Did you know the Comox Valley is home to many world-class athletes, representing paddlers in dragon boating and outrigger canoe?
Three Comox Valley residents, Jane Hay, Dan Walden, and Rupert Wong were chosen to represent Canada at the International Dragon Boat Federation World Championships in Thailand this August. An initial group of roughly 600 athletes from across Canada began vying for the spots last fall, with each seeking to be among the top 20 Canadians in their competition class (junior, 24 and under, Premier, Senior A (40+), Senior B (50+), Senior C (60+), and para).
This marks the second consecutive world championships that will see Comox Valley residents competing for gold, with Joan Goodwin, Dave Hay, and Rupert having won the honour in 2019.
“While most people on Vancouver Island see dragon boating as a purely recreational activity, it’s an incredibly competitive sport internationally,” says Tom Arnold, national team coach and president of the Island-based VI Paddling dragon boat club. “It’s really exciting to see a growing number of Island athletes stepping up and showing themselves to be among the best in the world.”
Six local athletes were also selected for national outrigger canoe teams at the International Va’a Federation (IVF) World Distance Championships in Samoa, including Ashley Barker, Annie Boulding, Dean Dogherty, Cheryl Skribe, Zoe Norcross-Nu’u and Don Irvine. This will not be the first tour for most of these paddlers. The depth of Comox Valley Canoe Racing Club (CVCRC) is impressive with mentors like Annie and paddling legends Cheryl and Don, who have medalled at previous IVF Championships.
“I hope we’ll see even more growth in Island paddle sports in the years ahead too,” says Arnold. “With organizations like VI Paddling and Comox Valley Canoe Racing Club, there’s great opportunities for athletes of all ages and abilities to get out on the water, whether it’s for fun, fitness, or to chase really big goals.”