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The ice wall
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We landed in Kangiqsujuaq late on a Monday afternoon.
This time, Marc Henry, a paraski racer and a Hydro-Quebec worker based in Valleyfield, and Remi Baril, a youth health program
manager, have joined me to make of this camp a kick off for the coming spring season.
Since the weather was nice and windy, we got to ride across Wakeham Bay to see the 20-foot ice wall formed at low tide.
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Discovering new downhill potential
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On the bay, the morning period was dedicated to Arsaniq seven school's stars of the week.
Although the wind was very light, those who came down on the bay had fun with these sails and skis.
Some of them took the time to learn some basic knowledge in GPS navigation with Mark Henry.
Since there was no wind on Saturday, we went out in the afternoon to explore the eastern Mountain and
look for some interesting downhill runs. I have not tried that one yet with Jimmy, the unicycle guy from
Salluit. We discovered a radical place, with a snow covered slope that progressively plunges in the bay like
the five fingers of the hand. As you go down, the angle increases and becomes fairly steep.
You can only see 100 feet in front ant 100 feet back. Half way down, and all the way to the end,
the snow changes into a hard wind pack, and ends up into carved stair cases. A little too early for that
one right now, better wait until spring. Mark Henry and I affectionately called this ride the triple
black lozenge. As we discover Kangiqsujuaq surroundings, we believe there is a lot of potential
for some dynamic outdoor activities, for local residents as well as visitors.
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35Km/h wind with 50km gusts
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On Sunday, the wind picked up at 10km/h and quickly reached 25km/h.
This long awaited gust rapidly attracted some young local passionates such as James and Popykaqtuk who were
dedicated to learn this new sport, as well as visitors such as Charlie Munick from Kangiqsualujjuuaq, and
other Ungava cup participants taking a break for the morning who also had the chance to try it out. All got to
feel the excitement of wind, sail power and speed runs on the large and flat bay of Wakeham.
At noon, the wind increased to 35km, enough for the hunter and expert paraskier Lukasi Tukirqi who
just loves it when it's windy. Carver Eze Saggiak also came down for his first try and certainly not the last.
In less than one hour, he was racing down with Lukasi along the ice wall at the other end of the bay.
We also had the visit of Peter Qisiq, the Kangiqsuajuaq team captain who came down for a little warm up
before winning the Ungava Cup Hockey finals later in the afternoon.
Up to 15 people came down to enjoy the strong wind and the cold weather that was slowly coming back.
Overall, about 55 people got to train in paraski over the week. A good stimulating session to kick off the
spring season in the community.
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