1. Celebrate the Longest Non-Stop Race
The AuSable River Canoe Race began in 1947 and is the oldest non-stop race in North America. This Michigan canoeing race is also the longest non-stop race in the US; it's 120 miles and takes longer than 16 hours to finish. To compete, you generally need a C-2 racing canoe and you need to be mentally and physically prepared. Because the race is non-stop, you must be able to navigate in the dark; luckily officials allow and encourage GPS. To add another challenge, paddlers must beat the clock to continue.
2. Join the Outdoor Fun
Canoe marathons like the Des Plaines River Canoe Marathon cover shorter routes, 18.5 miles in this one, and allow people of all skill level and age to compete. The marathon offers events for solo canoes or paired canoeing. Paddlers may use any type of canoe and some marathons allow no contest crafts. Even beginners can enjoy canoe marathons like this.
3. Don't Take the Bait
Many canoe marathons take place on lakes and rivers that remain open to other boaters during the event. When it comes to fishers or anglers, you need to make sure you follow river etiquette. Find out what side of the boat has the line. If you cross the path, you may wind up pulling the fishing line with you. Slow down so your wake doesn't disturb other fishers. If you are paddling at night, use a small light to alert others to your presence. The liveries along the route ensure canoes can pass, so don't cut through wood or move debris, which often provide trout habitats.
4. Pace Yourself
When it comes to canoe marathons, pacing plays as important a part as it does in a running marathon. If you come out too fast or try to cut too many corners too quickly, you're going to burn out. The longer the race, the more essential it is to pace yourself. Not only do you need to know the distance and how much energy you need to finish, you also need to pace your practice. Many canoe experts recommend 250 hours of paddling before entering a race like the AuSable River Canoe Race.
5. Map Your Way to Success
A topographical map charts your route and provides invaluable information to help you prepare of tough routes. Maps that show major impounds help with home practice and allow you to plan how to handle specific obstacles like dams without physically running the course prior to the marathon.
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