Coming back for the 49th year, is the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority’s Sydenham Canoe and Kayak Race. The race originally began in 1974, and has missed a few years due to high water levels, plus two years due to the pandemic in 2020 and 2021. Donna Blue, Manager of Communications at SCRCA tells myFM water levels are good this year, so the race is on.
There is a fee of $10. You must have your own canoe or kayak with a whistle, bailer, and 50 ft of rope. Blue says the race is good for recreational and competitive paddlers. For the more competitive paddlers, there is a 16km and 12km race. For people who would like to take it a little slower, Blue says there is an option for you as well.
The race will start at 11:30 am, registration the day of starts at 10 am and ends at 11 am. There is a shuttle bus as well. You can drop your kayak or canoe off at the starting line (on Mosside Rd. by County Road 79 in Dawn-Euphemia) and drive to the finish line at the Shetland Conservation Area (on Bentpath Line). A shuttle will take you back to the starting line.
This race is recognized by the Ontario Canoe and Kayak Racing Association (OMCKRA) as an official race. All the proceeds from the race will go towards the SCRCA Conservation Education program that runs through the school year, says Blue.
Last year, about 70 paddlers came out to the race. In pre-covid years, there would be upwards of 100 boats in the Sydenham River. last year, over $5000 was raised. The SCRCA is hoping to surpass that number this year. If you know someone who may be in the race, you can also sponsor them.
Commemorative t-shirts will be available for $15. Beverages will also be provided by local organizations at both the start and finish.
For more information and to register online, please visit https://www.scrca.on.ca/ and go to the ‘events’ tab.
written by: K. Close
