Coli Cross – Presented by Ottawa Kayak School
Introducing Coli-Cross: A New Kayak Cross Event for the 2025 Season on the Ottawa River!
Get ready for an exciting event in the 2026 kayaking season! Coli-Cross, a thrilling twist on the popular Kayak-Cross format, is coming to the Ottawa River. Inspired by the highly successful Kayak-Cross debut at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Coli-Cross promises intense competition and unforgettable action for kayakers of all skill levels.
What is Coli-Cross?
Coli-Cross is an innovative Kayak Cross-style race that brings the fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping excitement of mass-start kayaking to one of the most iconic whitewater rivers in the world—the Ottawa River. This event builds on the Kayak-Cross rules used in international competitions, with a few unique twists designed to keep things fresh and challenging.
Inspired by the Olympic version, which featured mass-produced whitewater kayaks (9ft and under) racing on courses ranging from 150m to 400m, Coli-Cross will be set along the Main Channel of the Ottawa River, where two famous rapids, Normans and Coliseum, create a natural 400-meter course.
Key Features of Coli-Cross
While Coli-Cross follows the basic framework of traditional Kayak Cross, there are some important differences:
- Boater-Cross Start: Due to the forested nature of the river, competitors will not launch from the water (seal-launch). Instead, races will begin from the shoreline, in a boater-cross style start.
- Kickflip Challenge: Rather than requiring a kayak roll mid-race, Coli-Cross will feature a mandatory kickflip attempt between the start and finish line. This optional challenge adds an extra element of excitement and skill to the race.
Coli-Cross Race Information
- Date: July 5th, 2025
- Start Time: High noon (12:00 PM)
- Format: Racers will compete in heats of four until only one competitor remains in each class.
Click here to register online for just $30 CAD!
Why Participate in Coli-Cross?
- Unique Race Format: Coli-Cross combines the thrill of Kayak Cross with new elements like the kickflip challenge.
- Iconic Venue: Race on the Ottawa River, home to some of the most exciting whitewater in the world.
Have Questions?
For more information, feel free to reach out to the event organizers:
- Joel Kowalski: Joel@wildernesstours.com
- Casey Bryant Jones: Casey@ottawakayak.com
Don’t miss your chance to be part of this brand-new kayak racing tradition. Register for Coli-Cross today and get ready for a thrilling ride on the Ottawa River!
