Whitewater NS –

Blog: 2026 Bangs Falls Whitewater Festival

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

2026 Bangs Falls Whitewater Festival - May 2nd

Registration opens Friday April 10th!

What is Bangs Falls Whitewater Festival?

For over a decade, Bangs Falls Whitewater Festival, set on the beautiful Medway River, has been a feature of the Nova Scotia whitewater community’s spring season. Whether you’re a regular whitewater paddler or newer to the scene, it’s time to come together, celebrate the longer days and warmer temperatures, and get on the river!

The day is designed to offer something for folks at a variety of different skill levels. A group river run for those with existing river skills, introductory clinics for flatwater paddlers who are keen to experience moving water and, new to this year, a bouncy ball rally race in the afternoon! Spectators, grab your popcorn.

Depending what you sign up for (see deets below!) your registration fee includes; the event, river run or clinic participation, instructors, race entry, a chance at winning fabulous prizes, gear and boat rental, and (almost) guaranteed good times! And probably some great snacks.

The event’s purpose is to bring the whitewater community together and provide opportunities to get on the river - no profit will be made and registration is priced to reflect that. We’re super grateful to be getting the generous support of Canoe Kayak Nova Scotia, Paddle Canada, Old Creel, Candlebox Kayaking - of which the event wouldn’t be possible without!

Registration opens at 9am on Friday 10th April.

Stoked to see you on the river!

Frequently Asked Questions:

What’s the schedule

Everyone

8:00 – Waiver’s and Safety Brief @ Bangs Falls

Kayak Intro Clinic participants

8:30 - Kayak Intro starts (Gear up and have some fun!)

River Run participants

9:00 - River Run Shuttle shuffle!

Everyone

15:00 - Bangs Falls Bouncy Ball Rally - For EVERYONE, spectators welcome!

Do I have to register?

Yes, because this is an organized event you must register and sign waivers to participate

What not to bring

Whitewater paddling requires your full focus and concentration. Therefore, all aspects of this event are substance free; so please leave any substances at home. If any leader believes that you may be under the influence of a substance you will not be able to participate in the event.

River Run - $40 Bring your own boat

What skills does someone have to have

All paddlers on the river run must have the following competencies

Comfort and control in Class II whitewater
For enclosed craft, or craft with skirts - experience and comfort wet exiting in current
Sufficient paddling skill in Class II water to maunever the boat as directed by event leaders

What types of craft are allowed

All craft that are built and intended for whitewater environments are welcome!

You must have the following equipment

Flotation sufficient to keep the craft above water if it flips
Sufficient structural components to maintain the safety of the paddler(s) (recreational kayaks do not qualify)

Event leaders reserve the right to refuse particpation if the craft is deemed to be unsafe.

What safety equipment must I have

All Transport Canada and Paddle Canada required safety equipment will be present on the paddle, all participants must have

PFD in good working order
Throwbag
Paddle
Whitewater Helmet (Other styles of helmets are not allowed)

Kayak Intro Clinic - $100 includes kayak, gear and a drysuit!

Who should join the Kayak Intro clinic

The clinic is intended for people who have paddled a kayak before, and are comfortable with a wet exit with a skirt on.

What to expect

You will spend 3-4 hours on the water with a Paddle Canada River Kayak instructor learning the basics of Whitewater Kayaking in a comfortable, fun and safe Class I environment! You will get wet, but don’t worry your fee includes a drysuit!

What do I need?

Clinic participants fee includes a full whitewater kayaking kit rental from Candlebox Kayaking! You just need to bring the following

2 Pairs of Clothes, on water should be non-cotton and warm enough for the water tempature
Snacks! - whitewater kayaking takes lots of energy, so bring snacks!

You will be close to your car(s) at all times, and extra clothing and snacks can be stored in them.

Blog: 2019 Bangs Falls Whitewater Festival

Mon, 07 Jan 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The Spring Medway River Throw-down is scheduled for Saturday April 6th starting at 10:00am, going until we get tired, hungry or cold. This event if FREE to any and all but space is limited, the schedule will be as follows:

9:00 – Breakfast at Greenfield Firehall – $8 / person 10:00 – Paperwork / Meet & Greet @ Greenfield Fire hall :: EVERYONE MUST ATTEND 11:00 – Introduction Instructional courses begin, space is limited 11:30 – 16:30 – River Run

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to Register? Yes, for insurance purposes there is limited space at the event, you must fill out the Google Form to register and hold your space, spaces are first come first serve. If you are unable to make it please let Karl (karl.vollmer@gmail.com) know as soon as possible so your space can be filled.

What type of personal clothing should I bring? The water will be cold, and we’ve even had snow some years so please bring cold water immersion gear, including a wind breaker, as well as an additional dry set of clothes for the end of the day. There is a semi-warm garage within a 2 min walk of the river if you get too cold.

Do I need to bring food? We strongly recommend you bring a decent number of snacks, you use extra energy when you are in cold water, and working hard (and having fun!). In addition to high protein/sugar snacks make sure to bring at least a liter of water with you, and a second one for after the river. A hot tea or hot coco is always nice at the end of the run as well.

