Plans for the Second Annual Great Canadian Kayak Challenge Well Under Way
According to Wikipedia, "Kayaking is the use of a kayak for moving across water. Kayaking is generally differentiated from canoeing by the sitting position of the paddler and the number of blades on the paddle.
A kayak is defined by the International Canoe Federation (the world sanctioning body) as a boat where the paddler faces forward, legs in front, using a double bladed paddle. Almost all kayaks have closed decks, although there are many sit-on-top kayaks, and these boats are growing in popularity. Whitewater kayaking involves taking a kayak down rapids. Sea kayaking, sometimes referred to as Ocean kayaking, involves taking kayaks out on to the ocean or other open water e.g., a lake. Sea kayaking can involve short paddles with a return to the starting point or "put-in" or expeditions covering many miles and days. Kayaking of all kinds has continued to increase in general popularity through the 1990s and early 21st century" and so it's only fitting that the City of Timmins would ride this wave of popularity and offer something unique to a number of outdoor adventure seekers by way of a competition or challenge.
The City of Timmins is celebrating four centennials, each recognizing important milestones in the City's history: 2009, 100 Years of Mining; 2010, 100 Years of Mining Production; 2011, 100 Years since the Porcupine Fire of 1911 as well as the 100 year anniversary of the Townships of Tisdale and Whitney; and finally, 2012 marks 100 years of Timmins. Community groups have been busy planning a number of events to help the City celebrate the four milestones. One such event, the Great Canadian Kayak Challenge was launched in 2009. The Steering Committee and Mayor Tom Laughren are hoping that the annual event will become a signature tourism event for the City of Timmins well after the anniversary celebrations have ended.
The 1st Annual Great Canadian Kayak Challenge saw 100 plus paddlers from North America, with some coming from as far away as England; converge on the Mattagami River to compete in a challenge that could reward winners with as much as $14,000 in prize money. According to Mayor Laughren, "having a water based event as part of our anniversary celebrations is very fitting when you stop to think of the role this water body has played over the years". The Mattagami River played host to a number of explorers, including First Nations and prospectors in search of fame or fortune. Today the Mattagami River continues to play an important role by providing residents with a drinking water source, hydro electric energy, and recreation.
Plans are well under way for the Second Annual Great Canadian Kayak Challenge scheduled to take place August 28th 2010 from the Mountjoy Historical Conservation Park. This year, the kayak challenge will include 8 divisions or 3 more than last year. New for this year are the Elite Recreational Challenge, the Open Challenge, and the Youth Challenge. Total prize money is set at $15,000 with payout proportionate to the total number of registrations in each division. Registrations are open with Registration Forms available on line at www.thegreatcanadiankayakchallenge.com Early bird registration closes 12 noon July 16 with general registrations closing 12 noon Aug 27 2010.
The Great Canadian Kayak Challenge is geared to provide a fun experience for all age groups and varied skills levels. According to stats from last years event, the youngest paddler was 6 years old with the oldest 77 years young! Whether you are an expert paddler, just starting out or looking for a new adventure, this premier paddling event offers a division just right for you. If you are looking for a challenge you just found it!
For those wishing to compete, 7 divisions are available. The Elite Division will see paddlers conquer 35 km plus two portages vying for prize money totaling $3,100 for both the male and female divisions. The Elite Recreational Challenge and the Recreational Challenge will test paddlers on a 16 km course void of any portages. The Open, Novice, Masters, and Youth Challenges will compete during a 6.5 km paddle. Finally, and rounding out the competition, media, politicians and other noteworthy residents will be invited to paddle in the 3km Celebrity Challenge where the winner will take home the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Great Canadian Kayak Trophy in addition to earning one year's worth of bragging rights.
Whether you want to race, watch or play, this daylong event is sure to please every member of the family. Children activities, local bands, Art in the Park, community booths, food stations, a beer garden and much more are being planned on the peripheral of the main event, the Great Canadian Kayak Challenge. A number of other family activities will be announced as organizers go forward with the planning of this event. These will be of interest to the many people attending the daylong event and will make for a great day with family and friends out celebrating 100 years of Mining Production.
"Celebrating our rich history along the Mattagami River is an exceptional opportunity to reflect on the important role this river and others have played the last 100 years during fur trading, forestry, and mining exploration" added Mayor Laughren who won the Celebrity Division last year. "I have every intention of defending my title from last year's event and I want to issue a challenge to all media, and politicians to come out and compete for the "bragging" rights that I earned last year."
"There is an estimated 10 million kayakers enjoying the sport in North America. Interest in this sport is growing and the sight of kayakers on our many water ways is second nature today. With over $15,000 in cash prizes available to competitors registered in the Great Canadian Kayak Challenge, we expect many local residents, visitors from neighboring municipalities and many kayakers from far and wide to register and compete. We anticipate doubling our registrations this year to 200+ paddlers. Kayaking competitions are a test of skill and agility. The sport tests a person's endurance, staying power and strength. And like golf, kayaking is often seen as a competition against the individual participant looking to improve his or her overall performance and the opportunity to challenge oneself" continued Guy Lamarche, Municipal Communications Coordinator and member of the Great Canadian Kayak Challenge Steering Committee.
For additional information on the event visit www.thegreatcanadiankayakchallenge.ca or contact Guy Lamarche at 705-360-2600 ext. 2404 or by e-mail at guy.lamarche@timmins.ca.