Racing on the water for Kawartha Paddle Quest
A new day of waterfront paddling events is coming to Peterborough and the Kawarthas this summer as the inaugural Kawartha Paddle Quest will be held at Beavermead Park on June 23.
Over the course of the day, paddlers will compete in a series of races.
Every event, except for the stand-up paddleboard (SUP) team race, can be completed in a canoe, kayak or on a SUP.
The longest single race, the 50k marathon, will see paddlers traverse the Trent-Severn Waterway from Stoney Lake to Beavermead Park on Little Lake.
For competitors looking for a shorter and faster paced paddle, KPQ has a 10k sprint through the waterway.
Heather Casey and her husband Mike are passionate SUP paddlers and race directors for the event.
“We really wanted to start showcasing getting people on the water,” she said.
Events are not limited to canoeing, with a SUP team race in Little Lake. Teams of four paddlers will navigate a 22-foot paddleboard through an obstacle course against opposing teams. There is also a 2.2k Family Fun race around the Little Lake fountain.
“We really to make sure that there’s a race out there for everybody,” Casey said.
Whether KPQ attendees are lifelong paddlers, or beginners who just want to get out on the water, Casey said the important thing is the get out on the water, challenge yourself, and have fun.
“Every ability level can do it, and that’s the other cool thing,” Casey said. “You don’t have to be competitive except against maybe yourself.”
The entrance fees for each race at Kawartha Paddle Quest cover the paddler’s insurance, food and they receive a T-shirt on the day.
Casey says any extra funds from the event will go to the Canadian Canoe Museum, which is planning to build a new $65-million facility at the Lift Lock.
“The really cool thing is that both the 10k and the 50k will go right by where the future site will be (for the museum),” Casey said.
For Casey, the history of paddling and canoeing is a big part of KPQ. Canadian Canoe Museum officials will be attending the event.
“I think it’s important that we see the heritage of the canoes and see what is happening with them going forward,” Casey said.
Anyone interested in trying SUP for Kawartha Paddle Quest can rent one from Wild Rock, she said.
The first KPQ will be in Peterborough, but Casey said she hopes that future events will take place throughout Peterborough county and get as many communities involved as possible.
“The idea is to promote all of the Kawarthas and not just one area, I think that’s very important,” she said.
Kawartha Paddle Quest will take place the day before the
Lock and Paddle event in celebration of National Canoe Day.
NOTE: The Kawartha Paddle Quest website is at www.kawarthapaddlequest.com