Chris Hook, of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, began his paddling career at the Banook Canoe Club. In 1963, after defeating the local competition, Hook entered his first national competition and captured the Canadian Juvenile Canoe singles title. It was only one week later that he also won the North American Juvenile title. Hard work, skill and determination increased his string of victories.

In 1966, Hook won the 1,000-metre and 10,000-metre North American titles. He won again the following year, 1967, in the 1,000 metre. It was in 1968 that Hook not only went to the Olympics and placed 9th, but he also won the North American 1,000 and 10,000-metre titles once again. In 1969, he was the Canadian 1,000-metre champion, but did not compete at the North American event. In the 1970’s Hook travelled to Hungary and Denmark for training and competition in spite of added responsibilities of home, work and studies. Hook retired while still able to hold his own with the best in his field and was inducted into the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in 1982.