A Mars Creek Race

COMPETITORS WAITING AT THE TOP - PHOTO: DAVE CRERAR

This weekend, the Quebec kayaking community gathered in Chicoutimi for the first ever A Mars downriver race. It has to be said these guys sure know how to throw a good event. Pat Levesque (www.kayaksaguenay.com) set up an amazing show on the middle section of the A Mars river, just 10Km’s up from the take out. With over 30 competitors is was an awesome turn out for such a small, tight community of boaters. It says a lot for the work Mr. Levesque has put in over the last few years, increasing awareness as to what Quebec can offer the kayaking world. Best of all we got to paddle the new Vilan S, great boat!

BENOIT ARSENAULT PHOTO: DAVE CRERAR

Their were four classes, Pro, Intermediate, C-1, and Juniors. Everyone was timed as they kayaked down the 1Km stretch of water, with safety set up along the way. It has to be said it was an impressive show from all involved, especially those new to the sport as some of these rapids were III+-IV.Canada took gold and silver in the pro race, it being a multi cultural class. Standings for the other catagories were composed of Quebec locals.

DAVE CRERAR TOP DROP - PHOTO: TYLER FOX

After the race Josh Neilson and Rush Sturges premiered their movies, Realm and Dream Result a little bit outside downtown Chicoutimi, after which we headed to the local karaoke bar for a $5 all you could drink. As I said the lads from Quebec know how to put ona show. We happened to land in Chicoutimi the night of the areas high school grad balls, which meant no hotels and a car park amp session after the after party. Chicoutimi is an amazing area for kayaking, I would advise anyone to hit this area up for spring mission, it is one not to be missed.

Pro Intermediate C1 Junior

Tyler Fox Marie-Claire Sevard Vincent DuPont Francois Nadeau

Blake Mahoney Vincent LeBlanc Alex Brouchard

Dave Crerar Cheryl McGreggor Zach Zwanenburg

Check in again soon.

DC - www.davecrerar.blogspot.com