About two hours from Thunder Bay, lies Rossport Island. This will be the setting for the Rossport Islands Sea Kayaking Festival. The symposium will be held from June 18-June 20, 2010. Rossport leads to the Lake Superior Marine Conservation Area, so this will provide some spectacular paddling venues. Contact 1-800-203-9092 for more information. The LSMCA will also have an open house beginning May 31, 2010 through June 3, 2010 so if you go early to the Sea Kayaking Festival you should be able to enjoy this new park.
The Devizes to Westminster International Canoe Race will begin April 2, 2010 and end April 5, 2010. The race covers 125 miles and features 77 portages. The race begins in Devizes, Wiltshire and ends opposite the Houses of Parliment. Fees are required. For more info contact Stuart West at +44 118-966-5912.
The International Descent of the Sella River in Spain is a one day event in August 2010. Kayakers and canoe enthusiasts will meet August 7, 2010 to begin the marathon at Arriondas. The event is open (for a fee) to the people holding a current competitor's license. For more info contact +3 498-584-0562.
The Berg River Marathon has been taking place for over 40 years. At 227 kilometres it is the longest race in South
Africa. This year's event will take place beginning July 14, 2010 and ending July 17, 2010. This will be the winter season in South Africa, so weather can be problematic. For
information call 084 700 2742 or email admin@wpcanoe.org.za. 84 700 2742
CCell: 084 700 2742ell: 084 700 2742
Patagonia Expedition Race in South America is one to keep your eyes on. Held on Tierra Del Fuego, this race includes a number of disciplines including sea kayaking, trekking, mountain biking, ropes and navigation. Beginning February 6, 2010 through February 20, 2010. The kayaking portion using double or tandem kayaks will be held February 7th, 2010.
http://www.patagonianexpeditionrace.com/index.php
From April 27, 2010 until May 2, 2010, the Malaysia Water Festival 2010 will be held. The Labuan International Sea Challenge will feature kayak racing, game fishing and cross channel swimming. Call +6 087 408 744/422 622 for more info or go to www.labuantourism.gov.my.
The 2010 Asian Canoe Slalom Championship is fast approaching. The event will be held in Xiasi, Guizhou, China from May 1 through May 3, 2010. Slalom and drift categories for both men and women will be presented. For more information contact chncanoe822@hotmail.com or jimmyeric1981@sina.com.
The Northwest Whitewater Cup Races will be held August 28, 2010 through Augut 29, 2010 in Oregon on the Clackamas river near Estacada, OR. This is the Northwest Slalom Cup #6. For more info contact cposton1@comcast.net.
Tybee Island Sea Kayak Race to benefit the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, in Georgia, USA. To be held June 12, 2010. Register online at active.com.
Alafia River State Park near Tampa, Florida is the scene for the Talon Adventure Race on May 1, 2010. The race will employ paddling, navigation and mountain biking skills. For more information phone 1-800-877-2351.phone: (800) 877-2351
Charleston, SC is the site for the East Coast Canoe & Kayak Festival from April 16-18, 2010. Come have some fun at the James Island County Park. Call 843-795-4386 for info.
The Shark Bite Challenge will take place in Dunedin, Florida on April 17 and April 18, 2010. It's part of the Island Earth Days 2010 at Honeymoon Island State Park. It promises to be a fun time for the entire family with canoe and kayak marathons, paddleboard and outrigger races, live music and more. The paddling will be in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Honeymoon Island State Park is the location for the event.
The Race on the Brazos 2010 will be held April 10, 2010. This is a canoe marathon originating in Rosenberg, TX and finishing in Richmont, TX. An entrance fee is required. For more info on the Race on the Brazos 2010 contact (281) 123-2755 or email Brazosrace@gmail.com .
For all you West Coasters, take note! The 24th Santa Cruz Kayak Surf Festival is coming up March 26th - 28th. Registration closes March 7, 2010. Fees run between $85 - $125 USD. The address is Steamers Lane, 600 West Cliff, Santa Cruz, CA.
Alabama's River Trail at over 600 miles is the single longest water trail in any state. It begins at the Georgia state line and ends at Fort Morgan. The trail follows seven rivers and two creeks, making it a wonderful paddling experience for recreational kayak paddlers and canoe aficionados. In November, Claiborne Lake near Monroeville, Alabama is the setting for a paddle trip along both sides of the Alabama River. This event is called the “Ghost Paddle” trip and follows a local legend of the Haines Mountain ghost, or “Crazy Nancy” from the Civil War era. The minimum age for participants is 12 years. The Ghost Paddle trip was over November 7, 2009. Check for next years' dates. Paddlers need to bring their own kayak or canoe, plus PFD and paddles, tent and sleeping bag. Rentals are available but should be scheduled in advance. The event is sponsored by the Alabama-Tombigbee Resource, Conservation and Development office. Pre-registration is required. Call 334-636-0120 for more information or go on-line at http://www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com.
New Zealand's Bay of Islands will feature the Northern Crossing Multisport Challenge May 15, 2010. Registration is May 14, 2010. It's a multisport event in Kerikeri, New Zealand featuring kayaking, running and biking. Sure to be some exciting times! For more info phone 09 407 9866 in New Zealand.
Don't forget about the Lifestart Kayak for Kids to be held March 28, 2010 in Sydney Harbour, NSW, Australia. It's a 17.5KM event with proceeds going to help Lifestart, an organization to help kids with disabilities.