Welland Hope Floats Challenge – August 15 2026
It appears we’re continuing to break tradition as this is the second post post race day. In our defense, it was a long drive back from Welland and we had a function scheduled immediately after returning to Toronto. Midnight/1AM didn’t seem like a healthy time to post this article, so here you go!
We drove down to Welland on Friday, just because we didn’t feel much like waking up at 4 in the morning to make it down there for the first race. Competing on the all-women team Tribal Wahine as a small crew (10 paddlers), Coach (and Chef) Eric was the designated steer as Coach Darin was booked already for another regatta with a different team. With most of the team also staying overnight to avoid the drive, we tried Italian restaurant CC Italian Eatery on a teammate’s suggestion, and boy was it tasty! It really hit the spot with such generous portions, a few had leftovers that served as breakfast before the first race.
Besides having leftover pasta for race day, we made a grocery shop stop after check-in on Friday, picking up burgers with all the fixings. Chef Eric had his grill for an on-site bbq, fueling Wahine all day long.
The organizers at Welland had two small-crew size boats, for 10 paddlers, a drummer and a steer. However, they thought it would be a great idea to give the actual small boats to the open (unlimited male paddlers) teams, instead of the all-women teams? Wahine didn’t let the big boat stop them, paddling hard and ultimately earning a 2nd place silver medal for the day. A brand new, unique medal has now been added to the collection!
Kitchen contemplations 
Stocking up for race day 
Pre-race dinner with the ladies 
Off we go! 
Never been on-site this early 
The custom T-shirts look spiffy! 
Marshalling for race 1 
Oops! An Alkame official running for the drum stick. Kinda need that! 
‘Small’ boat…so really a FULL boat but with half the paddlers. 
First race done…3 more to go 
I like the bar…and now I like the drink too! 
Our spot near the water, and the parking lot. Ideal. 
Quite some vendors set up shop around the grandstand 
More stands and trucks would arrive during the day 
Hello there! 
Race 2 
Ready? Go! Start of the 200m heat. 
Someone’s heart rate kept spiking, so mandatory rest! 
The chef’s cooking 
A fairly Dutch spread, wouldn’t you say? 
Proud winners of the Silver medal! 
Look at that plaque! 
Getting ready for the last race of the day, the 2K 
Sharon’s cheering her teammates on 
And that’s a wrap!