Sunset, Broken Island Group Photo: Rob Weiss
Is there anything more quintessentially Canadian than a boy and a girl in a little canoe? The Canadian Canoe museum suggests that “in the history of watercraft, the canoe of the Aboriginal Peoples is perhaps the ultimate expression of elegance and function. All of its parts come from nature, and when it is retired, it returns to nature.” Historically, the canoe played a huge role in almost all assets of life and certainly played a large role in British Columbia’s history. Fast forward to downtown Vancouver today. While we might not see many voyageurs or red cedar Haida canoes cruising our local waters, on June 18th, paddles of all types will be joyously dipping into the ocean off Jericho beach.
Photo: MEC Paddlefest
Mountain Equipment Coop will be hosting the 10th Annual MEC Paddlefest at Jericho Beach this Saturday, June 18th from 10 am to 3 pm. Picture a party with water and waves. Paddlefest kicks off the summer paddling season, and features numerous paddling clinics, a wide variety of boards and boats to test drive and an opportunity to check out deals during the annual gear swap.
According to Rozanne Pilbeam, Festival Director, “The goal of MEC Paddlefest is to excite people about paddling and watersports, introduce newcomers to the paddling community, provide clinics for beginners and advanced paddlers wishing to hone their skills, and provide an opportunity to view and demo some of the latest boats, boards and gear.”
This year, festival goers can participate in a wide variety of clinics led by some of Vancouver’s best paddleboard, ocean kayak and surf ski instructors from Deep Cove Canoe and Kayak and Ecomarine Paddlesport Centres . From introductory lessons to bracing and edging there is something for everyone.
Photo: MEC Paddlefest
Personally, I always feel like a kid in a candy store while browsing the vendor booths and gear swap at Paddlefest. There is a paddling fanaticism in the air that captivates and excites! Visitors don’t need to search for long to find a fellow paddler willing to share route, technique or equipment suggestions. Brightly coloured boats and festive vendor flags add to the ambience of the event. Paddlefest 2016 – a terrific way to kick off the summer paddling season, and of course beginners are welcome!
Photo: MEC Paddlefest
For further information and to view the clinic schedule, visit the Vancouver Paddlefest website.
