Our Vision
MISSION STATEMENT
To promote, represent and develop distance paddling as a racing sport in Ontario.
OBJECTIVES
Standardizing specifications of crafts in the various classes for all races; Advertising and promoting sanctioned events and assisting organizers in improving their events; Promoting safety in paddling particularly as related to distance racing; Encouraging Ontario residents of all ages to become involved in marathon paddling competitions; and Offering sport-specific training programs to coaches and paddlers.
OMCKRA is run by volunteers. The seven member board, plus committee members, coaches, race organizers, race volunteers, clubs and club members, are the heart of all we do.
Board of Directors: President Oliver McMillan, Vice President Seb Courville, Treasurer Mike Bender, Recording Secretary Kim Snell, Race Secretary Don Stoneman, Past President Christine Archer, Member at Large Iain Craig
CanoeKayak Canada (CKC) reps: Iain Craig, Don Stoneman, Darryl Bohm; Canoe KayakOntario (CKO) reps: Christine Archer, Peter Braul, Karen Bender, Kim Snell
Our Programs include: Race Development. Paddler Development. Coach Development. Officials Development. Volunteer Development
Committees: In addition to each program committee there is the Sanctioning Committee and the Communications Committee.
Our Story
On a June day in the mid-1970s Rene Boogemans took two canoes to a race, a fibreglass model and a cedar strip he had built himself. The organizer said he could use the cedar canoe but when Rene and his partner won the 40-mile race they were disqualified. Rene thought that was wrong. A lot of other racers and organizers thought so too.
Incorporated as a not-for-profit in 1975 the Ontario Marathon Canoe Racing Association was started by a committed group of Marathon racers, including Rene. The organization was created to insist that member races use classes with watercraft standardized by length and width at the waterline and reward paddlers for their steady success. Rene is still racing today, as are many of those original members, in OMCKRA sanctioned races, committed to using established specifications and fair play.
Marathon Paddle Racing
Marathon paddling is an exceptional way to develop both strength and aerobic capacity. It is a safe, low impact, high aerobic sport and a great way to develop upper body and core strength. The sport has a significant technical component that is sure to test your canoeing technique, river knowledge and navigation skills. Over time racers develop the ability to read different water conditions to both avoid obstacles and seek out the fastest water.
In marathon paddling knowledge is as important as muscle strength and this makes it a sport where all ages and sexes can excel. Paddlers who take the time to develop both fitness and technical skills not only enjoy hours spent on the water but are also rewarded with a strong sense of accomplishment.
Ontario Marathon Canoe Kayak Racing Association (OMCKRA) is the Provincial Ontario Sport Organization (PSO) for the sport of Marathon Canoe and Kayak Racing and is a member of the Marathon Canoe Racing Council (MCRC) of CanoeKayak Canada (CKC) and is the Marathon discipline of CanoeKayak Ontario (CKO). Check out our parent associations by clicking on their logos.
Both CKC and CKO are made up of the paddling disciplines of Sprint, Whitewater and Marathon Canoe Racing. Check out our sister disciplines in Ontario by clicking on their logos.
OMCKRA is honoured to be supported by the Ontario Government Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
