Speed River Paddling

Our final weekend is upon us and we are renting boats Saturday 10am-7pm and Sunday 7am-7pm.

To send our thanks for all the kindness and support this season, Local Paddling Pass holders can redeem an hour rental both Saturday and Sunday, and the general public is invited to paddle at whatever price works for them (Pay What You Can) all weekend!

Open at 7am on Sunday for Early Morning Paddling for anyone looking to enjoy a cool, crispy and quiet time on the river. See you out on the water!

We said Tuesday was going to be special and we meant it! Along with our two paddling clinic sessions (solo & tandem canoeing), we will also be operating pay what you can rentals ALL DAY (Tuesday August 22nd)! Even better, all proceeds from the day will go to our clinic partners .

Hoping for some excellent weather and lots of fun. Spread the word and stop by for a visit!

Pay what you can MINI night paddling! 🌙

A casual evening of self-guided paddling. The boats light up the river as the sun goes down. Featuring on the water live music!

- 30 minute pwyc rentals on all boats (feel free to message us to secure your preferred time slot)
- paddle from The Boathouse to Gow’s Bridge
- all boats returned by 9:30pm
-all visitors earn their own moon badge or sticker
- all are welcome! 💜

☀️🛶$15 SPECIAL🛶☀️

The return of the early morning paddling special! This Sunday we will be open at 7am to offer $15/hr (or pay what you can) canoes and kayaks. Just arrive at our site and sign up before 10am to secure this early bird special (and earn your free sunrise badge). We will be operating first come first served and availability may be limited so come out early (it really is the best time of day)!

🌟EARN BADGES!🌟
The official release of our badges (or stickers) that can be earned, in some cases, just for showing up! How neat is that?

We have 3 new badges that correspond with different events or experiences and they can be earned just for paddling with us.

☀️Sunrise - Early Bird:
Earn by attending early morning paddling. Typically hosted once a week on Sundays @ 7am, enjoy a quieter time on the river and earn the adorable sunrise badge (or sticker). Just sign up before 10am on the applicable dates to earn your own. Check our Instagram highlight ‘Schedule’ for upcoming dates.

🛶 Heron - Explorer/Stewardship:
Earn our main heron badge in many different ways!
- Explore the entire paddleable river and snap a selfie at the end (Map #15)
- Lil’ Explorer Bingo (for Kids & Adults)
- Attend a free/by donation Weekly Paddling Clinic, explore a new skill and support the (every Tuesday)
- Acts of kindness, community care and environmental stewardship (spread some joy and compassion in the community!)

🌝 Moon - Nighthawk:
Earn by attending one of our evening events including:
- Guided night paddling
- MINI night paddling
- Practice + Paddle in partnership with Laura from .laura

It’s our goal to help spread some added excitement and fun to your paddling experience. These badges are just a small reward for exploring a small part of Guelph’s beauty, appreciating the nature, pushing your own boundaries to try something new, or just experiencing the area through a new lens.

Our final total for our Canoe for a Cure has come in and we are elated to announce we raised over $6,000! Last week’s event was full of emotions, connecting with so many people in our community that have been impacted by esophageal cancer and cancer on a whole. Needless to say, our family continues to be blown away by the generosity of the community and truly humbled by all the kindness spread via messages and conversations we were able to have.

Thank you 💜 Guelph for stopping by to paddle and donate, and thank you to all that weren’t able to be there in person, but showed up by donating online.

A big thank you to Meghan and Sheila for their help organizing the event, and their strength to tell Larry’s story and spread awareness for early detection and diagnosis.

Thanks to for helping host the event and their awesome staff for showing their support by organizing a team paddle and donations.

Pay what you can MINI night paddling? 🌙

A casual evening of self-guided paddling. The boats light up the river as the sun goes down. Featuring on the water live music!

- 30 minute pwyc rentals on all boats
- paddle from The Boathouse to Gow’s Bridge
- all boats returned by 9:30pm
-all visitors earn their own moon badge or sticker
- all are welcome! 💜
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Upcoming event schedules announced!

