The 2013 Gunflint Trail Canoe Races were held earlier this week at Gunflint Lodge. Events included a long distance race, traditional paddling and backwards paddling but the main event is always Gunnel Pumping. Over a hundred people participated is the various races and a large crowd was on hand to watch the racers do their "stuff". Proceeds from this summer event go to the Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department which provides both  fire and emergency/rescue service to both residents and visitors to our area.

A couple of weeks before the races I started encouraging Jason and Mika, our summer staff students from China, to participate in this year's races. It was soon apparent that neither of them would ever be a strong paddler. I did manage to convence them that they would be naturals for Gunnel Pumping. After a couple of practice sessions it we were off to the races. 



Jason gets a canoe ready for Mika to head out to the starting line.

 It takes some imagination to understand Gunnel Pumping from a verbal description. Basically it involves standing on back half of a canoe's gunnels and bobbing up and down to move the canoe across the race course. You are not allowed to use a paddle durning the race and good balance is a must. With the proper timing of the "bobs" and the correct shifting of your weight the canoe can be guided across the race course.  

A determined Mika reaches the stageing area for the start of the Women's Race.

I can't show you a picture of the actual races because the video I took and my computer are not compatable. Mika went by so fast that she was just a blur. She won the women's race and is this year's champion! Jason ran out of gas and had to be bumped acoss the finish line by another canoist.  If you make it up to Rockwood Lodge this year be sure to ask the kids to show you their video of their races.