ORR Saturday July 18th
– Race day – Kids Cookie Race – learn the basics of kayaking
Ottawa Pumphouse Tailrace – Downtown Ottawa
Join us for a fun day of paddling, racing, food, and community at the Ottawa Pumphouse!
Whether you’re an experienced racer, new to paddling, volunteering, or simply coming to watch, everyone is welcome. Come experience the excitement of canoe and kayak slalom and join us for a great day on the water.
We have a high-performance slalom race – come see some of Canada’s brightest and upcoming athletes.
Recreation Division – test your skills and make your way down a recreational slalom course – plastic boats and youth slalom.
Flatwater Cookie Race – kids of all ages – no experience required.
***Please arrive at 12 pm for Cookie race and we’ll get them set up with boat, paddle, life jackets.
We hope to see you there and please register beforehand to help us with numbers and logistics.
Registration link – HERE
Events include:
- AM: High Performance Slalom Racing
- AM: Recreational Slalom Race
- PM: Kids Flatwater Cookie Race
- BBQ • Awards • Music • Community
New paddlers are especially encouraged to participate!
Event Schedule
9:00–9:30 AM: registration – $10 – per category
9-10 AM : Course construction.
10:30 AM–12:30 PM
High Performance Slalom Race
- Two runs per athlete per class
- Best run counts
12:30–1:00 PM: Lunch break
1:00–2:00 PM
Kids Flatwater practice
Perfect for first-time paddlers and young athletes wanting to learn the basics. Instructors will introduce fundamental paddling skills and prepare participants for the Cookie Race.
2:00–3:00 PM
Kids Flatwater Cookie Race
A fun, beginner-friendly race featuring simple skill challenges. Every participant gets the chance to test their skills, cheer on their friends, and earn a cookie!
4:00 PM
Awards • Music • Social
Celebrate the day with food, prizes, and great company!
ORR offers a High Performance year round program for skills development for cadets/juniors/under 23 and seniors.
The Ottawa River Runners’ paddling programs are designed to inspire and empower children through a unique blend of physical activity, skill development, and camaraderie. Our experienced and certified instructors are dedicated to creating a safe and nurturing environment where your child can learn essential paddling techniques, develop a deep appreciation for our magnificent waterways, and forge lasting friendships with fellow young paddlers. Don’t let your child miss out on this incredible opportunity to explore the beauty and wonders of the Ottawa River.
The PDF below, which you can download, details the coaching programs being offered in 2026 on page 1 and 2, followed by a draft schedule of events on page 3.
If you have any questions, please contact ORR’s Head Coach who can be reached at [email protected].
Finally, don’t forget that the Ottawa River Runners also offer summer camps for those looking for an introduction to flat and whitewater paddling.