Sunday, October 26, 2008

OTTAWA RIVER - Main Channel - Garburator

GARBURATOR
Good at: -2.5 to 0 (best at-1.5)

Garburator is another one of those features which causes people to flock from all over the globe to enjoy.  This feature has been used repeatedly as the ideal location for freestyle competitions, such as the Canada Cup, World Cup, and Canadian Freestyle Team Trials.

It is a summer play spot, although some summers enjoy the wave longer than others depending on river levels.  The feature can be found at the entrance to the Lorne rapid, and it enjoys a mid-river rock to rest or shoot photos/video from, along with a HUGE eddy for the hoards of paddlers waiting their turn.  The feature can also be enjoyed by spectators on the rocky river right bank.  This natural viewing platform can be accessed from the lunch site put-in for the Lorne, by walking across the dry riverbed to the island right next to the Lorne rapid.

The wave itself is like a trampoline for aerial moves.  Fast like a freight train and powerful like taking a punch to the face, this wave can be intimidating to beginner paddlers because of it's size and speed, but rest assured, a solid roll can handle anything Garb throws at you.

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