It was a soggy start to the 2024 edition of the Sydenham River Canoe and Kayak Race held on April 28, 2024, but it didn’t dampen the spirits of close to 70 canoe and kayak enthusiasts who paddled the river.

After being plagued with cancellations over the past few years due to substantial rainfall, unsafe river conditions, and the COVID-19 pandemic, 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.”

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.

Pat Brown, SCRCA Chair, and Emery Huszka, SCRCA Board Member, were presented the Top Fundraiser Award for the 2024 race.

The annual race takes place on the East Sydenham River with the finish line at the Shetland Conservation Area in Dawn-Euphemia. It 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 annual Sydenham River Canoe and Kayak Race or the SCRCA’s Conservation Education Programs, please visit www.scrca.on.ca.