SLCC Paddlers qualify for the Ontario Canoe Kayak Championships

Helen Parfitt | Aug 18, 2021

Five young paddlers participated in the Canoe Kayak Eastern Ontario Sprint regatta on Saturday, August 7th on Trout Lake in North Bay in the U12 Division under the coaching of Cia Myles. Despite a persistent cross wind, these strong athletes managed to keep their boats stable and qualify in six events: Paige Bowes, Honour McQuay, Carmen Tryon, Heidi Neff qualified in the Women’s  K4 500; Honour McQuay and Heidi Neff qualified in Women’s K2; Honour McQuay and Paige Bowes qualified in Women’s K1; Isaac Merchant qualified in Men’s K4, C4 and K1. Two of SLCC’s older competitive athletes have qualified for the National Championships in Ottawa later this month. Seasoned paddler, Clare Swinton has qualified for K1 500 in the highly competitive U16 Division and novice paddler, Nicole has qualified for the K1 500 and 1000 in the U17 Division.

The Ontario Canoe Kayak Championships will take place this Sunday, August 15th at the International Flatwater Centre in Welland, Ontario. Like last week, Covid protocols will be in place allowing athletes and spectators to physically distance. “It is wonderful to have an in-person Championship this year after participating in a virtual regatta Championships last year, where individual clubs hosted races and compared their athlete’s times online. It was an interesting idea given the restrictions, but it wasn’t quite the same. It was great to hear parents and grandparents cheering in person on the beach as the paddlers crossed the line, this year” said Commodore Helen Parfitt.

In Welland, paddlers from the U12-18 age category will be competing to become Ontario Champions in their sport. Older athletes will be competing for spots on the Ontario Team.