Congratulations to the 23 CORA-affiliated OC6 crews who raced at the Gorge Outrigger Race this year. Big, fun, technical water presented paddlers from Canada, the US and as far away as Tahiti with head-to-head competition in both ultralight and spec canoes. The Canadian contingent represented approximately 1/4 of this year’s total race population, with strong finish-line results. Thanks to the people of WaterWalker and the town of Stevenson Washington for hosting another opportunity to race the dynamic Columbia River Gorge.
Ready for some history? Canada’s outrigger roots are cause for celebration, and this year’s Lotus Iron OC6 race (6 July) marks a milestone indeed. Read on!
This year’s Lotus Iron event marks the 30th anniversary of outrigger canoe racing in Canada. 30 years ago, the “Lotus Eaters” and a team from False Creek were drawn from athletes across various paddling backgrounds who were introduced through a demonstration dragon boat race during Expo ’86 in Vancouver. These two teams quickly became fierce yet friendly competitors in dragon boats, a competitive spirit that was transferred to outrigger racing on the lower mainland.
Canada’s first OC6 canoe was produced from a Malia outrigger mold obtained from California. Members from the Lotus Sports and False Creek Racing Canoe Clubs used this mold to make several Malia outrigger canoes.
In 1989, the Lotus Sports Club organized Canada’s first outrigger race, the Lotus Ironman Race, at Barnet Marine Park. Since this beginning, the sport of outrigger canoe racing has grown in popularity across the Pacific northwest. Today’s extensive list of Canadian outrigger races includes host clubs and competitors from across the country.
In recognition of this milestone, the Lotus Sports Club is planning on making this year’s race a special event. Come and celebrate with us! For registration information, CLICK HERE.
27 crews participated in FGPC’s 13.5km Brotchie Reach crew boat races on Saturday 4 May. Aside from a start-line huli, a mid-race bridge lift for a barge, and the inevitable ferry and aircraft traffic, the day ran smoothly and presented all crews with competitive race conditions on unusually calm seas. Safe racing is a tribute to the calibre and good sportsmanship of all participating crews. Special acknowledgement is due to Maple Bay’s mixed outrigger crew for recovering from a crowded start-line huli and completing the race like professionals. And kudos, as always, to all steerspeople for navigating Victoria’s complex working harbour without incident. Open water races within Victoria’s commercial harbour and busy aerodrome would not be possible without the diligence and good instincts of every steersperson on the water. Well done, one and all!