What kind of Kayaking equipment do I need? This event will follow all Paddle Canada/CKC safety requirements, as such you will need the following gear: PFD, Paddle, Helmet approved for use in moving water, watertight skirt, whitewater kayak with sufficient reinforcement/buoyancy to prevent pins and entrapment. Instructors and trip leaders will have additional communication, safety and first aid equipment. If you do not have the required safety equipment you will not be allowed to participate.

Is X suitable for whitewater While the classes of water we will be running will be in Class I to III water for most of the day entrapment and pinning are ever present dangers in Whitewater. The general rule is that you don’t want to have anything that could get caught or stuck on a branch or rock, or anything that would limit your ability to wet exit from your kayak. Rope, Straps, pockets, gear dangling off of your PFD are all potential hazards in a moving water environment. E-mail karl.vollmer@gmail.com if you have questions about a specific piece of gear.

I don’t have X, but I still want to come E-mail karl.vollmer@gmail.com to inquire about what gear is available.

I don’t have a way to get there Most people will be coming from HRM so there will be ample carpooling oppertunities if you are able to get the Dalplex in Halifax. E-mail karl.vollmer@gmail.com if you need transportation and or post on the Facebook Event.

Is there food/gas nearby? Greenfield (~10min up the road) has a small convenience store and gas station.

Blog: 2018 Bangs Falls Whitewater Festival

Thu, 30 Nov 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The Spring Medway River Throw-down is scheduled for Saturday April 7th starting at 10:30am, going until we get tired, hungry or cold. This event if FREE to any and all, the schedule will be as follows:

10:30 – Paperwork/Meet&Greet @ Bangs Falls NS 11:00 – Introduction Instructional courses begin, space is limited 11:30 – 16:30 – River Run

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to Register? Yes, for insurance purposes there is limited space at the event, you must contact Karl Vollmer, karl.vollmer@gmail.com to register and hold your space, spaces are first come first serve. If you are unable to make it please let Karl know as soon as possible so your space can be filled.

What type of personal clothing should I bring? The water will be cold, and we’ve even had snow some years so please bring cold water immersion gear, including a wind breaker, as well as an additional dry set of clothes for the end of the day. There is a warm barn within a 2min walk of the river if you get too cold!

Is X suitable for whitewater While the classes will be in Class I/II water for most of the day entrapment and pinning are ever present dangers in Whitewater. The general rule is that you don’t want to have anything that could get caught or stuck on a branch or rock, or anything that would limit your ability to wet exit from your kayak. Rope, Straps, pockets, gear dangling off of your PFD are all potential hazards in a moving water environment. E-mail karl.vollmer@gmail.com if you have questions about a specific piece of gear.

I don’t have X, but I still want to come E-mail karl.vollmer@gmail.com to inquire about what gear is available.

Is there food/gas nearby? Greenfield (~10min up the road) has a small convenience store and gas station.

Blog: 2016 Bangs Falls Whitewater Festival

Tue, 15 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000

The Spring Medway River Throw-down is scheduled for Saturday March 26th starting at noon, going until we get tired, hungry or cold. This event if FREE to any and all, the schedule will be as follows:

11:30 – Paperwork/Meet&Greet @ Bangs Falls NS 12:00 – Introduction Instructional courses begin, space is limited 12:30 – 16:30 – River Run 16:30 – World Kayak Throw-down at PerfectWave/FisherHole, water levels depending Frequently Asked Questions:

What type of personal clothing should I bring? The water will be cold, and we’ve even had snow some years so please bring cold water immersion gear, including a wind breaker, as well as an additional dry set of clothes for the end of the day. There is a warm barn within a 2min walk of the river if you get too cold!

I don’t have X, but I still want to come CKNS and the regional outfitters have banded together to try to help. We have an assortment of gear available (first come) for free, and then after that some outfitters have gear available for rent. E-mail karl.vollmer@gmail.com to inquire about what gear is available.

Is there food/gas nearby? Greenfield (~10min up the road) has a small convenience store and gas station.

Event possible thanks to the support of

Canoe Kayak Nova Scotia – Event Insurance, Boats & Gear KayakNS – Instruction, transportation, Boats & Gear East Coast Outfitters – Gear Candlebox Kayaking – Instruction & Gear

Blog: 2015 Bangs Falls Whitewater Festival

Mon, 23 Feb 2015 00:00:00 +0000

The Spring Medway River Throw-down is scheduled for Saturday June 6th starting at noon, going until we get tired, hungry or cold. This event if FREE to any and all, the schedule will be as follows:

What type of personal clothing should I bring? The water will be cold, and we’ve even had snow some years so please bring cold water immersion gear, including a wind breaker, as well as an additional dry set of clothes for the end of the day. There is a warm barn within a 2min walk of the river if you get too cold!

Is there food/gas nearby? Greenfield (~10min up the road) has a small convenience store and gas station, Marc Richard (Canadian Kayaking Team member) will also be fund-raising for the Canadian Team through the sale of BBQ’d things!

Sponsors (so far!)

Canoe Kayak Nova Scotia (CKNS) Committed 2 the Core Sea kayak coaching East Coast Outfitters KayakNS World Kayak