The six paddlers from Hatchet Lake completed the gruelling Yukon River Quest in 4th place overall.(Tina Pelletier/PAGC)

By Glenn Hicks

endurance sports

Team Hatchet Lake produces strong River Quest paddle

Jul 1, 2019 | 10:30 AM

Team Hatchet Lake wrapped up 4^th place overall at the 21st Annual Yukon River Quest, known as “the world’s longest annual paddling race.”

The northern Saskatchewan team successfully completed the 715- kilometre marathon down the Yukon River to Dawson City, placing 2nd in the Voyageur category and 4th overall. The race, which ran June 26 to 29, featured over 100 teams representing 13 countries.

The exploits of Team Hatchet Lake were even more amazing because they lost 45 minutes after capsizing in stormy waters, according to a media release issued by the Prince Albert Grand Council.

“That took a toll on them being in cold water, shaking and shivering and losing a lot of energy there,” PAGC vice-Chief Joseph Tsannie told paNOW. “They were just soaked along with all their stuff and sleeping gear and that was right at the start of the race. It was a major factor in the final outcome.”

Tsannie added the team’s lack of knowledge in modern navigational technology also was a hindrance as they were relying on a binder of maps.

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“There’s just so much potential, if they had that knowledge of the tracking devices and all that, these boys could have won the race, there’s no question about that.”

Tsannie had accompanied the team to learn more about the experience and to make notes on how to build on things for future years.

“We just wanted to learn and we want to assist our communities if they ever want to participate in this
event and next time it’ll be a different story,” he said. ” Next year our communities are also considering entering an all-women’s team as well.”

Team Hatchet Lake at prize giving after their arduous trek. (Facebook/Team Hatchet Lake paddlers)

The team had to paddle in wet gear for hours before their first rest stop following that early capsizing. Also, they only had one week to train, because the lakes up north were still frozen.

One of the top 10 paddling competitions on the planet, the race took “our northerners” a gruelling 45 hours, 42 mins, and 40 secs to complete, according to the PAGC media release.

Team Hatchet Lake is comprised of Captain Soloman Joseyounen and Nap Kkaikka, two paddlers with a lot of experience, along with Robbie Denechezhe, Joseph Dzeylion, Jay Dzeylion, and James Shaoulle.

The large team effort also included assistance from a seven-person ground crew and drivers.

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glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow