community members against
each other, depending on where they lived in Norway Bay.
Donald Teuma-Castelletti
NORWAY BAY July 21, 2018
It was a marathon of races on the Ottawa River last Saturday, as the annual regatta took over Norway Bay’s Pier Beach with canoes, kayaks and the monstrous-sized, teamwork-powered dragon boats.
With nearly three hours of races across many age categories, the Norway Bay Municipal Association’s (NBMA) 2018 Canoe and Kayak Regatta made plenty of splashes, as competitors fought strong winds and waves to cross the finish lines.
“It’s amazing how some wind can make it so interesting,” said Peter Niedre, the event organizer with the NBMA.
Certainly, it provided plenty of extra challenge for all participants. As white caps barreled their way towards shore, teenagers and children fought hard to get through as they propelled themselves towards the finish line.
Naturally, there were more than a few who took a spill and were left bobbing in the waters, supported by their life jackets. Help was quick to arrive as their teachers swam out and got them going again.
“It’s fun because it’s wavy … the trickiness is that it takes more time because when the kids flip we need to right their boats and then the races take longer,” continued Niedre. “But it’s fine, everyone’s having fun.”
Those who tipped while sitting down were just a precursor to the troubles to come, as participants attempted to compete in a stand up paddling race.
Pontiac MP Will Amos joined the group for this race, amongst others, and admitted that the hardest part was getting everyone lined up and upright. The wind consistently knocked the racers over, making it all the more fun and challenging.
Niedre was proud to say the event saw much greater participation this year, across many of the divisions.
“It’s a lot busier than last year,” said Niedre. “We tried new ways of advertising … we promoted it better, and we started an hour later.”
As well, more exciting news this year included the addition of a second dragon boat, something sought for the day’s events in the past. The boat was lent by Dunrobin, Ont.’s Ottawa River Canoe Club and made the final race much more exciting.
“They loaned us a boat for the races today, so we can actually do head-to-head races … which we’re really excited about,” said Niedre.
In the past, the dragon boat race was a timed event, with the east and west sides of Norway Bay competing for the fastest time to cross a set distance.
This year, the two boats raced at the same time, seeing groups of 20 pack into them across a series of races.
In addition to everything happening on the river, a barbeque lunch was held, and the Bristol Farmers’ Market brought their pop-up pier market back. Events in Norway Bay continue July 28, with their track and field day activities at Centennial Hall starting at 9 a.m.
