The 2018 Howe Sound Iron Canadian Championship Outrigger Races will be held Aug. 17 to 19. This international event draws racers from around the globe to the Gibsons area.
The short course race circumnavigates Keats Island, starting and finishing at Armours Beach. Race time is approximately 70 minutes on an 8.7 mile/14 km course, with junior, open and 50+ categories.
The long course also begins at Amours Beach with start times of 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., running east outside the Harbour lighthouse, north to Secret Beach, downwind south past Preston Island, and northwest around Keats Island to finish back at Amours Beach, approximately 14 miles/23 km.
A race blessing will be held Friday at 7 p.m. behind the Kinsman Hall in Dougall Park, when coveted Devils Club necklaces will be distributed to those who attend.
A dinner is scheduled for Saturday night for paddlers, also at the Kinsman Hall. Extra dinner tickets can be purchased at the Hall from 2 to 6 p.m. and at the government dock from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday. Dinner will be followed by the results and award ceremony.
A 10 km Pulling Water Challenge for small boats will run Sunday with a mass start for all racers at 9 a.m., followed by race results and awards at Gibsons Marina at 11 a.m.
The event is organized by Gibsons Paddle Club, a non-profit society powered by volunteers and members that promotes outrigger canoeing, voyageur canoeing, on the water fitness and camaraderie. See more at www.gibsonspaddleclub.ca
