PLAY SPOTS in the AREA

Crowe Bridge (Playspot), Class III to IV: 

Directions:

West of Marmora, take County Road #50, south of Hwy #7.  Turn Right on 12th line.  Follow to Stop Sign.  Make a right and follow to bridge.  Please respect No-Parking signage.

Description:

This well known play spot can get quite busy in the spring.  Depending on levels, the amount of surfable waves adjusts.  However, in lower water, there are nice waves 100 meters or so down river.  In higher water, there are several waves for all boats, from long, flat, glassy waves, to steep crashing waves to holes.  In higher water, the eddy access becomes more difficult to achieve, but with some practice, it is attainable.  Note that at higher levels, swimming is not recommended, as down river there are rock shelves, as well as a low head dam.  This play spot is great for spectators, as they can stand on the bridge to get an overhead view.

Calaghan Wave (Playspot); Class II to III:

Directions: 

There are several ways to get to this location depending on where you are coming from.  The one from Hwy#7, East of Marmora, is to take Tiffen Road South to Callaghan Rapids Road.  Make a left and drive until you can’t drive anymore.  This is where it gets sketchy.  Some people can drive further than others.  We do not condone this behavior.  Take the trail that heads south (to the right) along the river down to the campsite (yes there is enough room to turn a car around). 

Description: 

When at the campsite you will see a 3 ft river wide ledge that depending on water levels will either tempt you or have you put in down stream.  From here you want to get to the middle of the river.  There is a horizon line that comes up pretty fast you want to make sure you a river center in the main flow.  As you drop over the horizon line stay center through the first set of waves, this can be quite shallow before the wave.  Past the wave, paddle river right to the eddy behind the island.  This is the eddy that you will access the wave from.  There are several other play features on this rapid with a very forgiving hole just meters down steam.  There are no real hazards to a swim here, other then the cold.  This play spot is a fast steep wave and seems to keep it's form at lower water, when Crowe Bridges waves are getting smaller.  The take out is on river right and there is a small path along the river that will lead you back to the campsite.

Big Frank (Play-spot) 

Paddle this spot this year and get some pictures for the website 

Length:            Play-spot with easy parking and eddy access

Difficulty:            Novice to Advanced, Class II to III

Description:            I thought all the play-spots in the area were discovered, but this play-spot was brought to my attention last year.  A friend of mine had been paddling it for years and kept saying I should come down and try it.  The reason it took me so long to get there is I had to drive right by Crowe Bridge to get there.  But last year I took the pilgrimage twice to “Big Frank” once just to see what it was all about, and the other to go back because it was just so fun.  I would not say this play-spot is the best in the area but it is defiantly worth the trip if you are looking for something different or lass daunting then Crowe Bridge, especially during high water.  Like many waves in the area “Big Frank” goes thorough a series of formations depending on water levels coming through the Trent System.  When I paddled it last year it was a large crashing hole that you could front surf in a stubby boat and throw down if wanted.  The thing that makes this wave really nice is its location and ease of access.  You are in a park setting meters from your car for cold weather.  The wave is super easy to drop into as there is a eddy all the way up left shore and at right levels the water trucks you right back to the hole with out paddling.  I would say this playspot is great for those wanting to play boat with no fear of what is down stream if you swim, or those just getting into spring paddling as it is super friendly and close to the warmth of the vehicle.  If you are on a playboting mission at M.A.C.K. fest hit Big Frank’s after Crowe Bridge and Callaghan Wave, on your way to Electric Chair. 

Directions:            At the lights in Marmora head south towards Sterling on County Rd. #14.  Once at the lights (T in road) in Sterling turn right on West Front St.  Not more then meters look for a sign to Frankford on your left and turn on County Rd. #33 heading south.  When you come to the stop sign make a right.  Drive over the canal and make a quick left.  If you go over the river and see a large dam to your right you have gone to far.  Drive down the road and you will see a park and a large open building structure.  Drive around the building and park on the other side, as it will be closer to the wave.  You will not be able to see the wave until you walk right up to the shore.

Electric Chair: Class II to III 

 January 12, 2008 Video of Randell at Electric Chair:

Description:

Electric Chair is a relatively new, beautiful play wave, almost like a mini Garb.  It has easy eddy access and safe downstream conditions.

Low:  7  to  High:  8.15

Directions:

If you are coming on the 401 exit at highway 37, Belleville. Coming from the west turn right from the off ramp and go over the overpass. At the first set of lights turn left onto Cannifton road. For those coming from the east go straight through the lights when you exit the 401 east bound ramp. You are now on Cannifton road. Follow Cannifton road until you see the Stop sign. On your left before the stop sign is Holgate Tire. Turn left between Holgate tire and Rosebush Fuels. The parking is behind holgate tire. Parking is limited so when you arrive and it is full turn left at the stop sign and immediately over the bridge turn left onto gravel drive. You will have to walk down to the damn and put in below and ferry across to river left and the wave. I am not sure how accessible it is from that side though due to cliff.

Lock #19 (Play-spot)