![Sydenham River Canoe and Kayak Race](https://www.scrca.on.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/slide_canoerace.jpg)
When
Where
Mosside Line, Cairo, Ontario
Supporting Outdoor Education
Date: Sunday, April 28, 2024
Shuttles, Race Prep, and Registration: 10:00 am to 11:00 am
Race Briefing: 11:20 am
Races Start: 11:30 am
Registration Fee – $10.00 (Online Registration is now closed. Cash-only registration available day of the Event)
RAIN DATE – Sunday, May 5, 2024
Race RouteFundraising Pledge FormFlyer
The St. Clair Region Conservation Authority and Foundation are pleased to hold the Sydenham River Canoe and Kayak Race on Sunday, April 28, 2024.
Canoeists, whether they’re competitive or fun-loving will enjoy the Sydenham River Canoe and Kayak Race, which serves as a fundraiser for the SCRCA’s Conservation Education program.
The race begins on Mosside Road, just west of County Road 79, north of Cairo and features 11 classes and three different race lengths. All classes finish at the Shetland Conservation area on Lambton County Road 2. The race is recognized by the Ontario Marathon Canoe and Kayak Racing Association. Participants must supply their own canoe or kayak and safety gear.
Race Classes
16 km Races
*16-kilometre classes consist of a 4.5 km upstream paddle and an 11.5 km downstream paddle.
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- Pro C2 Men – OMCKRA recognized canoe race (two males)
- Pro C2 Mixed – OMCKRA recognized canoe race (1 male, 1 female)
- Fast Kayak – OMCKRA recognized race (1 person, any gender)
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12 km Races
*12-kilometre classes consist of a 2.5 km upstream paddle and a 9.5 km downstream paddle.
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- Rec Tandem Men – OMCKRA recognized canoe race (two males)
- Rec Tandem Mixed – OMCKRA recognized canoe race (1 male, 1 female)
- Long Rec Kayak – OMCKRA recognized race (1 person, any gender)
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7 km Races
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- VIP – Canoe race – Board Members, Municipal employees, Staff (1-4 paddlers, any gender)
- Touring – Canoe race – Over the age of 50 (1 to 4 paddlers, any gender)
- Lazy River – Canoe race – Just for fun (1 to 4 paddlers, any gender)
- Recreation – Canoe race – Canoeists who are looking to have fun but with a competitive edge (1 to 4 paddlers, any gender)
- Short Kayak – Only short race option for kayakers (1 person, any gender)
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This event is co-sponsored by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority and its Foundation. Participants are being asked, on a voluntary basis, to seek sponsors for their efforts. The funds raised will be used to help support outdoor education for school children in the St. Clair Region.
Both online and in-person (cash-only) registration is being offered for the 2024 event. Online registration will close Wednesday, April 24th, 2024, while in-person (cash-only) registration will occur the morning of the race between 10:00 am and 11:00 am. Several waivers and forms are required to be signed to participate in the race. CLICK HERE to print, complete, and bring with you on race day. Copies will also be available at the race starting line.
Trophies are presented to all first-place winners and ribbons are given to the second and third-place winners in each class. Additionally, the top fundraiser will receive a trophy. Shuttles and race prep will occur between 10:00 am and 11:00 am with races beginning at 11:30 am. In the event of poor weather, please listen to local radio stations or call (519) 384-0735.
For more information, contact Melissa Levi, Race Coordinator at the Lorne C. Henderson Conservation Area at (519) 384-0735 or at [email protected].
Important Information and Resources:
As per Ontario Regulation 161/19 (Rowan’s Law), all participants under the age of 26 must read the Concussion Policy pertinent to their age group and sign a waiver on the day of the race stating that the document has been read. The Bill requires that a sports organization must not register an individual who is under the prescribed age in sports activity unless the individual confirms that they have reviewed the concussion awareness resources approved by the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport.
Concussion Awareness Resources:
For participants ages 10 and under
Paddlers are required to supply their own mandatory safety gear as prescribed under Canadian government regulations:
- Personal Floatation Device (PFD) for each paddler
- Whistle
- Paddles
- Bailer
- Throw Rope
Paddlers are also recommended to bring an extra set of clothes and an extra paddle.
During the spring season, even when outdoor temperatures begin to warm, waters remain cold. Participants are encouraged to familiarize themselves with cold water immersion facts and procedures prior to race day so they are prepared to respond and react if their boat capsizes and/or a member of their team enters the water.
Resources:
Cold Water Boot Camp (Canadian Safe Boating Council)
Canadian Safe Boating Council – Cold Water Awareness
Spring Water Awareness Program (St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (*Geared to younger participants and sponsored by Plains Midstream Canada)
A map of the race route is available HERE. A portion of the route, known as Smith’s Falls, is characterized by small rapids and rocky conditions. Rock exposure and rapids are dependent on water levels and can vary annually. Participants are encouraged to watch the two videos (links below) captured by 2022 racers to familiarize themselves with Smith’s Falls and the general conditions of the Sydenham River. Please note that overall water levels were approximately 3.5 metres at the time these videos were shot.
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- Channel – Pray for Nathan Nature Show (Smith’s Falls portion of race route captured beginning at 1:27)
- Channel – The Outdoor Seeker (Smith’s Falls portion of race route captured beginning at 2:13)
News & Blog
Parking Lot Closure at Coldstream Conservation Area
June 17, 2024SCRCA Seeking Public Comment on Draft Conservation Lands Strategy
May 30, 2024Plains Midstream Canada supports the SCRCA’s Spring Water Awareness Program for 6th Year
May 10, 2024Soggy but Successful Sydenham River Canoe and Kayak Race held Sunday – Over $3,800 raised to support Conservation Education Programs
May 1, 2024Results Available – Sydenham River Canoe and Kayak Race – April 28, 2024
April 30, 2024