Welcome to the Nova Scotia Marathon Canoe Racing Association. We are a group of paddlers who love canoeing and given the opportunity like nothing better than to line up our canoes and race to some predetermined finish line. Our races are more than just the Race. They are an Event where friends meet and are made, new paddlers are welcomed, classes are tailored to the participants, skills and strategies are learned and practiced, competition, adrenalin and fun are free and enjoyment is the name of the game. If this is your first time browsing our newsletter, see our schedule of events and plan to attend. If you have questions give us a call, and keep in touch, as we often have training nights where we get together to practice and introduce our sport to anyone interested. If you are solo, not a problem, partners can usually be arranged. If you are a regular welcome back, 2002 is shaping up to be a very good year !

Check out our NSMCRA schedule of sanctioned races. In addition there are other races in the province as well as those offered by our friends and neighbours in nearby New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Of special interest will be the Canadian Marathon Canoe Championships to be held in Wallaceburg Ontario August 18 - 20. In addition the United States Canoe Association 2002 Canoe Nationals will be held in Hanover, New Hampshire August 6-11. Keep in touch, as the NSMCRA has plans to send a contingent of paddlers.

A Marathon Canoe Racing Clinic is tenatively planned for July 13, 14 at Mill Lake, Upper Musquodoboit. The 2 day event will be for paddlers and families. This will be an opportunity for novice and experienced paddlers to get together in a relaxed setting to train and practice. There will be lots of room for camping with kitchen and washroom facilities provided. A BBQ and campfire will highlight the evening. For further information watch the web site or contact Doug Archibald or Jean Marien.

On behalf of the Nova Scotia Marathon Canoe Racing Association I wish to congratulate our paddlers of the year for 2001. This was a competitive year with many paddlers close to capturing the worthy nominations. The awards are presented annually to paddlers whom participate and do well in the sanctioned races. Our female paddler of the year award goes to Robin McKinnon and the male award goes to Jason McKinnon and Alan Billard who tied for first place. These racers are not new to the sport and it is their participation, persistance and determination that has made them worthy of this prestigious award.

In closing I wish to thank all members of the executive, race organizers and you the racers for your dedication, commitment and good sportsmanship. It is because of YOU we have a thriving association. So, as the ice wanes from the lakes and rivers, and the days lengthen, pull out those canoes from their hibernaculums and plunge a paddle into the dark water.....let the spirit awaken !

HUT,

Doug Archibald
President NSMCRA