What’s it like to paddle 64 km from North Bay to Mattawa in the annual Mattawa River Canoe Race?
Here's your chance to learn from the people who’ve done it!
The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority is hosting a Canoe Race Info Morning on Saturday June 2 at 9:30 a.m. Two long-time racers join NBMCA race organizers to give insights on preparing for the race, the route and other info that will be helpful to anyone thinking about taking part in the race.
“Whether you’re a recreational paddler or a pro, it’s a great adventure to paddle in the race,” said Paula Loranger, Community Relations Coordinator. “The portages can be challenging, depending on the water conditions, and the camaraderie between the paddlers makes it one of the most popular events on the Ontario Marathon Canoe and Kayak Racing Association roster. There are some paddlers who’ve taken part in the race more than 25 years.”
On hand at the Info Morning to share their insights will be Chris Near, marathon paddler and coach from Huntsville who has participated in races across Ontario over the last 10 years and Susan Weiskopf with nine 64km Mattawa River Canoe Race races, five 13km family races and one category win under her belt.
The Information Morning includes a free continental breakfast, held at the NBMCA Natural Classroom, 15 Janey Ave., North Bay. The race is set for July 28, launching from Olmsted Beach, Trout Lake.
The 13 km family and youth races launch from Samuel de Champlain Provincial Park, joining the finish line at Mattawa Island, with only one portage, giving beginners, young people and up-and-coming paddlers a taste of the river and the race.
“The scenery is spectacular, the portages are challenging, the pride of accomplishment earns winners the bragging rights for following in the historic wake of Voyageurs who followed the path of the Huron and Ojibway as they travelled this Heritage River between the Great Lakes to the Gulf of St. Lawrence,” said Loranger.
There are recreational, racing, voyageur, kayak and stand-up paddle board categories for men, women and mixed.
The record time is five hours, 27 minutes although paddlers have taken up to 11 hours to complete the 64 km race and up to three hours to complete the 13 km family/youth race.
The coveted NBMCA Mattawa River Canoe Race Trophy is awarded to the team with the best overall time. Category champions are awarded with unique medals. Prizes are awarded to the top three finishers in each category with Category champions being honoured with a unique medal that captures the spirit of the race and the region.
Participants who pre-register by June 30 receive a memento of their accomplishment.
In 2017, sixty-three teams took part in the 64 km Mattawa River Canoe Race. Another seven teams took part in the 13 km Family / Youth Race. Paddlers who have participated in the race for five, 10, or 15 years enter the Five and Dime Club and receive commemorative pins.
All proceeds from the race and sponsorships support the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority’s Stewardship and Outreach Programs including the Chippewa Creek EcoPath and the Adopt-the-Creek Program and Restore Your Shore.
Would-be paddlers can check out www.mattawarivercanoerace.ca for photos, maps, race results and information. For more information, call NBMCA at 705 474-5420. Two kayaks will be awarded to the first place finishers, thanks to Bay Distributors.
Sponsors of the race include BDO, Nipissing University, Redpath Canada Limited, Bay Distributors, Sugar Daddy Cupcakes and Catering, Geisler Boat Builders, Sling Choker, Canadore College, Pattison Outdoor Advertising, See More Graphics, Town of Mattawa, Ripple FX Paddles, Creighton Docks & Boat Lifts Ltd., Jack Lockhart Art Gallery, Clermont Duvall Art Gallery, Best Buy, Enterprise, Canadian Ecology Center and Aurora Light Sculptures.
