For all of you current junkies visiting western Newfoundland, a great place to practice your trade is at the tidal outflow at the small community of Parsons Pond, located just a few kilometres past the north boundary of Gros Morne National Park.
The narrow channel running from the bridge crossing route 430 to the ocean is only a kilometre long but it is only a few hundred feet across at its widest point and features a steady 3 knot current during the big tides of the month. It is a fun place to practice ferry angles and ferry gliding and a very safe environment to practice rescues and rolls in a moderate current.
East of the bridge it is 2km to the inner narrows and another 7km to the end of the pond if you are in the mood for a moderate day paddle. When I was here paddling I elected to forego the paddle up the pond in favour of staying in the channel to play in the current a bit longer.
This is a safe and easy place to play around and get used to handling a sea kayak in current, although you should always use good judgment and only go out with experienced paddlers who can effectively manage a rescue in moving water. Always remember to place a boat downstream and wear your helmet!
Ryan Young
Newfoundland Editor
Directions:
Turn off of route 430 at the Parsons Pond lounge and follow the road to a small slipway at the end
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