The weather was favourable; the waters remained calm for participants who paddled in the 29th Annual Labrador Canoe Regatta held at Gosling Park from August 4-5.
Crowds from Central Labrador came out to cheer on their favorite Regatta racers, which included a total of 12 teams this year. Seven senior female teams, four senior males and one juvenile (female) team signed on to compete this year.
Paddlers from Happy Valley-Goose Bay, North West River and Sheshatshiu practiced for several weeks to prepare for the main event and give it their all during the races. Their efforts showed.
On Sunday the men’s championship races kick started the day.
The River Rats of North West River (Male Division) held onto an impressive seven-year Regatta Cup win with a time of 21:04:85, while Ray’s Racers of Happy Valley-Goose Bay (Female Division) dominated to take their third consecutive Regatta Cup win with a time of 24:45:97.
Additional Regatta weekend events included the first ever kid’s power wheel race as well as a family canoe race event. Children were also invited to participate in a scavenger hunt around the park.
Unfortunately, the strong man competition was cancelled this year but will go ahead as scheduled next August.
The event wrapped up on Sunday evening with Matthew Pike from Nalcor Energy and MHA for Lake Melville, Keith Russell presenting awards to the victors.
