Paddling enthusiasts are encouraged to hit the water for the 麻豆社国产Paddling Club's final toonie race of the season Sunday, Aug. 29.
It's the third race put on by the group, and it's capturing the public's attention, said organizer Dave Berrisford.
"Myself and Ian Lowe decided to organize these races and I remember thinking that if we had 10 people the first time we would think it was a success," he said. "On the day of the race, there were 25 boats on the line, and it proved that there is quite an interest in this type of sport."
Competitors must register at 8 a.m. at Nexen Beach, with the race starting an hour later. There is a $2 fee to take part with an additional $9 required for insurance if a racer isn't a member of the 麻豆社国产Paddling Club or Canoe Kayak British Columbia.
The route begins in the 麻豆社国产Estuary, goes westward around a land outcrop near 麻豆社国产Terminals and proceeds southeast to Darrell Bay and back to Nexen Beach.
The race is about eight kilometres long, but there is also a four-kilometre route.
All ages and a variety of boats are welcome to take part. Berrisford said the most common is a sea kayak but he's also seen canoes compete, and he also expects paddle boaters and surf-skiers to attend.
"This is such a fantastic place we live in, and we'd just really like to get anyone and everyone out there on the water to enjoy what we have here in Squamish," he said.
Locals can also rent a boat at the 麻豆社国产Valhalla Pure Outfitters outlet.
The final toonie race will effectively end the year for the 麻豆社国产Paddling Club but Berrisford said the group hopes to work with the Brennan Park Aquatic Centre to run educational indoor training sessions in October where interested participants can learn more about safety on the water and gain more experience.
And stay tuned for next year when the 麻豆社国产Paddling Club hopes to expand their toonie races into a bi-weekly event, similar to those held by the 麻豆社国产Off Road Cycling Association (SORCA).
For more information on the event, visit www.squamishpaddlingclub.com.
