"Rock The River" 2001 (and be sure to check out the pictures of Phase2)

The "Rock the River" project is more than just placing a rock in river. It began with a vision to create a whitewater park in the Yukon River that would accommodate all levels of paddlers in kayaks and canoes. Over the years, it has also expanded to look at the entire river from the dam to the bridge. The creation of the Spin Wave, the Robert Service Slalom and the cleaning-up of the Intake are all part of this vision. This vision is slowly becoming a reality.

This reality is not as simple as was first envisioned. We can not just go and drop a rock here and there and magically waves and hole will appear. We need to study, design and test various ideas. We are also required to have the appropriate licensing and permits, and need to raise funds and develop partnerships with various stakeholders to make this vision a reality.

Let's have a quick look at where Rock the River is Today:

• We have a multiyear water license, that has allowed us to place a few obstacles in the river to test out the feasibility of creating a hole.
• We have a spin wave/hole that works!
• We have an intake that is safe, clean, and showing very good potential for an awesome beginner wave.
• We have credibility with the community that we can create features in the river without environmental concerns!!!

Hey!! Guess what? WE Can Do All This And More!!!!

But it takes time and it takes volunteer commitment!

We have some very dedicated and hard-working people who have committed many hours to this project and to the overall operation of the Yukon Canoe and Kayak Club, without which, Rock the River would not be possible. It would be impossible to name all the individuals that have contributed to this project over the last five years, as I would surely miss a bunch� Thanks to all of you, your help is what makes it happen. Working with you has been great!!

We have a lot of work left to do and we need all the help we can get. So, all you paddlers who have not had the opportunity to give us a hand but enjoy the fruits of our labour, now is your chance to help out. Give me a call 633-2297 and I will put you to work.

Thanks again to all the people who have put in the effort to make the club work and a special thanks to executive for taking the lead.

There will be a Rock the river meeting in early September so keep your ears open for the date.

Thanks again,

Vernon Beebe
Director, Rock The River

Please select an article below, or read on.

In February 2001, the Canadian Coast Guard granted their approval for our modifications to the existing obstructions in the river.  Pictures of that effort will be online soon.

Oct.. 23, 1998 - THE ROCKS ARE IN THE RIVER! - and the project's overview.

July 29, 1998 Another article from the Whitehorse Star on July 29th outlines the current situation

Lotteries Yukon donates to local sporting groups

[ AERIAL PHOTO of site | The former Whitehorse Rapids | Whitehorse Star article, January 5, 1998 | Yukon News article January 14, 1998 ]

RETURN TO TOP