KIM BURTON SCRHAM
Local journalism initiative reporter
A record number of 505 paddlers in 321 boats entered the 53rd Annual Raisin River Canoe Race, with all spots selling out before race day.
The turnout eclipsed the 2025 total of 498 paddlers and 318 crafts.
From long kayaks, double canoes, stand-up paddle boards and double kayaks, paddlers pushed themselves to complete the 30-kilometre race which included rapids and dams to navigate.
Onlookers from the banks of the Raisin River cheered on kayaks, canoes and paddle boards as they made their way from the St. Andrews starting point, all the way to Williamstown and the finish line.
And as a few competitors discovered, even though they had already crossed the finish line, the rapids caused some to dunk into the chilly waters, estimated to be only 5 degrees.
The overall winners were Robert Ross and Jeff Brainard in the Male Double Kayak division, in a time of 2 hours, 27 minutes.
The Kingston duo bettered last year’s fastest overall time of 2 hours, 34 minutes, recorded by canoeists Joel Malenfant and Perry Rancourt, of Shawinigan.
Ryan Stepka and Dave Johnston with a time of 2:31 were first in the Male Pro Canoe division while in the Mixed Pro Canoe division the winners were Sarah Lessard and Jeff Defeo in 2:35.
This year’s water flow was slightly less than the previous year and it was clear the slower water took its toll on paddlers.
More inside.
L’article Fast and furious est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
