Kayakers, canoeists enjoy second annual Paddle Poker Run near Mallorytown, Ont.
It was a chance to get out and active on the St. Lawrence River Saturday, as the second annual Paddle Poker Run took place at Brown's Bay Park near Mallorytown.
"I love to get out on the water, so any excuse to kayak and make it a fun event," said Briana Bradley from Athens. "It's a great little thing that the township hosts, so I'm probably going to do it every year."
As one of the few socially distanced events that happened in 2021 during the pandemic, organizers said paddlers were looking forward to this year’s event.
"We had just over 80 paddlers last year and everyone was just really happy to see each other. It was a great event so we knew we had to do it again," said Poker Run Committee member Leslie MacPherson.
"We've got just over 50 paddlers registered right now and we have a few more coming in as we speak," she added, noting the number is down from 2021, as more events are happening again in the region.
While Brown's Bay Park is under construction and closed for the season, the St. Lawrence Parks Commission allowed the committee to use the eastern part of the site for the event.
There were two routes to choose from, a 5-kilometre paddle or 10-kilometre paddle.
"Along the route, they get to stop at different docks, pick up a card, and if they come back with a really nice poker hand or even a mediocre poker hand, they have a chance to win a prize," MacPherson said.
Nicole Hodges and Kari Marceau said it was their fourth paddle poker run in the area this year, adding they enjoy the relaxation on the water and the poker game adds a fun, extra element.
"You never know what card you're going to get," said Marceau. "I started with a 5 but that could be the winning 5, who knows!"
"It's for everybody, it's an inclusive sport for sure," added Hodges.
Both women took up kayaking as a pandemic hobby and they have fallen in love with the sport.
"(We) wanted to get one more in before the season is over," Hodges added.
While paddle boarders are welcome, other types of equipment do better on the water.
Kayakers on the St. Lawrence. (Nate Vandermeer/CTV News Ottawa)
"Some days the river isn't the best for stand up paddle boarding so we really wanted to encourage people to use kayaks and canoes, something that could handle a little bit of wave action if we get some," said MacPherson.
Front of Yonge Mayor Roger Haley expects the event to grow larger in the coming years as the traditions catches on.
"It's a good turnout and as we continue, we'll grow. The committee that we have is great, they put a lot of hours, a lot of time and effort into this. We were here last night setting up," Haley said.
"Last year we started a little bit later and it got a little choppy and some of the folks, especially the beginners, aren't as accustomed to the river, so we started an hour earlier and today it cooperated with us."
Organizers say it’s not a race to the finish line; it's just about having a good time.
"You can take your time, you can paddle leisurely, have a conversation with someone beside you; we really don’t care who's coming over the finish line first," said MacPherson.
"This event really helps to show the community and those from further away that this area is an amazing place to play, live and even to work."
Bradley completed her 10-kilometre paddle to Mallorytown Landing and back in around two hours.
"A little tired," she noted. "Once I could see the pylons, I started trying to book it as fast as I could!"
And while her poker hand wasn't the greatest, with a king high, she still enjoyed the day.
"That's okay, I just hope the township continues to do this every year and I'll likely be participating every year," she said, smiling.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Live updates as Stormy Daniels testifies at Trump hush money trial
Adult film star Stormy Daniels will take the stand a second time Thursday as former U.S. president Donald Trump’s hush money case continues in Manhattan. Follow live updates here.
BREAKING Sheldon Keefe out as head coach of Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs have fired head coach Sheldon Keefe. The team made the announcement Thursday after the Original Six franchise lost to the Boston Bruins in seven games in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Bank of Canada says financial system is stable, but risks remain
The Bank of Canada says the Canadian financial system is stable, but risks remain due to debt servicing costs among households and businesses and stretched valuations of financial assets.
Why these immigrants to Canada say they're thinking about leaving, or have already moved on
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
RateMDs violates privacy of health professionals, class-action lawsuit claims
A lawsuit against RateMDs has been given the go-ahead by a B.C. Supreme Court judge who found the claim that the website violates the privacy rights of medical professionals is not 'bound to fail.'
Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Court to hear about search for remains as Winnipeg murder trial enters second day
A courtroom in Winnipeg is expected to hear testimony today about the search for the remains of the four victims of Jeremy Skibicki.