Author: Ron Chin

Registration Deadline: Monday, July 24, 2023.

The race is scheduled for Saturday July 29, 2023, it circumnavigates scenic Bowen Island in Howe Sound, BC.

The races are open to OC6, OC1, V1, HPKs, SUPs, prone, Sea Kayaks and any other human powered craft. There will be awards if there are at least 3 entries in your category, there will be no age divisions except in outrigger.

The Iron is 32km long. It starts and finishes in Snug Cove. The direction of the race will be determined on race day based on conditions. If you are doing the relay you have to decide with your team who will start and who will finish. The legs are 18km and 15km. The change out will be at Tunstall Bay across the Island. You need to tag out. Don’t forget to give your car keys to your teammate so they can drive back.

This is an open water race with currents with variable conditions and possible rough water. Open water wave experience is highly recomemnded.   If you can’t complete the race, you can pull out at Tunstall Bay.  Approved PFDs with whistles and leashes for small boats to be worn.

The race fee this year is $45 per paddler, and is determined by the costs of fuel for safety boats, permit fees, awards and food.

More race information and registration here.

You also need to have CORA Membership, if you don’t have the annual membership you can get a the day fee for $15. Purchase CORA membership on-line before the race here.

Schedule:

08:45 Check in is open for SUPs, prone and Sea Kayaks
09:15 Safety meeting for SUPs, Prone and Sea kayaks
09:30 Check in is open for all other craft
09:40 Race Start for Prone (just after ferry leaves snug cove)
10:00 Race start for SUPs and Sea Kayaks
10:30 Safety Meeting for the rest of the racers
11:14 Race start for oc1s, and v1s
11:16 Race start for HPKs and oc2s
11:20 Race start for Women and Mixed oc6
11:22 Race start for Men’s oc6s
14:00 First craft expected to finish
15:30 Last craft expected to finish
15:00 prizing starting
15:30 Wrap up

On June 25, 2023, 300 paddlers at the Concord Dragon Boat Festival gathered to remember Dominic Wai-Sun Mok. We know our friend as Dom. Dom was doing what he loved to do, paddling, when his heart gave out and he did not recover. Dom was a travell’n man for paddling and the more exotic the better- Shanghai, Manila, Thailand, Taiwan, Italy, Hungary. Driving to Regina for the Canadian Dragon Boat Champions in a car that barely made through the Rockies, no big deal. At other times, Dom would throw his ancient C-Lion on his car rack to join FLCC mates and follow the Fraser River from Ft. Langley to Richmond. Tiring but exhilarating said Dom.
Dom paddled with the FCRCC Kupunas with our 60+ outrigger teams. At the 2022 World Outrigger Sprint Championships, Dom raced with FLCC and he roomed with our Kupuna 70’s+ Team in our rented house. Dom regaled us with his travelogues, about breathtaking views, historical and cultural sites all sprinkled with stories of his teammates who he revered.
Dom had goals for his paddling life, one of which came true in May. Driven by his determination and belief in himself, Dom was selected to the Canada SrC Team for the World Dragon Boat Championships in Thailand to be held this August.
Dom and Theresa have a family of 3 children, all married, 3 grandchildren and 3 siblings all of whom he loved. Nestled in the forests of the Paradise Lakes Country Club is Dom’s dream cabin, a place to sit around the fire pit to laugh, share experiences and just have his family and friends together.
During his contemplative times, Dom would pick up his guitar, strumming tunes which gave him comfort and joy. Blessed with a beautiful voice, Dom would sing his songs. The Beatles lyrics were Dom’s favorite. So, whenever you want just hum a tune, better yet sing from your heart, and remember our friend Dom.
By Gary Cohen, FCRCC

NOTICE: Small Boats Nationals is a ‘GO’!

Vancouver Ocean Sports is hosting this year’s 2023 CORA Nationals Small Boats Championship Race (OC1/2, Surfski, V1, and SUP) happening Sunday, July 23, 2023! 

Race will be a 10-12km course on English Bay from Vanier Park, Vancouver, B.C. – course TBD. 

This is a great opportunity to get in a practice race before the Round Bowen Challenge the following weekend! Awards and draw prizes will be presented at the conclusion of the race. Lunch will be provided to all racers.

Schedule::
9:00am – Check-in
9:45am – Racers safety meeting
10:30am – Race Start
11:30pm – Lunch
12:30pm (approx) – awards + draw prizes

Registration
Register on Webscorer here: https://www.webscorer.com/register?pid=1&raceid=318208

Registration deadline is Friday, July 21st at midnight. No race day registrations.

Registration Fees: $25/paddler ($50 for a double)

All paddlers must have valid CORA membership – pay your annual or single event: https://canadianoutrigger.ca/store/

For more information, visit: https://forms.gle/a8yKze5QBbFgF76HA 
or email: racedirectorvos@gmail.com