The next Early morning paddling is TOMORROW (July 21 @ 7am). Local Paddling Pass holders can claim a free hour by signing up before 10am.

Next week we will host a mini night paddle featuring lights on the boats and music on the water.

This Saturday we are also hosting our Canoe for a Cure, if you aren’t able to attend please check out our donation/event page, all donations are so greatly appreciated:
https://fundraisemyway.cancer.ca/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.personalCampaign&participantID=2320

Speed River Paddling invites you to participate in the Canoe for a Cure memorial fundraiser on Saturday July 22nd. All proceeds from rental and merchandise sales will be donated to The Canadian Cancer Society to support the fight against esophageal cancer.

Speed River Paddling is a family owned and operated small business. It has been a great summer job for myself, my sisters, and cousins. In March of this year our family lost a big part of its heart when we had to say goodbye to my uncle Larry, who lost his battle with esophageal cancer. Larry was 67 years old and the heart of our family. He was kind, generous, and very humble. Fiercely handy, he was always eager to lend his expertise on any project. He will always be remembered for his sense of humour especially his one-liners that brought laughter to all of our family occasions. It’s this kindness, generosity and ability to make us laugh that inspires us to raise funds to fight esophageal cancer in his memory.

The early signs of esophageal cancer are easily confused with other ailments. By the time Larry’s diagnosis was confirmed it was too late for him. He became focused on looking for ways he could help others beat this horrible disease. He wanted everyone to be more aware of the early signs of detection and to support research efforts for treatments that save lives and someday hopefully discover a cure.

If you’re able, please help our family, help Larry, with the fight against esophageal cancer. Join us on July 22nd. Come down and go for a paddle, buy a raffle ticket or make a donation at our location or our online fundraiser page. Every one of our actions will help in the fight against esophageal cancer.

Sincerely,
Greg Mungall
Speed River Paddling

Online donation page: https://fundraisemyway.cancer.ca/campaign/Canoe-for-a-Cure

☀️SUNNY DAYS DEMAND HATS☀️

New colours and designs available now! Which is your favourite? Let us know!

$30 each, available exclusively on location.

Thanks and of course for the awesome designs

We have been quietly revealing these logos in our posts this season and it’s time to send the biggest thanks to the artist behind the designs.

Abby!

Abby is a q***r interdisciplinary artist and art educator driven by curiosity and kindness. A talented printmaker, illustrator, and handpoke tattoo artist; they spread advocacy for care with all they do. They are also an avid paddler of a truly awesome canoe.

Formerly based in Guelph, Abby helped bring the next phase of our small business to life. They took a simple concept for the three logos and went above and beyond to inspire and excite our next steps.

We are so grateful to work with an artist that directly inspires our care for this community and environment. Abby, thank you for your kindness, care and creative spirit. We can’t wait to feature your designs in new formats very soon!

Please follow Abby , send some love and check out their website/shop poorthingdesigns.com

Pay what you can (pwyc) mini night paddling?

A casual evening of self-guided paddling. The boats light up the river as the sun goes down.

- 30 minute pwyc rentals on all boats
- paddle from The Boathouse to Gow’s Bridge
- all boats returned by 9:45pm
- all are welcome! 💜

Weekly paddling clinics are back! Starting next Tuesday June 20th - 6pm-7pm. We are partnering up with the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library to provide weekly paddling clinics. These are free / by donation clinics and all are welcome! Any money donated will go to supporting the amazing work being done by the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library to reduce access barriers, create community and provide resources and education for the BIPOC community in our area.

Our aim for these weekly clinics is to provide a judgement free channel for new paddlers to safely access the equipment, space and welcoming environment to try out a new outdoor skill. These clinics are geared for first time or novice paddlers to learn both canoe safety and basic paddling strokes. Clinic participants can expect to spend 10-15 minutes of the guided session on land learning the basics of the equipment, safety, followed by on the water lesson and practice for the remainder of the hour. To sign up please email [email protected] or message Speed River Paddling () via Instagram/Facebook. Please let us know if you'd have any questions and hope we get to see you out on the water!

