EVENTS

CAMPI CREEK OPEN, VALLEYFIELD, QC, CANADA, MARCH 2019

The Campi Creek Open was back this year with its third edition on March 23rd. This race, held on the Valleyfield Whitewater Park, is the first event of the season in the province of Quebec. Around fifty paddlers from Québec, Ontario and the U.S.A. showed up to defy the cold weather and set a new attendance record. The race is the brainchild of Sebastien Monette, who also built a launch platform over the tubes feeding this section of the river. You can hear the racer's hearts pumping as they mount the prop. The race starts when the platform tilts and drops the paddler on the crystal-clear water tongue below, then it's the fastest through four gates and to the finish line who wins. There is also a beginner level start for those who prefer easing into their season a bit more gently. Kayak equipment retailers were on-site to offer the chance of trying new gear. Celebrations for the season-opening followed with Quebec's classic maple toffee on the snow. All the participants who took part in the race, surrounded by crystal clear water, packs of snow, colorful kayaks, and a handful of photographers had uncountable smiles. Louis-Philippe Légaré took first place in the men’s category, followed by Yann Gélinas and Alexandre Gauron. The women’s podium was claimed by Geneviève Royer, followed by Patricia Désalliers and Savannah Westeinde. The Campi Creek Open, being held before the water levels start rising in the area, is an excellent opportunity for the paddlers to meet after a long winter. For 25 years now, a whitewater community has been growing up around this beautiful park. What started as a dirty piece of land and a section of river full of rubbles from the old textile factory was turned into a jewel by the work and sweat this community. Kids, beginners, playboaters and slalom racers are now enjoying the site maintained by Kayak Valleyfield and the city. Projects are even on the table to modify and improve part of the river in upcoming years. Come see for yourself next March!

Report: Sebastien Monette | Photography: Alain Martel

PADDLE SOUTH 2019, COLUMBUS, GEORGIA, USA

"Welcome to the 3rd annual Paddle South Festival in Columbus, GA! Due to possible tornadoes tomorrow, we'll be running the entire event on Saturday only." Thus kicked-off a day of racing, freestyle, and fun in the sun on the mighty