Membership
Steps to become a member, hall of fame, member form and waiver, and financial assistance form.
Why become a member?
At the Comox Valley Canoe Racing Club, paddling is more than a sport—it’s a community. Whether you’re looking to compete, stay active, or try something new, we offer something for everyone. Our club has a rich history of excellence, with several members inducted into the Canadian Outrigger Hall of Fame, including Zoe Norcross Nuu, Laurel Archer, Leanne Stanley, Peter Forand, Don Irvine, Mel Whittal, Cheryl Skribe, and Annie Boulding. As a club, we all benefit from the passion of our members.
We welcome paddlers of all skill levels, from first-timers to seasoned racers, with men’s, women’s, mixed, and recreational teams, Our members have raced internationally, from Hawaii to Brazil. Our facility, located at the Courtenay Airpark Marina, provides access to OC6, OC2, and OC1 canoes, allowing you to paddle year-round with the support of a well-equipped club.
First sessions are free, so why not give it a try? Take a look around our site and reach out with questions or to arrange joining one of our sessions.
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Seasonal Member - Four Months (Nov - Feb, March -June, July-Oct): $175
Single Member Annual: $325
Family Annual (Parents and Children, immediate family only): $455
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Your first session with us is free! Email our membership director or talk to one of our members to find a session that works for you. We have paper waivers at our facility, which you can sign on arrival. Once you are sure you want to join us, follow these steps:
Email our membership director with any questions: cvcrcmembership@gmail.com
Fill out and sign our membership form and waiver
Follow the instructions on the membership form to e-transfer your membership payment.
Register for CORA (Canadian Outrigger Racing Association) insurance - this is mandatory for all club members.
If you are already a CORA member, but need to renew your membership, you can do so here.
*CORA Fees are $30 per person per year. Membership must be current for any member to participate in any practices or use club equipment.
Members Hall of Fame
The Canadian Outrigger Racing Association (CORA) Hall of Fame celebrates the exceptional contributions of Athletes, Coaches, Builders, and Pioneers who have shaped the sport of outrigger canoeing in Canada. This prestigious award honors individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment and achievement in the sport.
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2021 - Athlete, Coach-Builder, Pioneer
Annie Boulding has been a trailblazer in the paddling community for over 40 years. A world-class whitewater kayaker and pioneering outrigger canoeist, Annie brought the first OC6 to Canada in 1986, sparking the growth of outrigger clubs nationwide. She co-founded the Comox Valley Canoe Racing Club in 1994 and has competed internationally, earning numerous accolades, including a Molokai Na Wahine 5th place finish and IVF World Sprints medals. Annie’s contributions as an athlete, coach, and innovator continue to inspire paddlers across generations.
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2024 - Athlete, Coach-Builder, Pioneer
Zoe is an accomplished paddler and marine scientist with decades of contributions to outrigger canoeing and environmental sustainability. From competing internationally since 1996 to supporting watershed protection in the Comox Valley, Zoe exemplifies dedication to both sport and community.
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2021 - Athlete, Coach-Builder, Pioneer
Don Irvine has dedicated over 40 years to paddlesports as an athlete, coach, and pioneer. An Olympian and Canada's first IVF V1 Open Men Silver medalist, Don has excelled in marathon canoe, whitewater kayaking, dragon boat, and outrigger canoeing. He co-founded False Creek Racing Canoe Club and Hana Hou Paddlesports, driving innovation in paddling equipment and coaching. Don’s contributions to outrigger canoeing, including his leadership in international competitions and mentorship, have left an enduring legacy in the paddling community.
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2024 - Athlete, Coach-Builder, Pioneer
Laurel is a world-renowned paddler, guide, and instructor with decades of experience in competitive racing, international guiding, and coaching. From Yukon rivers to the South Pacific, Laurel’s passion for paddling is matched by her dedication to teaching and mentoring the next generation. She is also an accomplished author, documenting wilderness adventures in her celebrated guidebooks.
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2021 - Athlete, Coach-Builder, Pioneer
Mel Whittall has been a driving force in the paddling community for over 25 years as an athlete, coach, entrepreneur, and race organizer. She founded Delta Outrigger Kanu Association, coached numerous teams, and played a pivotal role in bringing top-tier equipment to Canada through her ventures like Pulling Water Canoe Sports and Open Ocean Outriggers. A dedicated volunteer and advocate, Mel’s contributions have elevated outrigger canoeing and paddlesports across Western Canada.
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2021 - Athlete, Coach-Builder
Peter Forand was a cherished paddler, volunteer, and leader in the British Columbia outrigger community, remembered for his integrity, sportsmanship, and warm personality. As a member of Lotus Sports Club, Jericho Paddling Club, and Comox Valley Canoe Racing Club, Peter contributed tirelessly as a paddler, coach, and CORA Executive member. His legacy endures through the annual Peter Forand Masters Challenge Trophy, celebrating excellence and longevity in the sport he loved.
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2023 - Athlete, Coach-Builder, Pioneer
Leanne Stanley is a dedicated teacher, coach, and world-class paddler with over 20 years of experience in outrigger canoeing, SUP, surfski, dragon boating, and marathon canoeing. She has represented Team Canada at multiple international competitions, earning 14 IVF World Sprints medals since 2008. Beyond her athletic achievements, Leanne is a passionate educator and mentor, inspiring paddlers and students alike with her commitment to excellence and resilience.
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2021 - Athlete, Coach-Builder
Cheryl Skribe has excelled as a paddler, steersperson, coach, and sports writer over her 30-year career in the paddling community. A two-time World Dragon Boat champion and winner of numerous outrigger canoeing titles, Cheryl’s achievements include 4 IVF World Sprints gold medals, a Molokai Na Wahine gold, and a "Dad" Center Memorial Canoe Race gold. Beyond competition, Cheryl has coached teams across Canada and internationally, contributed extensively to sports journalism, and supported the paddling community with her dedication to excellence and outreach.
Join the Legacy!
All new members must fill out our member form and waiver.
For more information on joining our club, please see “steps to join” above.
Financial Assistance
Our aim is to make outrigger paddling accessible. To be considered for financial assistance, fill out the application provided. The application will be carefully considered for payment of club membership fees and/or coaching fees in whole or for part of the paddling year. CVCRC currently has an annual and seasonal (4 months) fee structure that will hopefully meet your specific needs.
Applications and awards for financial assistance will be held in strict confidence. Applicants will be notified of the decision and successful requests will have their fees paid or reimbursed depending on the nature of your request. . All applicants will be expected to agree to and sign the club’s code of conduct, and waiver of liability (link)