Lots of new faces and followers lately! Welcome! Allow us to re-introduce ourselves:

Speed River Paddling is a family-owned and operated small business that has been running from this spot for 18 years! Over this time we have slowly grown, adding staff and building connections within our community.

The following includes the mission and values of our company, as well as our guiding principles. We also feel strongly about acknowledging that the land we reside on is not our own, and we seek to continue to acknowledge the history Indigenous peoples have in this area through our daily operations, partnerships, and long-term goals.

You may have noticed our new logo, we have been freshening up and introducing a new look and new ideas! Stay tuned for more details on paddling clinics, morning and night paddles, merch, partnerships and much more!

We also want to thank this community for your support over the last 18 years, we love Guelph and all those that come to visit!

Early morning paddling dates for the rest of the month!

Local Paddling Pass members get a free hour of paddling early mornings on weekdays and weekends 😊

So excited by all the positive feedback to bring back early morning paddling!

It is a little last minute to officially announce, so we thought we’d say thanks by offering pay what you can (PWYC) pricing for tomorrow Sunday June 4th.

We will operate first come first served, just swing by and sign up before 10am to apply this offer!

Local Paddling Pass holders can redeem one hour free tomorrow morning and every early morning this season.

Starting May 17th are open daily 10am-8pm! Our season will run until at least the end of September!

Now taking bookings for weekdays via direct message on Instagram & Facebook, in-person or email:
[email protected]

*3 boat minimum required for bookings, 48 hours notice required to book, weekends and holidays we operate first come first served.

Tomorrow paddling will be by donation in recognition of Nation Day for Truth and Reconciliation through Anishnabeg Outreach. Tomorrow and beyond listen, learn, amplify and heal.

‘Healing is about moving forward, finding new futures, creating possibilities, alliances and partnerships. Healing opens many doors and windows of opportunities.’
-Anishnabeg Outreach

Tomorrow will also be pay-what-you-can (pwyc) in support of The Grove Hubs, where youth can find a safe space to access mental health and wellness services.

The Grove Hubs] provide space to find belonging and compassion which is needed now more than ever. The Grove Hubs operate in Guelph and the surrounding area with 4 hubs open and 3 hubs in the works, connecting youth with over 30 community agencies and hundreds of youth ambassadors/volunteers. Your paddling will help support the hubs and the youth in our communities. Please consider stopping by for a paddle where 100% of your pwyc rental will go to The Grove Hubs] or donate directly to www.thegrovehubs.ca/donate.

An unlucky run of weather has kept the boats off the water the last few days. With this being our last week of our season we are returning tomorrow (Sept 28th) with pay-what-you-can canoe and kayak rentals all day long. 100% of donations will go to our friends at the .

The final free/by donation paddling clinic will also be happening from 5:30-6:30pm if you’d like to learn canoeing basics in a safe & open environment. Sign up by messaging us on Instagram or Facebook (8 spots remain!). These clinics have been an amazing opportunity to connect, learn, teach and help build community this season. Can’t wait for more next year 💙

To celebrate the end of our season (in partnership with the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library) we will be hosting pay-what you-can paddling for the next two Tuesdays alongside our weekly paddling clinics. We will operate first come first served, no sign up, booking or payment is required. If you are able to donate, 100% of the proceeds from the remaining clinics and pay-what-you-can rentals will go to the . All are invited and welcome to paddle, learn and hang out in a judgement free environment!

☀️🛶$10 SPECIAL🛶☀️

The return of the early morning paddling special! This Sunday we will be open at 7am to offer $10/hr canoes and kayaks. Just arrive at our site and sign up before 10am to secure this early bird special. We will be operating first come first served and availability may be limited so come out early (it really is the best time of day)!

🛶NEW HOURS🛶
Starting today we will now be open until 7pm. As the sun goes down earlier we will adjust our close time until the season is done. We also plan to continue being open daily until the end of September. Thanks for all the community kindness this summer and best of luck on all your fall aspirations 💙

The number one question being asked these days: how much longer is your season?

