WHEN: August 15-16
WHERE: Bon Echo Provincial Park and ACC Toronto Section Hut
DESCRIPTION: Are you ready to test yourself with a paddle, a climb, and a swim beneath the most spectacular cliff in Ontario? The Epic ACC Triathlon returns to Bon Echo — and this year we’re taking it back to the roots.
The event is named for where it begins and ends — and this year it’s Hut to Hut, start to finish on Mazinaw Lake with no long bike ride to get here. Participants compete in pairs with the start and finish at the ACC Bon Echo hut, paddling to the wall the way following the original tradition.
To complete the full triathlon, participants will do the following:
- Both canoe from the hut to the base of the first climb, securing the canoe at the base of the climb.
- Climb and complete the agreed upon multi-pitch route with one participant leading all pitches.
- Once summitted, travel to, and rappel at either known descents: Turtle Rock or Birthday Ridge.
- After rappelling, one participant swims back to the canoe, and paddles over to pick up their partner.
- Both canoe to the second climb.
- Climb and complete a second agreed upon multi-pitch route with the other participant leading
- After summitting, once again travel to, and rappel at either descent.
- The other participant swims back to the canoe, and paddles over to pick up their partner.
- Both canoe back to the hut.
In sum, two climbs, two swims, and a canoe to and from the hut — each partner takes a turn on the ‘sharp’ end, and a turn in the water; exactly what climbers did here for decades before boating became the norm. Canoe, climb and swim; back to the roots.
Set your own challenge: You and your partner can pick your climbing route, rappel line, and the lengths to swim based on the objective; go long for a proper crossing, or take a line that leaves you just a few metres of swimming.
Swimming is not a barrier: Strong swimmers, nervous swimmers, and everyone in between can take part – PFDs will not count against you. Scoring is based on all aspects of the event!
The duathlon variant: Prefer to skip the swim? You can still participate for the paddle and the climb.
MAX PARTICIPANTS: This is an inclusive event and everyone is welcome to give it a try! Space is limited to 20 participants (10 pairs), so don’t wait to claim your spot.
COST: Free with exception of canoe rental (where necessary). Rentals will be made through Bon Echo Provincial Park following their rates and conditions.
TRIP LEADER(S):
To sign up or ask questions, email Mark Fingerhuth at markfingerhuth@protonmail.com.
Given that this event is held at Bon Echo, there is also a dedicated custodian: Martin Suichies
REQUIRED GEAR:
Climbing: helmet (mandatory), harness (mandatory), shoes, belay/rappel device and locking carabiner, rope, trad rack, anchor materials, other gear (e.g. nut tool, prussik, tether, etc)
Swimming: swim buoy, swimming clothing, towel, etc.
Canoeing: canoe, paddles, personal floatation devices (i.e. life jackets), bailing kit; *all provided if rented.
Personal: water, lunch & snacks, bug spray, day pack, approach shoes, etc.
TRIP HAZARDS:
- Communication and Rescue
- Falls and Belaying
- General Hazards
- Rockfall, Terrain
- Boating/Watercraft