This column is dedicated to celebrating outdoor recreation in the Seymour area. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or a Sunday afternoon ambler, there’s a slice of nature waiting for you to discover in Deep Cove.
Paddlesport racing is a popular pastime for Vancouverites.
If you like paddling a standup paddleboard, kayak, outrigger canoe (like a skinny kayak with an arm) or surfski (fast racing kayak) there are weekly races in Deep Cove to stretch your recreational paddling to more of a fun challenge.
Once you’re hooked, there are some events in a paddlesport racer’s calendar that become must-do races – as has been the case with Deep Cove Kayak’s Board the Fjord.
This year, we are embracing change and have opened the race to more categories of paddlers including kayaks, surfskis and outrigger canoes.
We have three race lengths to choose from – four, seven and 14 kilometres – so every kind of racer from beginners to advanced can enter. We are also open to all ages – our youngest racer is 12, and our oldest 71, so truly, the event is open to everyone.
The racing season in B.C. is April to September. Our race falls on May 12, which gives paddlers a chance to get their sea legs back with the early weekly races, and for the weather to warm up somewhat! By May we should have balmy conditions without too much heat. Perfect.
The first event of the season is also a great opportunity for the race community to come together after a long time apart. Our race attracts paddlers from as far afield as Kelowna, Vancouver Island, Bellingham and Seattle and it’s great to see people welcoming each other and catching up.
Following the main races enjoy a meal and the kids’ relay race (it’s free!), where smaller kids paddleboard out to a buoy close to shore. It’s awesome! The day ends with podium awards and trophies, and draw prizes provided by our sponsors.
Board the Fjord is part of a bigger race scene.It is the second half of the Think International Surfski Challenge, which pits the U.S. against Canada. Teams score points for how many paddlers they get in the top 25, with added points and bonuses for juniors and women.
The first half was in Bellingham on April 22 and the U.S. looked pretty strong. They are desperate to win back the trophy after two years of Canadian domination. We’ll just have to wait and see how strong their showing is on the day.
Secondly, Board the Fjord is the first event in the BC SUP Cup for standup paddlers – a series that continues throughout the summer and sees the B.C. champion crowned in September.
Deep Cove Kayak offers rentals for anyone who doesn’t own their own boat or board which can be reserved by calling 604-929-2268 ext. 1. The website for the race is deepcovekayak.com/races/board-the-fjord-plus and includes the link to register. All participants get a race jersey, coffee and snacks at registration, meal provided and of course – a great day out on the water.
Amy Harris is the communications manager at Deep Cove Outdoors and Deep Cove Kayak. ■
