Author: Ron Chin

In 1989, the Lotus Sports Club organized the first outrigger race in Canada, the Lotus Iron Race. The 2023 Lotus Iron Race will not only be the 34th anniversary of outrigger racing but also the 2023 Canadian Outrigger Nationals! Be part of Canadian outrigger history!

Schedule:
9:00 am    Short Course (about 10km) – short course crews in all divisions and categories
11:00 am    Long Course (about 18km) – Women & Mixed Master 40+, 50+, 60+, 70+
1:30 pm    Long Course (about 18km) – Men & Open Mixed
Awards and draw prizes will be presented at the clubhouse after each heat.
Our celebrated Lotus BBQ will follow each of the heats.

Registration:
To register, email the Registration Form to LotusIronReg@LotusSports.com
Registration deadline is midnight on Tuesday, July 18th; No race day registrations.

Information: https://lotussports.com/races/lotus-iron-and-small-boats-races/

Registration Fees:
$ 270 per crew
Registration fee waived for Junior or Keiki crews but registration is still required
(CORA is sponsoring Keiki and Junior crews and will cover the registration fee).

All paddlers must have valid CORA membership – pay your annual or single event CORA.

Hoʻokanipalooza:
The Ho’okani band and ‘Ehulani Bentley and Kēhau Yong will be performing and bringing the spirit of aloha to the race.

Junior/Novice Outrigger Paddle Grant:
Junior and novice participants in all CORA Cup Series races are entered into a CORA-sponsored draw to be held at the Lotus Iron & CORA Nationals; 8 winners will receive a gift-certificate to redeem for an outrigger paddle. Please indicate names of Novice and Junior paddlers on your registration form or submit names to race registrars.

Canadian Small Boats Outrigger Nationals will be hosted by Vancouver Ocean Sports on English Bay on Sunday, July 23rd, 2023. Details to come.

CORA’s IVF Committee’s uniform subcommittee introduced Team Canada’s uniforms last Wednesday, June 21st, National Indigenous Peoples Day in Canada.

After many hours and careful consideration, the subcommittee took a fresh take on this year’s uniform with a thoughtful approach to what racing for our Nation means within our diverse paddling community.

With the goal of a fresh look and diversity and inclusion in mind, we are honoured to introduce to you indigenous artist Brandon Gabriel. Brandon is the exceptional and creative talent behind our uniform for Samoa 2023.

While the subcommittee offered Brandon a myriad of thoughts and ideas, Brandon ran his own path and we are pleased he did. The final race package is exceptional.

Please check out Brandon’s extensive art exhibition on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/brandongabrielart/

The subcommittee has used two iterations of Brandon’s Thunderbird design for both the race jersey along with a parade shirt and casual wear. They chose the colour orange for our race jersey because of its significance to solidarity, remembrance, and healing. White was used as the backdrop for the parade shirt and grey is the colour for all casual wear. Uniforms are only available to Team Canada members.

Passion, thoughtfulness, and care were the cornerstones of this year’s uniform.

As committee member A’a:liya Warbus expressed so perfectly, “It was a bit of grind but everything came through so beautifully and I know our representation of our Country and history is carefully integrated, I’m very humbled and proud. It’s a strong moment.”

Please tag Brandon in your social media pictures if you are showing off your uniforms throughout the event @brandongabrielart and thank him for his generous donation of time and effort! Please note that Brandon owns all rights to the design and logo so give credit to Brandon anytime you are asked about it or share it.

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Join Comox Valley Canoe Racing Club for two days of racing for all paddle disciplines and abilities in the Comox Valley. Saturday events include OC6 races. Sunday will include the traditional small boat race – OC1-2, surfski and SUP – right off the Pier at the Comox Marina Park, 127 Port Augusta St, Comox, BC.

Race website with registration links and race waivers:
http://www.cvcanoeracing.ca/2023-islandiron.html

Entry Deadline:
Registration closes Thursday June 8th – 7PM

Race Details:
​​​Saturday, June 10:
OC6 CANOES – SHORT and LONG courses
Short course – 6-8 km, $150 per team *Jrs’ FREE!!
9:00am start (all divisions)
Long course – 15-18 km, $210 per team
11:00am – Women’s race start
1:00pm – Men’s race start
3:00pm – Mixed race start

Saturday’s OC6 races (both the Short and Long Courses) will be determined based on the conditions on the day. We will strive to ensure that the courses are both challenging and of course safe. Traditionally we have started from the Comox Marina and headed out around Goose Spit – out to the buoys towards Denman Island and back.

Sunday June 11:
SMALL BOATS
SUP, Singles and Doubles (OC & Surfski), V1 – $25 per person
10:30am small boats race start
1:00pm youth race start

The Small Boat course will also be determined on the day of the event, based on conditions and is usually between 10 and 12 kilometers. The course will consist of a mixture of protected and open water.

Food and Bevies / Entertainment / Prizes
​There are three awesome food trucks on site at the Comox Marina Park. 
There are also numerous amazing eateries and shops just a short walk up to Comox Avenue. 

Entertainment by Anela at the Gazebo

Draw prizes!

**CORA Membership is required.
Day memberships are available for $15 – purchase in advance.
***For CORA membership (annual or day), visit: https://www.canadianoutrigger.com/membership/become-a-member/