It's almost time for Penticton to host the 2024 Canadian Outrigger Distance Championships.

The South Okanagan city has been selected as this year's host for the national tournament, set for Sept. 28 and 29.

Hosted by Penticton Paddle Sports, races will take place on Okanagan Lake.

鈥淲e are excited to bring the Canadian Outrigger Distance Championships to Penticton,鈥� said Ronald Chin, president of the Canadian Outrigger Association.

鈥淭his 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.鈥�

Championships will feature a variety of races, including the six-person outrigger canoe, short and long courses on Saturday and one and two-person canoe races on Sunday. Teams will race on either a 10-kilometre or 21-kilometre course.

According to event organizers, around 70 teams have registered to take part in the festivities.

"With the help of Travel Penticton and the City of Penticton, we were able to attract teams from as far away as Hawaii and California," said Don Mulhall, race director for the event and member of Penticton Paddle Sports.

"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."

Action on Saturday starts at 8 a.m., near the Rotary Pier on Okanagan Lake.