We are always happy to reply: “We will be open daily until at least the end of September (weather permitting).”

We really want you to get the most out of your summer!

☀️🛶$10 SPECIAL🛶☀️

This weekend we will be open both Saturday and Sunday at 7am to offer $10/hr canoes and kayaks. Just arrive at our site and sign up before 10am to secure this early bird special. We will be operating first come first served and availability may be limited so come out early (it really is the best time of day)!

Just a small way for us to start saying thanks for all the community kindness and support this season 💙

Free/by donation weekly paddling clinics continue this fall in partnership with the ! 100% of donations go to the BIPOC Outdoor Gear Library programs and initiatives - please check them out and donate if you can!

Tonight’s paddling clinic is full but we have started sign ups for the next three Tuesdays (Aug 30, Sept 6, Sept 13). Clinic start times will vary as we continue later in the season 👀. Please send us a direct message or email [email protected] to sign up!

🛶WE’RE HIRING🛶
Want to join our team of friendly river enthusiasts? If you’re interest in joining our team please reach out and submit your resume to [email protected]
As some our crew heads out to school this fall we have a hole that we are certain can be filled by an enthusiastic and upbeat individual for the remainder of our season (~end of September). This role would be a part time role (20-30hrs) primarily working afternoon/evening and weekend shifts.

Tickets for our next night paddle will go on sale this evening at 8pm. Join us on a guided paddle of the Speed/Eramosa rivers on Friday August 5th at 7pm. The paddle will begin at dusk and as the sun goes down, the boats will light up for a special evening on the water. Tickets will be available via the link - https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/night-paddle-on-the-speed-tickets-393982390937?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&__hstc=58577909.90aa6365fa45b9387ee42ba2b0faadd6.1659392166496.1659392166496.1659392166496.1&__hsfp=2633229714&__hssc=58577909.2.1659392166496&keep_tld=1

This event is open to the public so please spread the word and come join us on the water. All are welcome!

Announcing new dates for early morning paddling! Including all long weekend (Sat. July 30, Sun. July 31 & Mon. August 1st). Beat the heat and the weekend rush.

Local Paddling Pass holders can get a free hour on each of these dates, and all other early morning paddling sessions for the rest of our season.

Speed River Paddling updated their website address.

Night paddles are back this Thursday July 21st! Enjoy a guided paddle of the Speed/Eramosa river. The paddle will begin at dusk and as the sun goes down, the boats will light up for a magical evening on the water. Tickets will go on sale tonight at 5pm via the link in our bio.

This event is open to the public so feel free to spread the word and join us on the water. All are welcome!

Attention Guelph! This week we are introducing one of the most requested additions to our services. The Local Paddling Pass! This pass give you all the benefits below:

- Free paddling Monday-Thursday - 1 hr/day (1 canoe or kayak)
- Free Early Morning Paddling - 1 hr (select dates - including weekends 7am-10am)
- $10 off night paddle tickets

These passes are:
- $100 / family or household
- Sold on location - next to The Boathouse
- Limited number available
- Currently only available for Guelph residents

We are so excited to offer this new service for people looking to explore their passion for paddling, get outside and regularly appreciate the nature of these waterways. Please message us if you have any questions. See you on the water!

Let’s get more out of summer!
Introducing - Early morning paddling!

Starting TOMORROW at 7am and on select days this summer, join us for a quieter time on the river. You’re likely to see more wildlife, avoid the afternoon sun, and experience the calm of early mornings on the water.

A huge thank you goes out to the amazing team from yesterday’s microplastic river clean up! Every little bit counts but there is still work to do in helping keep our waterways clean and healthy. Stay tuned for info about more clean-ups in the near future and how to sign up to volunteer. Also check out the link in our bio to learn more about nurdles (microplastics) in our local rivers.

Special thanks to .loot for leading this initiative and Troy Bridgeman from Guelph Today for the photos and article.