READY TO RACE.
David Brushey, Muskoka Futures executive director, congratulates, from left, organizers Chris Near and Sandy Schofield on their grant from Muskoka Futures for the 2012 Great Muskoka Paddling Experience. Muskoka Watershed Council chair Patricia Arney looks on.
THE MUSKOKAN - The Great Muskoka Paddling Experience, voted as the 2011 “Race of the Year” by the Ontario Marathon Canoe and Kayak Racing Association (OMCKRA), is returning for another year and has added new sponsors and more categories for the event.
“We had beautiful weather and an excellent turnout last year,” says event chair Sandy Schofield. “We received a lot of positive feedback from both competitive racers and families enjoying a paddle on the river, and we wanted to make it even easier for people to participate again this year. Based on the feedback we received, we added categories for stand-up paddleboards, north canoes, and classic canoes.”
“With 25 different categories and two race distances for people to participate in, there is something for everyone, whether they are in a canoe or kayak, young or old,” explains Schofield.
With the addition of several new sponsors, there are also new trophies up for grabs, including the fastest female master and male master.
“We are happy to have the continued support of the Muskoka Brewery, Bracebridge Generation, Paddle Shack, Staples and Santa’s Village, all of whom contributed to last year’s successful event,” says Schofield.
“We are also pleased that many new sponsors are participating this year, including Muskoka Futures, the Town of Bracebridge, RBC, and Scotiabank. We’ve had great support from the Bracebridge community and we hope to build on that each year.”
The Great Muskoka Paddling Experience is an OMCKRA sanctioned event and will be taking place on Saturday, Oct. 6 in Annie Williams Park in Bracebridge. Registration opens at 8 a.m. and races start at 10:30 a.m. There will also be a free shuttle bus for spectators to access downtown Manitoba Street and the Bracebridge Farmer’s Market.
Proceeds from the event will go to support the Muskoka Watershed Council. Visit muskokapaddlingexperience.com for more information.