Another Memorable Raisin River Canoe Race

What a difference a week can make

April 22, 2018

Excitement at "the Devil's Chute". Photo Credit: Rob Fry.

The 46th Annual Raisin River Canoe Race left St. Andrews West on a gorgeous April morning, and wound it's way downstream to Williamstown. A flotilla of 165 canoes and kayaks comprising of paddlers of all ages, and from near and far, entertained spectators all along the 30 km route.

The first team to cross the finish line were the pro-boat tandem of Jeff Brainard (from Roslin) and Gaetan Plourde (of North Gower) in a time of 2:34:53. Christopher Weber (Chelsea) and Joanna Faloon (Ottawa) were second, and local paddlers Corey and Cody Van Loon of St. Andrews West were third.

The event, originally scheduled for April 15 was postponed one week due to the ice storm. What a difference a week made. Water and weather conditions were ideal for spectators, safety crews, volunteers and paddlers alike.

Other top finishers by category were:

  • John Shaver and Kyle Tremblay (17 Foot Open Category), 3:46:55
  • Olivia McDonald and William Douglas (Double Kayaks), 3:17:39
  • Marc Pilon (Long Kayaks), 2:49:00
  • Ian Walter (Short Kayaks), 2:52:46
  • Claude Roux and Michel Archambault (Men's Recreational Canoes), 2:57:42
  • Carolyn Odecki and Linda Payne (Women's Recreational Canoes), 3:42:48
  • Wilfred McIntyre and Alina Carranco (Mixed Recreational Canoes), 3:02:45
  • Willy and Reah Suter (Adult and Youth), 3:25:06
  • ndrew Fakotakis (Student Kayaks), 3:49:28
  • Benjamin Haley and Paul-Andre Boudrea (Student Men), 3:16:39
  • Jordan Lalonde and Kayla Groux (Student Women), 4:15:38
  • Char-Lan High School had the most number of student participants this year

Preliminary results are available on the RRCA website at http://rrca.on.ca/page.php?id=13