The North Canoe Challenge
The North Canoe Challenge is for those who want to race the big canoes in an end-of-season event
for bragging rights, fame and glory.
Date and Time:
Saturday 12th, October, 2019
Pre race information meeting 8:30am
Race Start 8:50am in waves. 2 boats per wave.
Registration:
Online only in advance. [Online registration will open July 20th and ends October 5th]
Maximum of 12 participating North Canoes.
Race Course:
On the Muskoka River, Bracebridge.
Start and Finish Line: in front of Annie Williams Memorial Park.
There is a slight and very manageable river current of 1-2km/hr. After a heavy rainstorm, this can increase to be a consideration.
See map
Turnaround marker at Santa's Village (4.3 km from start line).
The race course will loop once for total distance of 8.6km.
Fees:
$240 per mixed team (6 paddlers + $40 for each paddler over 6) - bring your own North Canoe boat to the event.
North Canoes can accommodate 4 to 10 paddlers with 6 being the optimum number.
Credit of $8.00 per paddler if they are members of one of Canoe Kayak Ontario affiliates.
Big Canoe paddlers can continue to participate in the following GMPE 10km and 5km races. No extra fee for this. They will have to register online additionally as well. Due to time and logistical constraints, the 20km race should not be considered.
Saturday 12th, October, 2019
Pre race information meeting 8:30am
Race Start 8:50am in waves. 2 boats per wave.
Registration:
Online only in advance. [Online registration will open July 20th and ends October 5th]
Maximum of 12 participating North Canoes.
Race Course:
On the Muskoka River, Bracebridge.
Start and Finish Line: in front of Annie Williams Memorial Park.
There is a slight and very manageable river current of 1-2km/hr. After a heavy rainstorm, this can increase to be a consideration.
See map
Turnaround marker at Santa's Village (4.3 km from start line).
The race course will loop once for total distance of 8.6km.
Fees:
$240 per mixed team (6 paddlers + $40 for each paddler over 6) - bring your own North Canoe boat to the event.
North Canoes can accommodate 4 to 10 paddlers with 6 being the optimum number.
Credit of $8.00 per paddler if they are members of one of Canoe Kayak Ontario affiliates.
Big Canoe paddlers can continue to participate in the following GMPE 10km and 5km races. No extra fee for this. They will have to register online additionally as well. Due to time and logistical constraints, the 20km race should not be considered.
Rules and Information:
North Canoes have a maximum length of 26' and a minimum prow height (measured from the keel line) of 40". To see full OMCKRA boat specifications, please go here.
Full personal flotation device (PFD) are to be worn. No inflating PFDs nor belts are allowed (the water is cold in October!)
A North Canoe does not turn nor stop quickly. Allowances must be made when approaching river bends. There are two blind bends on this course. In the interests of avoiding collisions between boats approaching each other at the bends, consider these:
- Going downstream – stick to the middle of the river or slightly wide of the bend. The current is generally stronger in the deeper middle channel.
- Going upstream - move closer to the river banks.
There will be several safety motorboats spread out over the race course.
North Canoes have a maximum length of 26' and a minimum prow height (measured from the keel line) of 40". To see full OMCKRA boat specifications, please go here.
Full personal flotation device (PFD) are to be worn. No inflating PFDs nor belts are allowed (the water is cold in October!)
A North Canoe does not turn nor stop quickly. Allowances must be made when approaching river bends. There are two blind bends on this course. In the interests of avoiding collisions between boats approaching each other at the bends, consider these:
- Going downstream – stick to the middle of the river or slightly wide of the bend. The current is generally stronger in the deeper middle channel.
- Going upstream - move closer to the river banks.
There will be several safety motorboats spread out over the race course.
