A Sydenham River canoe and kayak race went ahead this year despite less than ideal conditions, and amid a recent history of cancellationslocal conservation authority officials say.
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“It was a soggy start” to race day Sunday “but it didn’t dampen the spirits of close to 70 canoe and kayak enthusiasts,” St. Clair Region Conservation Authority officials said in a release.
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The Sydenham River Canoe and Kayak Race has been canceled more often than not in recent years by high water levels, the COVID-19 pandemic and substantial rainfall, officials said.
For the first time, a rain date was set, for May 5, but wasn’t needed.
This year’s event, co-hosted by the authority and its foundation, also raised $3,800 for conservation education programs.
The last successful race in 2022 also attracted about 70 paddlers and raised $5,000 for authority programs.
Authority chair Pat Brown and board member Emery Huszka received the top fundraiser award this year, officials said.
The race featured 11 classes and three lengths. Six classes were recognized by the Ontario Marathon Canoe and Kayak Racing Association, and race results are available at scrca.on.ca.
“We were pleased with the number of paddlers, both competitive and recreational, that came out to take part in the race,” the authority’s Melissa Levi said in the release.
“Everyone was prepared for the rainy conditions and enjoyed getting out on the water.”
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