In the age of social media where Readers digest stories seem like epic novels there is no way to do Emil Maschek’s story justice, but it is a start.
And it is another story from the 50’s and 60’s that todays paddlers should know about.
Emil’s story is absolutely amazing and enthralling!
From his escape from eastern Europe after WWII finding and reuniting his family in West Germany through his paddle history and on to present times.
Emil’s first kayak race was with a boat he built himself in 1961 at Lock 22 in Peterborough, Ontario.
His boat building soon became his passion.
Emil was a very integral part of the evolution of design in canoe and kayak both recreational and racing that started in the 60’s
He also received National and International recognition for his designs.
From the recreational side of paddling Emil has a special spot in his heart and immense respect for another long time paddler that is no longer with with us that you should learn about.
Herb Pohl, author of “Lure of Faraway Places” Edited by James Raffan.
Emil designed, built and modified the boat for Herbs adventures and there are images of it in the book.
Emil was a student, teacher, coach and professor of all paddling disciplines and his passion was more than incontestable if you met him.
When I visited him it was even more evidence of this passion. From the collection of photographs and slides we looked there were images of many different people and paddle activities, some of which I have spent a fair bit of time searching for.
I first met with Emil in 1967 and became his Padawan (google that for you non Star wars fans :) ) in 1968 when I got my first kayak and he escorted us down the Grand River from the bottom of the Gorge to West Montrose. There would be many river runs down the Credit after that.
Emil was a Canadian Champion and represented Canada at the 1969 worlds at Bourg St. Maurice in France in K1 DR. where he finished 37th.
It was not until the 1979 worlds when another Canadian bettered that placing, and I was proud to do so!
I am just going to put a few images that only tell a small part of Emil’s story. Just like so many other paddlers of the time they did some pretty amazing things in all paddle sport.
This is just another reason why we need to find, save and share these stories and at the first reunion at Minden on the 15th, this is hopefully the start of a very worthwhile project by our paddling community.
Sorry don't have a photo album set up yet.
Just a link to a few facebook pics
Just getting a few ready for next weekend. :D
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10220123066211574&set=pcb.10220…
Join or follow us on our facebook page and help us in our search!
https://www.facebook.com/groups/255062685431683/
