When arriving at the airport for a paddling trip the last thing you want to hear is, “sorry sir, freestyle kayaks are a restricted item, you can’t bring it.” That’s the last time I’ll ever fly with Air Canada. Anyway after a big argument I was on my way, kayak at my side. It’s a bit of a hike from Nova Scotia to Uganda and there were a few delays but everything worked out and there we were. Along for the ride were most of the Ottawa River yokel’s I spend my summers paddling with so it’s bound to be a good trip.

Dave Nieuwenhuis and I on my Birthday

So far so good. Billy Harris meets us at the air port with a van licensed to carry 14 passengers with a 3 day Safari planed. A day of near death driving we arrived at Merchanst Wildlife Reserve where our Safari was to take place. After seeing every type of animal imaginable from the roof of a cargo van we headed to the Nile for some long over due paddling. On the way we stopped to pick up some cash at an ATM in Kampala. My first ATM in Africa and it ate my card, great, I don’t need money here do I? Luckily I have a reserve of American Money that is widely accepted here, as long as it’s dated 2000 and greater.

A Baboon on the Safari

We finally made it to the Harry Lemon, possible the best place to stay on the Nile due to its location and relaxed atmosphere. A quick paddle brings you to one of the best park and play waves in the world, Nile Special. This wave is sweet! All the new wave moves are doable here and you can go huge! PAN AM’s, Silly Flips, Bread and Butters, K-Y’s, it doesn’t matter if you can do them or not you can learn them here. After a few days at the Harry Lemon it was my Birthday, the big 2-0, can’t say I feel any older but there was no better place to be for it. Two of my best sessions to date lead to a night that I’ll never forget…actually that’s a lie because I don’t remember most of it. The boy’s were relentless! All I can say is don’t spend your Birthday with this crew if you don’t want to look like a fool. They strapped on the four leaf clover sun glasses and the punishment began!

Nile Special Pan Am

There are rumours going around that the power company is going to cut the water flow down to 40% of what it is now so things aren’t looking good. On the other hand it might allow us to discover a new spot to play with record low water levels. Keep an eye here to see what happens.