
The Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club (VCKC) knows how to put on a party! From the boats to the BBQ, this year’s Guts & Glory event was a rocker. The innovative 2500m race offered paddlers a change from the usual 500m event. Teams raced in two 1250m heats, and the combined time for both was used to determine final placement. This was a great event, and I am hoping VCKC will be able to expand Guts & Glory next year with involvement from more Island teams.

Two Champion 912′s added to the fun when they were raced by anyone wanting to try a smaller, lighter boat. The highlight of the 10-paddler racing was the “Over 50 – Under 50 Challenge,” which saw the youngsters beaten by their elders in a very close finish.


VCKC hasn’t set a date for next year’s Guts & Glory, but when they do, make sure to mark your calendar and get your team involved. Good people, good food, outstanding venue…what more can you ask for?
Tags: Bbq, Bouy, Champion, champion dragon boat, Dragon Boat, Elders, Fifth Moon, Fun, Good Food, Guts Glory, Hasn, Highlight, Kayak Club, Paces, Paddler, paddlers of the fifth moon, Party Boats, Racing Canoe, Racing Victoria, VCKC, Venue, victoria canoe and kayak club, Youngsters
“Dragon boat paddlers rescued in Inner Harbour after being swamped, story and photos”
“Dragon boat piloted by Seattle team is swamped by fire boat’s wake”
Read the whole story here.
Given all the comments we have heard, prompted by the swamping of a Champion 12m boat in Nanaimo last May, about how IDBF dragon boats are inherently unsafe, we wonder if the same folks will now claim that they’ll never paddle in a Millenium again?
The truth of the matter is that no dragon boat will survive a 2 to 4 foot high wave caused by prop wash from a craft in close vicinity. Is there’s a lesson to be learned here?
Tags: Champion, Dragon, Dragon Boat Festival, dragon boat swamped, Dragon Boats, Fire Boat, Millenium, Millenium dragon boat, millenium swamped, Photos, Seattle Team, Truth Of The Matter, Vicinity, Victoria
The Kidney Foundation of Canada is holding its third annual Nanaimo Kidney Walk this Sunday (August 8th) at Maffeo-Sutton Park. Because the Nanaimo organizer is an avid paddler, this year’s event will also feature paddlers as well has walkers.
There will be live entertainment, food and refreshments, and draw prizes. Some of the prizes are: a Shampoo, Haircut & Style, a haircut, ball caps, T-shirts, several oil changes and lubes, a $50 gift certificate for dinner for two at a local restaurant, 3 prints from Nanaimo marine artist Jeff King, a $20 bouqet from a local florist and a rhythm shaker for the musicians among you.
Local merchants have donated fruit, vegetables and water to keep the walkers refreshed, so come on down and join the fun. You’ll find all the details here.
GoRow has made four dragon boats and two OC6′s available for the event, and Ergondragons Rowing and Fitness Club has provided its boat, too. Nightstar Yacht Sales will provide a 12m Champion dragon boat for Blu By U’s use, so look for a lot of excitement on the water!
Paddlers are needed, and if your team is available, or if YOU are available, please meet at the GoRow dock at 9:30 for a boat assignment (Ergondragons members will meet at their clubhouse, and extra paddlers will be sent to the GoRow dock to fill additional boats). The boats will follow the walkers as they stroll along the sea wall, to show their support. The more boats on the water, the more fun everyone will have, so PLEASE set aside some time for a Sunday paddle, good food, entertainment and prizes!
If your team would like to contribute to the fun, please contact Audrey at 250-753-5318 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 250-753-5318 end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 250-753-5318 end_of_the_skype_highlighting.
Tags: Ball Caps, Bouqet, Dragon Boat, Dragon Boats, Entertainment Food, Fitness Club, Food Entertainment, Fruit Vegetables, Haircut Style, Kidney Foundation Of Canada, Live Entertainment, Local Restaurant, Maffeo, Marine Artist, Oats, Oil Changes, Paddler, Sea Wall, Skype, Sutton Park, Yacht Sales

Doing the Macarena at the best dawgone Beer Garden on the Festival Circuit!
Photos from the 2010 Nanaimo Dragon Boat Festival (“SaveOn Festival”) are now online. You will find them here.

All the best,
Ken
Tags: Beer Garden, Boat Photos, Dragon, Dragon Boat Festival, Dragon Photos, Festival Photos, Garden Photos, Macarena, Nanaimo, Photos Online, Saveon
This event will also feature 250m Sprint racing between two Champion Model 912 dragon boats – these 10-paddler racing hulls are fast, fun and very photogenic. Don’t miss this event – the VCKC has superb facilities, and refreshments will be available.
Tags: 10 paddler dragon boat, Champion, champion dragon boat, Dragon, Dragon Boats, Guts Glory, Meter Event, Paddler, Refreshments, Sprint Racing, Victoria




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