Fun-filled Afternoon with Thorncrest Outfitters

Tim Thorne (L) with 1st place winners in Family Canoeing Division, Brad & Parker Moon

On the last afternoon of Southampton's 150th Anniversary, local canoe and kayak outfitter, Thorncrest Outfitters hosted a fun-filled afternoon of canoe and kayak events.

"Above all, we wanted this to be fun," said owner, Tim Thorne.  "For instance, the portage race required an individual to carry a backpack as fast as he/she could around a prescribed track and then do the same thing with a canoe.  It was a lot of fun but also required strength and endurance and some of the contestants really surprised us."

The canoe and kayak races, at the Chesley Street boat launch on the Saugeen River in Southampton,  involved racing on both land and water.  Each contestant had to race to the Beginners' line pick up a backpack, race a course and then across a Finish line, run to a canoe, paddle around an island and back again with the fastest time winning.

Approximately 70 contestants took part over the afternoon and, as Thorne explained, "This was a family event.  Some of the events were more of a 'biathalon' but it was meant to be more fun than competitive. I think everyone seemed to have a great time and, since it's the 150th Anniversary, most of us will never see this again!"(next column)

Solo Kayak winner, Peter Weickert (L) of Ingersol, Tim & Matt Weickert

(continued)

'Dan' wins in the double Kayak race

Matt Weickert wins the 'under 18 Portage' and gets a high 5 from Tim Thorne

The Weickerts clean up at the races!