This year's Howe Sound Outrigger Race will have an Asian influence after a women's team from Hong Kong secured an entry this week.
The team representing the Hong Kong Outrigger Club will compete in the women's open event.
The Howe Sound Outrigger Race will be held July 10 and 11 at Gibsons Harbour in conjunction with the Gibsons Challenge Race.
"These guys don't travel oversees lightly, so this is great news for us," said Lynne Smith from Western Canoeing and Kayaking in Abbotsford and one of the Howe Sound Outrigger Race organizers. "An entry like this puts us on another playing field and gives even more international recognition. We get teams and paddlers from Hawaii, but an entry from Hong Kong is a major coup for us."
Smith said more teams will likely commit to the event later next month.
"Usually around the third week in June we see a blitz," Smith said. "People love coming to Gibsons - they have such a great time."
The Howe Sound Outrigger Race will be run over two days with the open class, senior and master's divisions on Saturday, July 10, and the novice, junior and 55-plus divisions on Sunday.
The Gibsons Challenge Race is gaining momentum as well with 14 teams entered so far, including teams sponsored by B.C. Ferries, Sunshine Coast Regional District and Community Futures.
Deadline for team registration is this Sunday, May 30, with training set to start next week. Teams must consist of six people and a couple of spares, one of whom is team captain who liaises with organizers and will receive race information including payment forms and fees, practice times, equipment and sponsorship information.
The Gibsons Challenge Race is a community event that has been running for the past five years.
The course is from the government wharf to Soames Point and back and takes approximately 20 minutes.
"The challenge race allows anyone who is not a pro competitor the opportunity to compete in a paddling event against a rival or other beginner teams," said Eryn Parnell, who is coordinating the challenge race. "For example, Elphinstone would be in the same heat as Chatelech or the Prudential Sussex Gibsons office could challenge the Prudential Sussex Sechelt office. Each team chooses a charity that they are racing for and the proceeds from the race go to the winning team's charity."
And one of the best parts of the event is that you don't have to have experience to be a part of the fun.
"There are coaches and training sessions, so everyone has a chance to familiarize themselves with the outrigger canoes and safety procedures," Parnell added. There is a huli (Hawaiian, meaning to flip over) practice at Porpoise Bay this Sunday (May 30).
"The challenge race is about fun and camaraderie," Parnell said. "I raced in the Prudential Sussex Gibsons boat two years running, but as I am not racing this year, I am glad to be involved in some way. Conducting such an event makes me feel like I'm really contributing something, not only to my community, but also to the Gibsons Paddle Club.
"Membership always increases after this event as the rookies get hooked on paddling. It is a very rewarding experience and I encourage anyone who is interested to get involved."
To get involved in this year's event, check out www.folkstone.ca/outrigger, call Parnell at 604-886-2277 or email erynparnell@dccnet.com.
