Sydenham Lake sprint paddlers carry on 110-year-old tradition at Gananoque Regatta

Helen Parfitt | Jul 13, 2016

Despite the ominous start to the day last Saturday, July 9, which began with thunderstorms, four new novice paddlers headed out to compete on the Gananoque River to win ribbons in War Canoe, K1 and K2 events, carrying on a 110-year-old tradition of friendly competition at the Gananoque Canoe Club that began in 1906. Sydenham Lake Canoe Club, now in its 19th year at its Sydenham Lake location, has its roots in the Kingston Yacht Club in the early 1900s, so, Sydenham and Kingston paddlers have in effect been paddling against Gananoque for well over a century.

As the first U15 event of the season, the 100, or so, young paddlers were bursting with enthusiasm, determined to achieve their personal best without tipping their boats in a series of 200 meter single and team events at the Gananoque Canoe Club.

Parker and Peyton Friendship, Jack MacInnis, Kiera Wilson and her cheerleading sister, Charlotte were all in attendance. Though Sydenham won’t be hosting an event this year, there are four more regattas that the SLCC paddlers can look forward to participating in. The next U15 regattas will be held in North Bay, Carleton Place, and at Rideau Canoe Club in Ottawa.

Coach Rhiannon Murphy, an eight-year veteran at SLCC, says, “Parents often can’t believe that they are sending their children out alone to compete in a tippy sprint boat, but are often surprised by their own children’s confidence, determination and success. They are also amazed by the supportive audience of parents and fellow paddlers who enthusiastically cheer on the last paddlers over the finish, just as if they were the first. It is really all about having fun as a family and being active outdoors. If you don’t over focus on the results, the children enjoy themselves and just concentrate on achieving their personal bests that they have worked all week to master”. The Sydenham Lake Canoe Club offers day camps and lessons to children and adults who wish to improve their paddling skills, or just get out on the water for fun and fitness. For more information visit www.sydenhamlakecanoeclub.com