Sproat Lake on Vancouver Island offers an ideal setting for a first class changes race. A long open body of warm water, breathtaking scenery, great camping and accommodations, and lots to do in the area makes for the perfect destination race.​ Whether you come from abroad or nearby, this summer paddling event will not disappoint. 

Two Vancouver Island clubs alternate years hosting this event - the Comox Valley Canoe Racing club and the Ocean River Paddling Club from Victoria. This year it is Comox's turn. ​

Race Details

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Location: Sproat Lake Provincial Park  

11:00 AM start- about 42 km for women,  about 22 km for novice / junior teams
 
Fees: $50.00 per paddler. This includes a meal after the race and gas for the escort boats. A thank you gift to your escort boat driver is encouraged.
 

​Entry Deadline: August 11th, 2018.  Click here for registration form and waivers

​As this is a Change Race all paddlers must be proficient in changes both getting in and out of the canoe and the escort boat in a safe and responsible manner. Unless you have made arrangements with Lyse Fortin, Race Director, for doing changes directly from the escort boat to the canoe.
 
Results: Will be posted on the CVCRC website and Facebook page as well as submitted to CORA for posting. Sponsors: Will be proudly posted on the CVCRC website. 

Course
Start: Will be just beyond the two white buoys marking the end of the swimming area Finish: Will be a 90 degree turn 50 feet before the two white buoys marking the end of the swimming area. This way the timers on the beach can clearly see your canoe. We will have a green flag to wave you over the finish line. Buoy Turn: There will be one buoy turn, at the halfway mark. Right at the end of Taylor Arm. CORA rules for the buoy turn apply, the inside boat with any overlap has the right of way. Escort boats: will be advised to stay near the paddlers, with engines off, during changes.
 
Long Course (42 kms): Heading away from the Provincial Park Beach, all canoes will head up toward Taylor Arm stay on the North side of the water, there are markers for rocks and hazards on the South Side. Long Course canoes will go to the South Side (left side of Battleship Island to avoid the swimming area just past Battleship Island), and then come back to the North side and continue to the end of Taylor Arm where you will do an ama side buoy turn. Paddle back on the south side, BUT watch for the markers indicating rocks and shallow areas. You will see and should head toward Mt. Arrowsmith on the return trip, once you come out of Taylor Arm you will see the Mars Water Bombers. The Provincial Park Beach and finish line is just to the right of this.
Short Course (20 kms): Heading away from the Provincial Park Beach, all canoes will head up toward Taylor Arm stay on the North side of the water, there are markers for rocks and hazards on the South Side. The Provincial Park Beach and finish line is just to the right of this. Stay clear of marked and swimming areas. Your escort boat drivers will be doing the same. No changes for the first 30 minutes of the race or the last 30 minutes of the race. 
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