The rain held off for the Sydenham River Canoe and Kayak Race that drew over 70 canoe and kayak enthusiasts to the waters of the Sydenham River this past Sunday. Co-hosted by the St. Clair Region Conservation Authority (SCRCA) and its Foundation (SCRCF), the 2022 edition of the race was the first to be held since 2017 after unsafe water levels led to its cancellation in 2018 and 2019, and the COVID-19 pandemic cancelled the race in 2020 and 2021.
The race, which is typically held in April, was pushed back to May 1st in hopes that the water level challenges experienced in the past would not impact the ability of the Authority to host the event. “We are so happy that the event could go forward this year,” said Melissa Levi, Race Coordinator and Conservation Education Coordinator for the SCRCA, “It was a great day, and I think everyone enjoyed getting out on the water.”
The annual canoe and kayak race serves as a fundraiser for the SCRCA’s Conservation Education programs and participants are encouraged to seek out sponsorships for their efforts. In total, over $5,000 was raised through the event with the top fundraiser award presented to Emery Huszka and Jerry Fiddler.
The race featured eleven different race classes and three different race lengths. Results from the 2022 Sydenham River Canoe and Kayak Race can be viewed by clicking HERE.
For more information on the Sydenham River Canoe and Kayak Race and the SCRCA’s Conservation Education programs, visit www.scrca.on.ca.
