The Penticton Paddling Centre is hosting an introductory meeting on April 7 for anyone interested in learning to paddle and race.
"There are so many opportunities to get out and paddle, and train to
compete. We have women's teams, mixed teams, senior's teams and a
junior program. And we're always looking for new recruits," said Don
Mulhall, Center manager for Go Rowing and Paddling - a not-for-profit
Organization.
The two similar disciplines of dragon boat and outrigger allow new
members to choose from a variety of races of different lengths. Dragon boating is a
sprint-type of racing with events held over one or two days, usually
including several races from 250 metres to 500 m in length.
Dragon boats race with 20 paddlers, a steerer and a drummer.
Outrigger canoeing embraces both sprinting and longer distance events,
with different boats designed to hold one, two or six paddlers. The longer
distance races are anywhere from 30 minutes long up to several hours.
The sprint races are similar in length to dragon boat, but some
involve a turn around a buoy.
"With such easy access to our beautiful lakes, it's a perfect chance
to get out and try a sport that's easy to learn, and then the sky is
the limit for how far (and how fast) you want to go," said Mulhall.
"This is a sport that the average person - male or female - can
participate in and achieve some level of success. It's also a very
social atmosphere."
The paddling information meeting is being held
at 6:30 pm at the Salvation Army Community Church on 2469 South Main
Street (behind the Barley Mill). For more information call Don
Mulhall at (250) 488-3100.