With milder winters, I have been able to get the kayak onto the river in February for the last two years.   In 2015 the last paddle outing was in the middle of November (although I paddled in New Zealand after that).   There is no one around this early in the season and if there is no wind, paddling is good.   The water is not too cold, but I wear neoprene boots and a good paddling jacket, but I am also protected by a good spray skirt.  I launched from Pioneer Park on a fine day at the end of February.

With no wind, the river was calm.  Paddling upstream is hard work, but the South Thompson is the best choice for an upriver-and-back workout.

With blue skies, the hills were reflected in the water.

I went upstream for an hour then turned back for an easy return paddle downstream.  By getting out early and paddling long slow distance, we can build for the endurance we will need in the main part of the paddling season.   We have planned to do the Bowron Circuit, Clayoquot Sound, the Wallace Island area, the Columbia River Reservoirs, and Murtle Lake, among others.   This was Day 1 of an estimated 70+ days of paddling for 2016….