Paddle power put to the test at Pike Lake Regatta in Sask.

Canoeists and kayakers from across Canada put their paddle power to the test at the Saskatoon Racing Canoe Club's annual regatta at Pike Lake this weekend.

Between June 10 and 11, the public was invited to cheer on athletes as they competed in the club's season-opener event at the Pike Lake Provincial Park, about 35 kilometres south of Saskatoon.

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According to the club's website, regatta athletes race in different age groupsover distances of 200, 500, 1,000, and 2,000-6,000 metres. Most of the boats carryone, two or four people.

Club president Bradley Topping said he had been paddling since he was 12.

"[The sport]chose me. I tried a few things and it was just the right fit.There's something about getting in that boat and being on the water," said Topping.

"I love the sport and my kids decided to try it and they also loved it."

Vessels ranged in shapes and sizes, with races for both canoes and kayaks.