The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) and St. Clair Region Conservation Foundation (SCRCF) will host the Sydenham River Canoe and Kayak Race on Sunday, April 28th. This event aims to gather funds for conservation education programs in the St. Clair Region watershed and to showcase the Sydenham River’s natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
The race, sanctioned by the Ontario Marathon Canoe Kayak Racing Association, offers eleven classes and three race lengths to suit both competitive and casual paddlers. The race begins at Mosside Line, west of Country Road 79, with shuttle service provided between the start and finish lines from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. All races end at Shetland Conservation Area on Lambton County Road 2.
Registration is available online until April 24, 2024, and in-person registration can be done on the race day from 10:00 am to 11:00 am (cash-only). The registration fee is $10.00 per person, and refreshments can be purchased at the start and finish lines (cash-only).
Race classes include various categories like Recreation, Lazy River, VIP, Touring (for paddlers over 50), and more. Participants can seek sponsorships for the race to support SCRCA’s conservation education initiatives. Winners of each race and top fundraisers will receive trophies.
Participants must bring their own canoe or kayak with safety equipment like a whistle, bailer, and 50 feet of rope. Each paddler must wear an approved Personal Floatation Device (PFD) or life jacket. In case of bad weather, check local radio stations, call (519) 384-0735, or follow SCRCA’s social media for updates.
A rain date for the 2024 race is set for the following Sunday, May 5, 2024.
Written by: C. Soares