Balmy Beach Paddling

The Paddling Section (Canoe Club) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the sport of sprint canoe and kayak racing in the Beach community. The goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable, recreational and/or competitive environment, for members of all ages and abilities. Programs are designed to develop both the physical and mental strength of individual members while encouraging team spirit.

Canoe racing has been part of the Balmy Beach Club since 1905. In 1907, the Club joined the Canadian Canoe Association as the “Beach Canoe Club” and later as the “Balmy Beach Canoe Club”. Presently it is one of twelve member clubs of the Western Ontario Division (“WOD”) of the Canadian Canoe Association.

Competitive racing is offered in eight age categories, ranging from Atom (under age 10) to Masters (over age 25). Our Club has a rich tradition of successful competition over the years at International and National levels.

• 1924 Sprint racing canoeing was accepted as an exhibition event at the 1924 Olympic Games in Paris, France, and it was Beach’s Roy Nurse that led the way with two gold and four bronze medals.

• I936 At the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, Germany, Harvey Charters and Warren Saker in C-2 won silver and bronze medals. Team-mate, Bill Williamson, was also selected to race in double blade singles (kayaks were not used at the time).

• 1948 At the 1948 Olympic Games in London, England, Norm Lane, paddling in C-1, won a bronze medal.

•.1952 At the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki, Finland. Ken Lane, Norm’s younger brother with Don Hawgood in C-2 won silver medals.

• Jim Mossman, Head Coach of the Club for over 25 years, was selected to coach Canada’s National Canoe Team at the 1960, 1964, 1968 and 1972 Olympics Games.

• At the national level, Balmy Beach has won the overall National Championships (the coveted “Burgee”) in 1915, 1919, 1927, 1951 and 1952. In more recent years Balmy Beach has won the Canadian Masters National Championships in 1987, 1988 and 2006

For more information please visit www.balmybeachcanoe.com.

Paddling Links
Balmy Beach Canoe