Canada’s best outrigger canoe paddlers to descend on Penticton

Some of the country’s best outrigger canoe paddlers will soon be making their way to Penticton to compete in the 2024 Canadian Outrigger Distance Championships.

The championships will take place over two days next weekend on Okanagan Lake and will feature numerous talented athletes in the canoeing discipline.

“The registration numbers for this event have just exploded, we are on track to see 70 teams participating,” said Don Mulhall, racer director for the event.

"With the help of Travel Penticton and City of Penticton, we were able to attract teams from as far away as Hawaii and California. The opportunity to showcase the Okanagan, plus highlight Canadian outrigger racing is immense. We hope to see lots of spectators down at the pier for the start".

Outrigger racing is a canoeing discipline that has lateral floats (outriggers) fastened to the hull of the canoes for racing.

“We are excited to bring the Canadian Outrigger Distance Championships to Penticton,” said Ronald Chin, president of the Canadian Outrigger Racing Association.

“This event not only showcases the incredible talent of our paddlers but also highlights the beauty and hospitality of the Okanagan region. We look forward to a fantastic weekend of racing and camaraderie.”

The championships will feature a variety of races, including six-person outrigger canoe short and long courses, and small boat races.

The races on Saturday, Sept. 28, will start near the Rotary Pier on Okanagan Lake and occur throughout the day.

More information on the 2024 Canadian Outrigger Distance Championships can be found online at this link.