The Global Paddling Community

Playspot: Canada, Manitoba, Winnipeg, Winnipeg River, Sturgeon Falls.

What's it like

Sturgeon Falls offer half a dozen outstanding surfing waves. Some of the waves are breaking waves, others are more holes, and one is a ledge causing a hole. This is a safe place to play. Since there are several waves to surf on you can choose the stickyness you desire. There is a good eddy to rest in that sets you up to catch the wave. On river right there is a smaller but sticky hole. The water is cool on the Winnipeg River. Drytop, skull cap, and pogies are a good idea till the weather and water warms up at the end of May or early June.

How to get there

Approximately 90 minutes from Winnipeg. For Sturgeon Falls from Winnipeg you need to get to highway 44. Do this by exiting Winnipeg on highway 15 or 59. If on highway 15 turn north (left) on to highway 12 to the junction of 44. If on highway 44 just follow it to the junction of highway 44. Head east on highway 44 and turn north (left) onto highway 11. Turn east or right onto highway 307, this road takes you into Whiteshell Provincial Park. Small fee payable at the park gate. Sturgeon Falls is 33 km from the junction of highways 11 and 307. If you are traveling from Ontario turn north off of the Trans Canada at West Hawk Lake (highway 44) turn north again at highway 307. Follow the 307 until Nutimik Lake. At Nutimik Lake turn north at the boat launch/campsite sign and follow the road for a short distance to the parking lot at the lake. Park and gear up. The play spot is short paddle to the right, about 1 km. There are outhouses at the parking lot.

More info

• [mail address protected from spambots with javascript] : +1-204-772-3134
• [mail address protected from spambots with javascript] : +1-204-754-2651
• Andrew Macdonald: +1-204-642-5354
• Richard Helbig: +1-204-895-8906
• Terry Bugera: +1-204-233-8230
• Mick Lautt: +1-204-775-1124

All of the guys above are members of the Manitoba Whitewater Club and have their thumb on Sturgeon so to say.

WAVpaddling runs CRCA certified courses at Sturgeon.

Web-site to check water levels at Nutimik Lake for Sturgeon Falls: http://www.lwcb.ca/waterflowdata.html.

Locals

Watch out for the odd motor boat or fisherman. Often the put-in has day use people using the beach area.

Info sources

[mail address protected from spambots with javascript]