Avid paddlers of both canoes and kayaks will tell you there’s nothing as peaceful and relaxing as drifting down the county’s oldest travel route oblivious to cares and concerns of the outside world.
On May 27 you may not want to just drift. In fact you might want to dig in with that paddle and get some momentum going – it’s the annual Annapolis River Canoe and Kayak Race.
Clean Annapolis River Project is hoping for it’s biggest turnout to date for the Annual Annapolis River Canoe and Kayak Race.
This is an event with a category for every paddler, including marathon canoe, competitive canoe and kayak (tandem and solo), and recreational canoe or kayak.
“Whether you want to float down the river, or are part of Nova Scotia’s marathon canoe circuit, we are hoping to see the community out to celebrate and enjoy the river,” said CARP’s Katie McLean.
She said 2017 is certainly shaping up to be an exciting year for paddlers.
“With the Bridgetown floating docks installed, free boat rentals through the Town of Middleton and Annapolis County, and the floating dock project underway at the Annapolis Royal causeway, a great deal of community resources are being dedicated to improving water access and encouraging recreational use of the Annapolis River,” she said.
Racers are strongly encouraged to register in advance of race day through the CARP office. On the day of the race, participants must check in between 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. The race will have a staggered start to accommodate each category, with the first starting at 11 a.m.
McLean said the race course runs approximately 16 kilometres from Riverside Park in Middleton to the Lawrencetown exhibition grounds. Paddlers must wear a personal floatation device, and should bring all required safety equipment (bailer, 15 metres of buoyant heaving line, sound signalling device, paddles).
Race registration is $18 per person, with no fee for additional individuals joining for a ride.
To register contact Katie McLean, (902)-532-7533, [email protected]
About CARP
Clean Annapolis River Project is an environmental NGO that operates throughout the Annapolis River Watershed, with an office in Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia. Their mission is to enhance the ecological health of the Annapolis River watershed through science, leadership and community engagement. For more information visit www.annapolisriver.ca
