A record-breaking number of crews will be in Penticton on May 11 for the 26th year of the Duel in the Desert.

The longest-running sports competition in Penticton, with the first competition in 1999, the outrigger canoe race is the second in the Canadian Outrigger Racing Canoe Association (CORA) Cup Race Series.

鈥淲e are always very excited to host this long-running event,鈥� said Penticton Paddle Sports president, Launa Maundrell. 鈥淭raditionally we have incredible weather and it looks like this year is no exception. Most of the crews are from the Lower Mainland and Alberta so they are always happy to see the sunny Penticton weather. The crews from Edmonton have not even been on the water yet due to the cold.鈥�

This year, 37 crews made up of 222 athletes will compete in the six-person outrigger canoes on the water of Skaha Lake.

An additional 60 or more paddlers are set to attend Sunday鈥檚 10 km small boat races. You can expect to see one and two-person outrigger canoes, surfskis, and an assortment of other small paddlecraft.

Head down to Skaha Lake and cheer on the local mixed team from Penticton, who took first place in the first CORA Cup race in Fort Langley.

Penticton Paddle Sports has three teams entered in each of the three heats, which run at 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m., over a 15-km course.

If you are looking to get involved in paddling in Penticton, an Introduction to Dragon Boat starts next week. There is still room to register for the program.

For more information check out www.Pentictonpaddlesports.com or contact admin@pentictonpaddlesports.com