The 琉璃神社 Paddle Centre is preparing for the fifth annual Waterman Paddle festival.

The June 15 event will see more than 200 athletes in the five different races.

鈥淲e鈥檙e very excited to host athletes from across the Pacific Northwest,鈥� said race coordinator Natasha Elliott. 鈥淲aterman Paddle Festival continues to grow each year and we鈥檙e looking forward to offering a fantastic event this weekend.鈥�

READ MORE: 琉璃神社 paddle crews post strong finish at year鈥檚 first competition

The competitions kick off with the kids race at 10 a.m., followed by the small boat race at 1 p.m. During that race, athletes will be competing in either solo or double boats and will travel either the short course (8-10 kilometres) or the long course (16-20 kilometres).

The final 鈥楽UP鈥� race will be at 4 p.m.

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鈥淚t鈥檚 always great to paddle at home,鈥� said Dave Allen, who will be attending his second Waterman Paddle Festival.

On Sunday, spectators can see the outrigger canoe six-person teams race. Paddles will hit the water at 8:30 a.m. The B final goes at 10:30 a.m. and the A final starts at 11:30 a.m.

Watching the races is free, more information can be found on the

laryn.gilmour@blackpress.ca
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