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 new event in the 2025 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:

1. 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.
2. 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 6th, 2025
• Start Time: High noon (12:00 PM)
• Format: Racers will compete in heats of four until only one competitor remains in each class.
• After-Party: Celebrate your race achievements at the Ottawa River Barn, where the Coli-Cross champions will be crowned, with food, drinks, and event highlights to enjoy!

Click here to register online for just $30 CAD!

Cash Prizes for Top Competitors

The top 5 finishers in both the Men’s and Women’s categories will receive a cash payout, based on the number of competitors in each class. So bring your A-game and get ready for some serious competition!

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.
• Cash Prizes: Compete for cash payouts and the chance to become a Coli-Cross champion!
• After-Party Fun: Celebrate your victory or just enjoy the race day atmosphere with food, drinks, and event highlights.

Have Questions?

For more information, feel free to reach out to the event organizers:

• Joel Kowalski: [email protected]
• Casey Bryant Jones: [email protected]

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!