31st annual canoe race a splash

Paddles from 30 teams cut the waters in a long and hurried flight across Trout Lake during the 31st annual Mattawa River Canoe Race Saturday morning.

The race traces the historic route of the voyageurs through lakes; rivers, fast water and several portages to Mattawa Island located 64 kilometres away. This race, hosted by The North Bay – Mattawa Conservation Authority, is the longest canoe race in Ontario. Categories ranged from competitive to recreational.

Scott Hending (19) and Brittny Labrecque (16) took part in the 64-kilometre race. For this team, who only started canoeing a little over a month ago, the race was a test just to see if they could actually finish.

“We got hooked on the sport when we participated in the Dragon Boat Festival in Parry Sound last month,” Hending explained.

“I wanted to try something new and we wanted to challenge ourselves,” Hending said.

The two heard about the Mattawa River Canoe Race and decided to make the trip from Parry Sound to participate.

“We are expecting to finish the race,” Labrecque quipped while two professional racers with sponsored canoes walked by.

“I want to win,” Hending interjected with a big smile while thrusting his fist into the air.

“We’ve got youth on our side,” he said.

Hending and Labrecque were very optimistic about the race and what ever the outcome they plan on sticking with the sport.

Brian Tayler, General Manager of the North Bay – Mattawa Conservation Authority explained that the overall record for the fastest time was set in 1995 and stands at five hours, 27 minutes and 53 seconds, meaning the competitors will need to travel at a constant speed of 12 kilometres an hour to beat the record time.

“It is a little windy this morning but once they get to the river it will get a little easier for them,” Paula Loranger, Race Organizer, said.

The entire race concluded with an awards banquet at the Mattawa Community Centre, with prizes awarded in each category.