Fort Providence (Aug 11/06) - When it comes down to winning the Mackenzie Days canoe races, the key is finding the fastest current.

Getting into the current definitely makes the race easier, said Eric Nadli.

Ernest, left, and Eric Nadli rest on shore after winning the men's canoe race at Mackenzie Days in Fort Providence. - Roxanna Thompson/NNSL photo

Brothers Eric and Ernest Nadli finished the men's race in first place, holding onto their position as defending champions. According to Nadli, this is the third or fourth year they have won the race.

It may look like fun and games, but the race is serious business for the brothers. Two weeks before the competition, they jog to help prepare for the fast paced paddle down the Mackenzie.

When the race starts they try to get an early lead and move into the current. Eric paddles in the bow with a bentshaft paddle while Ernest guides the canoe from the stern.

With 10 canoes and 20 paddlers in this year's race, the brothers had a lot of competition. "I think it was close all the way," said Nadli.

"You could hear them pounding in the back."With another success to their name, do the brothers think they will win again next year?

"Oh yes," said Nadli.

This year's men's race drew more teams than the competition has seen in awhile, said Henry Sabourin.

Sabourin has been competing in the race for over 15 years. When the race was done in war canoes, Sabourin was a team captain. Paddling is harder with two people, said Sabourin, who still managed to take third place with his teammate Edwin Sabourin.

"It was lots of hard work and lots of fun," he said.

Sabourin follows the same strategy as the Nadlis. He likes to start the race as fast as possible to try and catch the current. The current is usually fastest in the middle of the river, said Sabourin.

Second place in the men's event went to a team from Behchoko.

Still catching their breath from the women's race, Louise Lacorne and Georgette Bouvier said they followed a different strategy.

"Big strokes and try not to tip," said Bouvier with a smile.

The two women came in fourth in the five team race. They also competed in the Canada Day race earlier in the summer where they placed second.Bouvier admitted that things might have gone better if they'd practised, but at least the water was warm and beautiful.

Diana Gargan and Belinda Sabourin took first place followed by Ruby Minoza and Darlene McLeod in second and Joyce Villeneuve and Dora Nadli in third.