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Recognition of a Lifetime of Dedication

News

|March 14, 2025

Congratulations to Claudia Kerckhoff van Wijk for winning the World Paddle Lifetime Achievement Award!

I am still happiest when in my kayak!

-Claudia Kerckhoff van Wijk

We’re excited to announce that our very own Claudia Kerckhoff van Wijk has received the World Paddle Lifetime Achievement award. There is truly nobody more deserving of being recognized for her participation and contribution to the sport of whitewater paddling.

She has had a very successful slalom and white water kayaking career; with medals in the Canadian Championships, Pan American Championships, and World Championships. For over 40 years she has lead the Madawaska Kanu Centre and inspired hundreds of paddlers to pursue their whitewater passions. Additionally, with the help of her husband, Dirk van Wijk, she has seen OWL Rafting built from the ground up. Claudia continues to use her influence in the whitewater world to promote ecological change and unity within the paddling communities.

It should also be noted that Claudia is the first woman to have ever received this award and is an empowering role model for female paddlers throughout the world. In an interview with the World Paddle Awards, Claudia notes “Giving back to the sport that gave so much to me, is a natural transition. I enjoy it immensely!”

Congratulations Claudia!

https://youtu.be/1p7e-S8ffqo

Reviews

					Perfect Family Adventure I cannot say enough good things about MKC - their facilities, their staff, the river, all of it. My family actually joined the five day learn to kayak program (which was not an option in the TripAdvisor drop down). The river has just the right amount of challenge to be PERFECT for learning. There are easy lines for absolute beginners, and enough challenge that a competitive slalom race was being held for top competitors on an adjacent section of the river during our stay. We will be back in the future for the same program.
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Scott S
7/28/2024
					A great time.  I highly recommend MKC This was my 3rd, five day white water kayaking trip with MKC.  It was another fabulous week. 

I always choose the all inclusive option.  I camp, but there are a number of indoor options for those who prefer that.  I select the full meal plan, as I really don't want to do my own cooking before I paddle, or after a long day on the water. Don't let the young cooks worry you. (They're students working the summer months. Some of them are in culinary arts training.)  The meals are better that a lot of restaurants.  There's always vegetarian options at every meal.  I like this because, and I like variety, and sometimes I want a change.

It doesn't matter what your skill level is, you'll have fun and will learn.  On this last trip, there was a couple in their 80s, who wanted a new adventure to try out.  How great is that.  The instructors/guides always give positive feedback.  You'll never hear you did anything wrong.  (Typically, you all ready figured that out.)  The guide will say something like: "Try this technique, and see how you like it."  The guide will then demonstrate the technique a couple of times, and watch you trying it, while shouting encouragement to you.  Plus, the rest of the people in your group will be cheering you on.  When someone in the group does their first practice roll, or any combat roll, the cheers are thunderous.  The grin on the person who just did the roll, says it all.  

This year I was in seniors week. (I'm 73.)  Virtually everyone had their own equipment.  No worries if you need gear.  MKC has excellent equipment, and will outfit you with everything you need, appropriate to your experience level. If you want to try a  performance boat, they'll let you try one.

All in all, it's a great experience.  I plan to return next year for my 4th time.

Give it a try!

Alan - Registered Maine Guide in Sea Kayaking
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Sky K
9/08/2024
					White water  st madawaska kanoe club. MKC Thank you Tatiana and Reagan!!! Great fun family rafting guides. This us a affordable trip the whole family will enjoy. Will return for adventure rafting for sure!
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Teena S
8/15/2024