need a wee bit more civilization I paddle towards town. My paddle to the Nakusp beach is also just under an hour return with the inevitable photo stops. This is particularly enjoyable as most times I meet locals and tourists walking along the waterfront beaches, especially now as the paddle wheeler ways are visible at low water.
I have also timed a paddle 3 km south towards MacDonald Creek to change it up a bit, but ensure I am back before my lunch hour ends. This area, approximately 5 km south of Nakusp, is a favourite of Osprey, Ravens, and Bald Eagles who frequently fly down from their tree top perches for a closer look.
Often, the decision of where I paddle is dictated by the wind and waves. I have learned that if I see chop on the east shore of the Arrow Lakes the middle of the lake will be very windy and crossing the lake is not ideal. While these waves do not compare to ocean swells and current, they are “nothing to sneeze at,” and when I am on a time crunch I can’t take the risk of needing to wait out a storm.
Fortunately, the beaches north and south of Nakusp are more protected and offer paddling opportunities nearly every day of the year. And for those of you reluctant to cross the Arrow Lakes there are many beautiful areas to explore within a paddle’s reach of the shore.
As the year draws to a close, I am excited to have my daughter here for Christmas from Montreal. And while I was hoping for snow so that we could ski or snowshoe this holiday season, the snow has disappeared from my mountain paradise. But if Mother Nature cooperates, I hope to paddle on Christmas Day and New Years day and drag my now 24-year-old daughter out for another paddling adventure. And of course I will take a ton of photos and share the adventure with you! Have a wonderful holiday with those you love.
Happy Paddling!
Contributed by Naomi McKay
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