Universities across Canada recently gathered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, for the Canadian Society of Civil Engineering's National Concrete Canoe Competition.
Twenty-two teams travelled a great distance, towing their six-metre canoes made entirely out of concrete for a series of challenges to determine which school created the best design, presentation and most functional canoes.
Members of St. Clair College's Concrete Canoe Club partake in the National Concrete Canoe Competition on May 23, 2025. (John Papia/St. Clair College)
There was one exception to this narrative: St. Clair College, which was the only College entrant among the post-secondary institutions across the nation.
"As a student at St. Clair College competing in a historically university-attended event, there is feeling of pride that came with me on our trip to Winnipeg," said John Papia, a student in Civil Engineering Technology. "We were the only college present. It feels like we were not only representing our school, but that we are a representation of all Ontario technical colleges!"
"I was excited to show everyone what we can do, but I am more excited to show the competition how much we can grow," Papia said.
The 2025 iteration of the club had the extremely difficult task of creating a lightweight concrete mix, mold for the canoe, technical report, technical presentation, teaser video, travel plan, and more.
To add to the complexity of the project, all tasks were done with little information from previous years, and within the short timeframe of seven months.
St. Clair's "Spitfire" canoe weighs 215 pounds, is about 20 feet long and is made entirely of cement and aggregates, which include byproducts such as recycled ash, recycled glass, various chemical admixtures, expanded slag and basalt fiber - which adds strength while keeping the weight low.
The Spitfire was ranked as the ninth-lightest canoe and was among the top five for the thinnest walls, at just a quarter inch thick.
Members of St. Clair College's Concrete Canoe Club partake in the National Concrete Canoe Competition on May 23, 2025. (John Papia/St. Clair College)
Fighting setbacks and inexperience, the St. Clair College team made it to the competition and showcased its hard work, coming home with the fifteenth-best canoe and seventeenth-best presentation.
"The concrete canoe competition is an experience we will always remember," said Lucas M. Dillon, also a student in the Civil Engineering Technology program. "Between the challenges, the learning experiences, and the memories, it felt great to compete in a prestigious competition like this."
While St. Clair's participation in the competition is a fresh experience for many, the Concrete Canoe Club at the College has a rich tradition, dating back almost 50 years.
The intent of the club is to give students hands-on experience working with concrete materials, taking concepts learned in class and applying them to real-life settings. It's also an opportunity to develop new skills and inject creativity into processes.
"St. Clair College has a long history of competing in this event. After a brief hiatus, we are excited to make a return to this event and as the only college competing against a field of universities. We are very proud of what these students have accomplished this year," said John Byng, Chair of the School of Engineering Technologies.
"We faced numerous challenges along the way, but with the unwavering support of our sponsors, faculty, and the incredible effort of every team member, we built a canoe worthy of this prestigious competition," said Rahul Kumar, one of the members of St. Clair's Concrete Canoe Club.
With a year beneath its belt, the team is excited to compete again next season, where the competition will be held in Moncton, New Brunswick.
"These experiences have equipped us with invaluable skills and insights, and we're already looking ahead to building an even better canoe for the next national competition," Kumar said. "I'm proud of what we accomplished together as a team!"
According to Prof. Filippo Indelicato, the Concrete Canoe Club is a great way to practice and develop collaboration, communication and project management skills in a fun, challenging and rewarding way.
For students interested in participating in the Concrete Canoe Club, contact John Papia at JP312@myscc.ca.
