It's a new year, with a new racing scedule, new goals and hopefully some new members. Now that our lakes and rivers are free of ice once again I am sure many of you are taking full advantage of the great weather. While you are enjoying the feel of the boat on the water once again, please keep in mind the exciting races of this year's season. Due to the success of last year's inaugural event, the Musquodoboit River race is back on the schedule. Also the day after the "Canoe to the Sea" marathon race we are scheduling a long paddle back up the Shubenacadie River system. This paddle is not meant to be a race but just anotheropportunity to paddle with a large group of people with the hope of covering a lot of kilometers (~50-60) in one day. We hope that the leisurely paddle fulfils two goals: (1) adding an extra paddle to entice our New Brunswick athletes to make the trip down for the "canoe to the Sea" event and (2) getting our bodies in shape for the North Bay to Mattawa Canoe race that takes place after the Canadian nationals and extends over 60 kilometers in length.

The Canadain Nationals are in Mattawa, Ontario this year. This is shaping up to be quite an event that will feature not only the classic marathon canoe races for various classes and levels, but also it will serve as the marathon Canoe World team Qualifier where winners will be selected to represent Canada at the upcoming marathon world championships. In addition, the championships will take place at the same time and location as the mattawa Voyageur Days Summer Festival and the prestigious North bay to Mattawa canoe Race. This national event is already being labeled by the OMCRA as the "Xtreme Canadian Championships". It will be a great week of racing and fun. In order to increase participation in this event, the NSMCA has agreed to help subsidize the cost of attending these nationals for all of our full time members that wish to do so. As the event draws nearer we will have a better idea of how much funding is available and to what capacity it will be distributed. We will be calling a meeting of all interested parties to discuss logistics and funding opportunities. In the meantime please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.

In closing I wish to thank Doug Archibald for th eyears he has dedicated to our sport as president of the NSMCA. He is by no means gone and will be continuing to support marathon paddling as past president and one of our most competitive racers. As newly elected president I welcome the support and guidance of all our members. Also Dave Lewis has handed his secretary/treasurer duties to Angela Russell. with the help of our members and expierienced Vice President, Allan Billard, I feel our association is in good hands to continue with the advancement and promotion of our sport.

See you on the water,

Dustin Whalen
President NSMCA
nsmca@eastlink.ca
Ph 902.435.2090