Age proved to be just a number for Bob Vincent, 82, and his wife Gwyn Hayman, 70, as they successfully tackled a demanding 64-kilometer canoe race, showcasing the incredible power of staying active as you age. Their inspiring journey highlights how consistent exercise and a positive mindset can help seniors maintain impressive physical and mental capability, challenging common perceptions about aging.
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The Challenge of the Mattawa River
Each year, the Mattawa River Canoe Race tests the endurance of paddlers over a challenging 64-kilometer course that winds through beautiful countryside. This isn’t a casual paddle; it involves hours on the water and demanding sections, including portages where teams must carry their canoes and gear over land.
Meet the Unstoppable Paddlers
Among the dozens of teams gathered for the race were Huntsville residents Gwyn Hayman, 70, and her husband, Bob Vincent, 82. Gwyn brought decades of canoeing experience to the team, having completed this specific race multiple times before. Bob is also a seasoned veteran of long-distance paddling, recalling even longer races he competed in during his younger years, including a grueling 196 km event. For this race, they weren’t necessarily aiming for first place, but they were definitely aiming to compete strong and finish.
Senior couple Bob Vincent (82) and Gwyn Hayman (70) preparing their canoe for the challenging Mattawa River Race.
Battling the Toughest Sections: Portages
While their paddling technique remains strong thanks to years of experience, the couple admits the portages have become the most challenging part as they’ve aged. Carrying the canoe over land, especially on difficult terrain like rocks, requires careful navigation and a slower pace than they might have managed in the past. “We noticed that we don’t portage as well as we used to,” Gwyn shared, acknowledging the reality of aging while emphasizing their continued strength on the water. Bob added, “I walk slowly on portages… There is only one nasty portage here, and it is down over the rocks. I’ll be very hesitant about that one.” [Explore more about the history of the Mattawa River race].
Their Simple Secret: “Motion is Lotion”
Both Gwyn and Bob firmly believe in the critical importance of staying active, especially as they get older. As Gwyn puts it, “Motion is lotion. You have to keep moving or you will stop.” Bob echoed this sentiment, noting that many people become more sedentary with age, which can lead to decreased mobility. Paddling, in their experience, is an excellent sport for seniors because it’s a sitting activity that minimizes joint impact, especially with the right boat setup.
Staying Race-Ready Year-Round
Their ability to tackle such a race at their age isn’t accidental; it’s the result of consistent, year-round effort. Throughout the winter, they maintain a rigorous training schedule that includes weightlifting. Gwyn runs, while Bob uses a paddling machine and treadmill to keep his joints mobile and maintain cardiovascular fitness. As soon as the ice melts, they are back on the water, sometimes even before the water is completely free of ice, prioritizing safe access above all else.
More Than Physical: The Mental Benefits
Staying active provides more than just physical strength; it offers significant mental advantages too. For Gwyn, being able to complete the race at 70 brings a sense of peace of mind. While acknowledging that some pain might be present, she knows that stopping altogether would likely lead to more discomfort. Her goal isn’t just to live, but to live actively and avoid being confined to a chair. [Read about the connection between exercise and mental well-being in seniors].
The couple also finds that they appreciate cooler weather for racing now more than ever. Having raced in extremely hot climates like Belize, they know that cooler temperatures are much more conducive to peak performance and overall comfort during a long, strenuous event.
A Goal Achieved, and Then Some
Their primary goal for the race was simple: finish without injury. However, their dedication and preparation paid off significantly. Not only did they complete the demanding 64-kilometer course safely, but they also achieved an impressive third-place finish in their category (Rec Mixed A).
Inspiration for All Ages
Gwyn and Bob’s success in the Mattawa River Canoe Race serves as a powerful testament to the potential that exists within us regardless of age. Their commitment to “motion is lotion,” consistent training, and a positive outlook allowed them to not only participate in a challenging physical event but to excel. Their story encourages everyone to reconsider limitations and embrace the lifelong benefits of staying active.
If their story inspired you, consider exploring local opportunities to stay active or learning more about low-impact exercises.
