Location:
Petawawa River, Village of Petawawa, Ontario, Canada
Access Point: Via North Street, opposite the golf course
Site Overview
Maximum Depth:
- 35 feet (10.7 meters)
Optimal Diving Depth:
- 10 to 20 feet (3 to 6 meters)
Site Description:
The dive site is located in the pool below the last set of rapids on the Petawawa River, adjacent to a golf course. This area is accessed via North Street, and it offers a diverse and intriguing underwater environment with multiple features to explore.
Key Features:
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Shallow Platform:
- Depth: 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters)
- Description: A shallow platform extends approximately 40 meters from shore. This platform is ideal for initial descent and offers easy entry into the site. It serves as a good staging area for the dive.
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Clay Wall:
- Height: 3 to 6 feet (0.9 to 1.8 meters)
- Description: Located at the edge of the shallow platform, the clay wall marks the first drop-off into deeper water. This feature is a highlight for divers, with its varying height and the potential for interesting underwater exploration.
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Upstream Terrain:
- Description: Swimming upstream from the clay wall takes you across a gradually changing landscape. The terrain transitions from washed sandy areas to gravelly patches, and eventually to bouldery and rocky regions near the base of the rapids. The variability of the substrate makes this part of the dive particularly engaging.
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Downstream Area:
- Description: Swimming downstream from the clay wall, you’ll encounter a tangle of submerged logs over a washed sandy bottom. This area is rich in aquatic life, with many fish taking refuge among the logs. Divers should be cautious of lost fishing lures that are often caught in the logs.
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Far Side of the Pool:
- Description: The bottom on the far side of the pool is darker and varies between rocky, sandy, and bark-covered areas. The bark remnants are a legacy of decades of logging activity on the river. This area is also littered with dozens of golf balls from the adjacent golf course, adding an unusual aspect to the dive.
Currents:
- Description: The river current at this site can be highly variable, with occasional surges that increase both the velocity and direction of the water flow. Divers should be prepared for these sudden changes, which can make navigation more challenging, especially near the base of the rapids.
Visibility:
- Typical: Visibility is generally good, although it can vary depending on recent weather conditions and water levels.
Marine Life:
- Description: The site is home to a variety of freshwater fish species, including bass and other river fish. The logs and rocky areas provide excellent habitats, and divers can expect to encounter a good amount of aquatic life during their dive.
Safety and Hazards:
- Currents: Be aware of the potential for strong and changing currents, particularly near the rapids.
- Fishing Lures: Lost lures caught in the logs can pose a hazard.
- Golf Balls: The golf balls scattered across the bottom present no real hazard but are an unusual feature to watch out for.
Conclusion:
The Petawawa River Pool offers a dynamic and varied dive environment that caters to a range of interests. Whether you’re exploring the clay wall, navigating the changing terrain upstream, or investigating the log tangle downstream, there’s plenty to see and experience. The site’s accessibility and diverse underwater features make it a worthwhile destination for divers looking to explore the river’s hidden treasures.
