LITTLE CURRENT—Competition kayaker Steve Arthurs had another successful summer out on the waters, competing with the best of his class in events across Northern Ontario.
Mr. Arthurs raced in the annual Sudbury Canoe Club race held each June, placing first this year in the 12K Open division. He admits that the weather conditions were less than ideal for the race, which meant a less than ideal turnout, but he was still happy to take top spot.
Mr. Arthurs missed out on the Mindemoya Classic as part of Central Manitoulin Lions Club Homecoming Weekend this year due to an illness, but he was back in fine form to host the second annual Haweater Weekend Paddle Challenge, which he’s hoping to see grow bigger with each year.
The Great Canadian Kayak Challenge and Festival held late last month in Timmins is the premier event in Northern Ontario and Mr. Arthurs, partner Robin McGauley and Mr. Arthurs’ son Rhyis all represented Manitoulin well.
Rhyis was second in the youth division while Ms. McGauley, who decided to race at the 11th hour, came in sixth place in the 6.5K Open division. Mr. Arthurs raced in the 16K Elite division, placing fifth. He also raced in the 4.5K Open division and placed fourth, giving it his all in a sprint to the finish to earn that spot.
“It’s getting more difficult all the time as big names are starting to show up,” Mr. Arthurs said.
There could be one more race in Mr. Arthurs future, the Great Muskoka Paddling Experience held over the Thanksgiving Weekend, but he’s still unsure if he’s able to commit.
Mr. Arthurs is expanding his horizons these days too, taking part in his first ever McLean’s Park Six Hour Mountain Bike Relay Race, hosted by Tehkummah’s own Alex Anstice.
“It was the first time I ever did it—it was a fun time,” he laughed.
Mr. Arthurs was effusive in his praise for: Manitoulin Fuels, Sunswim Pool Concepts and Design, Orr’s Valu-Mart, Little Current Chiropractic, Elite Training, Harbor Vue Marina, Manitoulin Self Storage, OJ Graphix, TerraStar Building Products, NBS Auto Repair, The Manitoulin Expositor, Glow 100 and Great Lakes Country 103.
