The York River Paddle Challenge
The York River Paddle Challenge will be an OMCKRA [Ontario Marathon Canoe and Kayak
Racing Association] sanctioned event and will be held on The York River annually
in the Month of May. There will be three distances to choose from with classes for all disciplines {boat types}.
1) The longest distance 23km will start on Baptiste Lake at Birch Cliff Lodge the events main venue. After paddling for 8.6km participants portage 1000m and continue down the York River for 13.1km to River Side Park in Bancroft.
2) The mid distance event 12km will start at The Herschel Fire Dept on South Baptiste Lake Road and follow The York River south to River Side Park, Bancroft.
3) The Beginner Distance event 3km will start at Churchill Park and follow The York River south ending at Riverside Park, Bancroft.
The Awards Ceremony and refreshments will be provided post event.
There will be safety checkpoints at the three starting locations equipped with HAM radio, boat trackers, light refreshments, first aid, and boat security. There will be mobile support {boat with HAM radio} on Baptiste Lake and The York River. As there are three starting locations paddlers will deliver their own Canoes/Kayaks to the start of their event. A bus
will deliver participants back to start locations to pick up their vehicles following the event.