Darren

[Darren]

Hi there!

I paddle out of Port Alberni and spend a lot of time on the west coast surfing. Locally, we have the Stamp River which (with the right water) offers a few nice play waves and wave trains (2+ or 3-). We also have the Ash River which is a great 'beginners creek run' and rates about a 3+ but requires the right water or the jagged rock will stress you (and your boat) out.

I live out Sproat Lake way so if anyone is interested in heading to the west coast let me know. I am usually on Wick Beach or Flo Bay at least every other weekend in the winter.

Cheers, Darren

http://www.westcoastaquatic.ca/webcam.htm

[George Walford]

Awesome, and welcome to the forum. I will be very likely to take you up on that offer as I am planning on heading out to the Tofino area more often.

[christian]

Hi there, curious to know, where are the put in and take out? Is there much of wood hazards?
Also, does it run in the fall?
Thanks!

[George Walford]

For which river? I know the Stamp well, but I have never done the Ash.

For the stamp, I can tell you you put in just below the fish ladder, and take out by the "greenhouses". Finding the fish ladder is easy. There is a bit of wood the last time I did it on one corner, but nothing you can't avoid with some intelligent paddling.

The upper section I did once, but found it terminally dull, and I can't remember the put in. I do know you want to get out on river left BEFORE you run the falls/fish ladder though! :)

Sadly, there is a fantastic wave just above the falls. Figures it would be there.

I would like to get out and try the Ash, sounds fun, and I own a brand new and never paddled creek boat!

[Darren]

The put-in for the Upper Stamp is at Moneys Pool. You drive out Beaver Creek Road for approx 15kms until it turns sharply and becomes Somers Rd. Rather than continue on Somers you drive straight off Beaver Creek Rd onto the dirt rd. Take your first left up a another dirt road and follow it until it ends in a turnaround. Unfortunately someone just built a house blocking the old access so after you park walk back up the road until you hit a smaller quad track that will lead you down to the river.

As George said, the lower section is better. In higher water there are some decent waves and the Cub Hole section is an exciting wave train. Put in below the falls and you can park your vehicle at the gun range (take out) off Mackenzie Rd.

The Ash River access is currently up in the air due to brutal logging taking place and gates going up everywhere. Last time I was out there the take out road to the old bridge looked trenched.

[Scottola]

Hey Darren,

I moved into Port from Ucluelet in '02, I've never surfed or river paddled and my boats been in my shed ever since, maybe sometime if ur going out for a tame paddle I could tag along and get some tips on rolling the boat...?
I gotta get a wetsuit top or something first though...#$% cold shock really gets me, any suggestions? Thanks

Scott

[Darren]

Hi Scott,

You are welcome to come out with us anytime. The Stamp is a great river for learning on, nothing threatening (aside from the falls). You will need to get some cold water gear. I wear a wetsuit, most wear a dry top with a farmer john or a full drysuit (pricey). Richard at Alberni Outpost has all the necessary gear and is competitive. Between us we have a bunch of extra gear to loan. Email me directly at dsaare@yahoo.com and we'll see what we can work out.

It is always good to have new paddlers along!!

D