It was a soggy start to the 2024 edition of the Sydenham River Canoe and Kayak Race, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of close to 70 canoe and kayak enthusiasts who paddled the river this past Sunday.

After being plagued with cancellations due to high water levels, the COVID-19 pandemic, and substantial rainfall over the past few years, organizers were pleased with the turnout despite the less-than-ideal conditions. “We were pleased with the number of paddlers, both competitive and recreational, that came out to take part in the race,” said Melissa Levi, Conservation Education Coordinator with the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA), “Everyone was prepared for the rainy conditions, and enjoyed getting out on the water.”

Co-hosted by the SCRCA and the St. Clair Region Conservation Foundation, the annual canoe and kayak race serves as a fundraiser for the SCRCA’s Conservation Education programs. Participants were encouraged to seek out sponsorships and pledges for their efforts. In total, over $3,800 was raised which will help support the SCRCA’s Education Team connect and engage students throughout the watershed in environmental programming. The top fundraiser award was presented to SCRCA Chair, Pat Brown and SCRCA Board Member, Emery Huszka who collected the greatest number of pledges for the 2024 event.

The race featured eleven different race classes and three different race lengths with six classes recognized by the Ontario Marathon Canoe and Kayak Racing Association (OMCKRA). Race results are now available online HERE.

For more information on the Sydenham River Canoe and Kayak Race and the SCRCA’s Conservation Education programs, visit www.scrca.on.ca.