There are some great paddling gatherings/festivals on Vancouver Island in the Spring 🌱. This year I had the opportunity to attend all 3.
The first, (The Gordon Creek Race) March 15-17th, went from Festival to gathering as the insurance was cancelled close to the event date. Still over 80 paddlers came out to enjoy the paddling that the Gordon River has to offer. This year river had excellent levels and was uncharacteristically sunny for the days instead of the usual rain 🌧️ / snow.
The party was grand with great music and people. Some food provided by the South Island Whitewater Club.
Next up was Heber Fever Festival (March 29-31st) .. this takes place in the Community of Gold.River. A gem 💎 of the island and a fantastic paddling location. You have a 5 sections on the Gold river itself , with side creeks to run if the levels are right. Heather and Garrett Quinn (Orgainizers) had a great weekend planned.
From beginner and intermediate clinics, a mass start boater cross ❌, a down river race, and baseball ⚾ it’s a class event and worthy of spending some time.
The festival is set up at the municipal campsite at the put in for the lower Gold River. This makes a lot of logistics easy for getting on to the river. Easy living and lifestyling.
The last festival of the Spring is my fav. The Cowichan river Youth kayak festival (CRYKF) (April 19 – 21st) is a fantastic gathering of close to 70 youth with over 20 volunteer coaches and instructors that spend a weekend on the Cowichan River.
This event is organized by Dan Norman and Brentwood College. Well supported by youth paddlers coming from Chilliwack, Victoria, Nanaimo, Shawnigan, Quesnel, Squamish and a few other spots in-between. The Friday evening gives all the kids a pool session.. a tad hectic .. see picture below.
The next two days we spend on the water working on skills and seeing youth paddling together.
The final event on Sunday was a group paddle session with more experienced youth partnered up to lead beginners down a rapid. Instructors were around to provide additional safety. Such a great weekend.
Thanks to NRS (Brand Ambassador) and Western Canoe and Kayak for the support. Look forward to attending these festivals again next year. #whitewaterismagical
No responses yet