For the past few years now, you can find my little guy and I touring Eastern Ontario's waterways as he races canoes and kayaks at various regattas.
Braedon is a member of the Rideau Canoe Club, established in 1902 and located on the Rideau River near Hog's Back. The primary function of the club is sprint canoe and kayak racing (long slender boats) on flat waters. You can learn more about the Rideau Canoe Club by visiting their website.
The sprint program not only teaches Braedon how to paddle but also places a strong emphasis on teamwork, nutrition, proper race preparation and sportsmanship. He spends everyday throughout the week training from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., paddling in various boats, as well as participating in dry land training.
There are many types of boats that Braedon races; K1, K2, K4, C1, C2, C4 and the war canoe. This simply translates into the type of boat, K=kayak and C=canoe and the number of athletes in each boat. Athletes sit in the slender kayaks and maintain a warrior stance in the canoes–now that is talent considering how narrow these boats are!
This past weekend we participated in one of the RCC regattas where Brae was racing in the 1000m K1, 500m K2, 100m K1, 100m K4 and finally the 100m C4. All U15 athletes had to be at the club by 7 a.m. and we wrapped things up 13 hours later, following the awards ceremony.
What a day! All of this to be repeated again next weekend at the Carleton Place regatta, as we prepare to qualify for the Eastern Ontario Division finals.
Best of luck Braedon!
B
