The 52nd annual Canoe the Nonquon is taking place on Saturday, June 4 in Port Perry. The race is sanctioned by the Ontario Marathon Canoe and Kayak Racing Association (OMCKRA).
It was started by the Lake Scugog Historical Society as a fundraiser for the Scugog Shores Museum Village. Over 40 volunteers help plan and organize the race each year, said a township statement.
The course starts on the twisty Nonquon River. For the first few kilometers there are many tight bends to practice your rudder turns. There are also some dead end channels along the river section (when in doubt always keep right). There is 12 km of river paddling followed by an 8 km sprint along the shores of Lake Scugog to the finish line.
Participants race the clock and can start anytime between 8:00 – 10:30 am on Saturday morning. This is a well-attended race with a long-standing history in the community. Amateurs and professionals, young and old, may compete in a large number of competitive or recreational categories. Shuttle vans are available to take participants back to their cars upon concluding the race at either Robinglade Park (river only) or Palmer Park (full course).
Registration takes place at the Latcham Centre, 121 Queen Street, Port Perry on Friday, June 3 from 6:00 – 9:00 pm and Saturday, June 4 from 7:00 – 10:00 am. The registration fee is $60/canoe or kayak or SUP. Participants are encouraged to gather pledges, a prize will be awarded to the top fundraiser! All participants MUST bring a completed registration form, signed waiver, and emergency contact form to the Latcham Centre before proceeding to the start line. Upon registration at the Latcham Centre, you will receive your race number. You will not be permitted to start the race without this number.
Classes
Participants must register in one of the following classes:
- Canoe full course: C1, C2, Men, Women, Mixed, 40 or Better Men, 40 or Better Women, 40 or Better Mixed, Family Jr. & Sr., SUP
- Canoe river only: 17 & Under, Men, Women, Mixed
- Kayak full course: K1, K2, Men (single paddler), Women (single paddler)
- Kayak river only: 17 & Under (single paddler), Men (single paddler), Women (single paddler)
Start location: Bridge on Scugog Line 12, between Old Simcoe Road and Simcoe Road North near the village of Seagrave, 10 minutes north of Port Perry.
Finish location: Robinglade Park (if racing river only), or public pier in Port Perry, at the Latcham Centre (if racing full course)
For additional information, or to download registration forms and waivers, visit www.scugog.ca/museum.
Canoe the Nonquon is the largest annual fundraiser for the Scugog Shores Museum Village. Minimum race entrance fee is $60, but all participants are encouraged to raise more money through sponsorship to support the community and the museum as we celebrate the 52nd running of the race.