The 2022 Canadian Sculling Marathon

Full (42k) and Half (21k) – Sunday, August 28, 2022 – Ottawa, Ontario Welcome to the 17th annual Canadian Sculling Marathon (CSM) organized by the rowing section  of the Ottawa New Edinburgh Club (ONEC) and inspired by the world-renowned Canadian Ski  Marathon. As one of the distance events of the Ontario Adventure Rowing Association, the  emphasis is on participation, fitness, endurance and fun! The CSM offers a choice of two touring distances, the full marathon (42 km) and the half  marathon (21 km). The scenery along both routes is as spectacular as it is varied: views of the  capital’s most famous landmarks, shoreline recreational pathways, and protected wetlands and  forested areas.

Participants should be in good physical condition and have rowed their target distance. You  should be aware that you’ll be rowing some open stretches of the Ottawa River, where wind,  waves and current can give rise to challenging conditions. Organizers reserve the right to change  the routes in the event of adverse conditions.  In addition to rowing skills and endurance, navigation skills are required. Participants should  familiarize themselves with the route map and attend the pre-race captain’s meeting where  information will be given on potential hazards, which may include deadheads, buoys and powerboat traffic. ONEC safety boats and a marine police patrol will be on the water to help  ensure your safety. Because of the nature of the course, all boats must carry Transport Canada  mandated safety equipment: life jackets (one per individual), bailer, throw line and whistle. Medals and souvenir T-shirts will be given to all scullers who complete their event. 

The Hensler Endurance Trophy 

The Hensler Trophy will be awarded to the Club with the most participants who  complete the full marathon. In addition, a donation of $1,000 will be awarded to that Club to  purchase equipment. All participants who successfully complete the full marathon will have their  name engraved on the trophy.

Full Marathon Route (this route may be modified due to weather conditions) 

Launch, start and finish at the ONEC docks. 

• Circle Kettle Island in a clockwise direction one and a half times  
• Near the tip of Kettle Island (the 2nd time) cross over to the tip of Upper Duck Island 
• Row clockwise around Upper Duck Island
• Row along the Ontario shore past the ONEC docks (You can make a pit stop here) 
• Continue along the Ontario shore, past Rideau Falls and the Parliament Buildings 
• Circle Gull Island in a clockwise direction 
• Row downstream on the Quebec shore to the mouth of the Gatineau River 
• Row up the Gatineau as far as Chelsea Creek, and then back down to the Ottawa River
• Row down the Ottawa River to end in front of the ONEC docks 

Half Marathon Route (this route may be modified due to weather conditions)

• Launch, start and finish at the ONEC docks 
• Circle Kettle Island in a clockwise direction
• Row upstream along the Ontario shore, under the Macdonald-Cartier and Alexandra bridges. After  rowing below Parliament Hill, circle the small island and continue downstream past the Canadian  Museum of History to the mouth of the Gatineau River.  
• Row up the Gatineau River just past the first bridge over the Gatineau River (Lady Aberdeen Bridge) then back down to the Ottawa River. 
• Row down the Ottawa River to end in front of the ONEC Boathouse

The Following Shells are permitted in the Full and Half Marathons

Singles

• Touring Singles (eg Hudson T6, Alden Star, Echo Sport, Classic or Islander)
• Coastal boat singles (eg Eurodifusion, Philippi singles)
• Stable open water singles (eg Maas 24/21, Wintech Explorer 24/21, Alden Star 18, 16, Quest, Martin or Rossiter Laser 18 or Louden, Whitehall)
• The beam at the waterline must be at least 14 inches to ensure stability

Doubles

• Touring Doubles (eg Hudson T-7, Swift Tuuring Gig 2+)
• Coastal boat doubles (eg Eurodifusiion, Philippi doubles)
• Stable open water doubles (eg Alden 18, Maas Ocean double, Wintech 30, Star double, Ocean Shell, Whitehall double)

Quads

• Touring coxed Quads (eg Hudson T-11, Wintech Odyssey, Swift TOuring Gig 4+, Coastal Quads such as Eurodifusion, Philippi coxed Quads, Liteboat Quads)

Need a Boat for the Marathon?

You can rent a boat from Ontario Adventure Rowing (OAR) for the CSM.  2X and 4X boats available.  Contact Alistair Hensler for details at ahensler@bell.net.

Questions?

Contact Alistair at ahensler@bell.net

Group Discussion

Share training photos and tips with other 2022 CSM registrants.  The Group Discussion is private and available to those registered in the CSM only.

Registration Fees

• Early (before July 31st): $60 per person + HST
• Mid (Aug 1 - 20th): $70 per person + HST
• Late (After Aug 20th): $ 80 per person + HST

Registration closes Aug 25th