OMCRA - Our Sport   

Marathon Canoe Racing - The Sport

This is perhaps the most encompassing and attainable sport out there. Our races vary from 10 km jaunts down a winding river to 200 km three day marathons, which may include class 3 rapids. You can make it what you choose.

Paddling is a low impact, high aerobic sport. It is also a test of technique and knowledge. The ability to read water is a skill learned by time on the water in various weather conditions. It is integral to enjoying and excelling at this sport. The fact that skill and knowledge are as important as muscle strength make this a sport where all ages and sexes can excel.

Marathon Canoe Racing - The Paddlers


The only thing we have in common is wanting to spend time on the water. There are those of us so dedicated to the sport we will clear log jams and break through ice to get on the water.

You can choose to paddle only on the weekends or 10 hours a week. The beauty of Ontario is that no matter where you live anyone can get to a lake or river where you can stretch our your arms and go.

Marathon Canoe Racing - The Paddles

The most important difference between recreational paddling and marathon paddling is the paddle. The bent shaft racing paddle is quite unique and requires a specific stroke method. This stroke, now called the modern canoe stroke, allows power to come from pushing down with the upper arm as well as pulling with the lower arm. The use of the large torso muscles allows you to travel further without fatigue. Because the boat is maneuvered by switching sides rather than "J" stroking, no momentum is lost.

Once this stroke is mastered you will never go back. More and more bent shaft paddles are appearing in places like Algonquin Park. OMCRA currently has 12 certified and insured masters paddlers qualified to teach the Modern Canoe Method. As courses are planned for this year they will be listed on the Instruction Page. There are various sources for bent shaft paddles which come in several materials from wood to carbon fiber. Four possible sources of paddles are Bob Vincent, Mark Clout, Zre Paddles, and Grey Owl Paddles. ZRE paddles are also available from Mark Gibeault. "Mark Gibeault"

Marathon Canoe Racing - The Canoes

As mentioned above, OMCRA has various racing classes based on hull length and design. Recreational classes are divided into true recreational canoes and modified 17' hulls. The racing canoes have specifications they must meet based on maximum length and minimum width. They can be made from wood, fiberglass, Kevlar or carbon fiber. Choice of boat depends on expertise, proposed use and available resources. Before choosing your own boat it is important to paddle in several boats to find the one most comfortable for you.

Where you purchase a boat depends on what class you plan to enter. Ontario has multiple good manufacturers of recreational canoes, for example Nova Craft Canoe, and Swift Canoe. Racing canoes are somewhat less available. The major manufacturers are Wenonah, Grassy River, Corbin and Savage River. In Ontario contact Bob Vincent. Marathon paddlers are not confined to the use of solo and tandem boats. Our stroke method is used to race larger boats such as North Canoes, Outriggers and Dragon Boat


Marathon Canoe Racing - The Clubs

Around the province there are various formal and informal groups of paddlers who meet to practice and enjoy each other's company. The London Canoe Club and Parry Sound Canoe Club both have active marathon groups. If you would like to find paddlers in your area of the province don't hesitate to contact one of our executive.

Marathon Canoe Racing - The Races

Ontario hosts between 10 and 15 races per year. They are geographically spread over the entire province. If you check our schedule you can locate one close to you. Generally races offer a marathon class which will be a minimum distance of 18 km and a recreational class which will vary from 10 to 15 km.

If you scan around the individual race pages your will find the courses vary from narrow winding rivers to open lakes. Some include portages. The level of white water will vary with water levels ( rainfall ).
This page is meant to supply as much information as possible. If you are a supplier of canoes or paddles and would like your information included here please feel free to contact the webmaster.
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