As the World Junior and U23 Slalom Championships wrapped up this past Sunday, July 15 in Wausau, Wisconsin, paddlers were loading their vehicles to drive north to compete in Ontario’s Race Series taking place in Barry's Bay – Madawaska Kanu Centre and at Minden’s Gull River from July 18-22.

Over 40 world-class paddlers will be attending the race series and challenging Canada's best slalom athletes, including most of Canada's national kayak team. 

Recently crowned U23 World Champion Jiri Prakavec from the Czech Republic will lead the field in the Senior Mens race along with teammate, 4th in the world Ondrej Tunka and Canada's Ben Haywood who placed 6th in Saturday’s World Championship event. The women's race will feature the World Championship bronze medalist Nouria Newman and 5th placed Estelle Mangin both from France, while in the Junior women's race Canada's Jasmine Denhollander will be coming off an 8th place finish at the world championship. Canada's top C1 racer Cameron Smedley will go up against World Championship finalist Patrik Gajarsky.

Madawaska Kanu Centre will be hosting a downriver race and slalom on Wednesday, July 18 and Thursday, July 19 on the Madawasaka River. Athletes will then move to the Gull River’s Minden Whitewater Preserve for races to be held on Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22 which will feature the competitive Andrew Westlake Slalom, Boater Cross and a Development race for novices. Spectating at all whitewater series events is free and very much appreciated.

Schedule

Gull Cadet & Novice Slalom Saturday, July 21 10 a.m. Lower Gull

Gull AOB Boater Cross Saturday, July 21 2 p.m. Dam to below Horseshoe Falls

Gull Andrew Westlake Sunday Slalom - July 22 10 a.m. (above falls)

For more information and results of the Series: info@whitewaterontario.ca or call 1-888 322-2849.