Paddle Battle down the Courtenay River

Water sports exhibition on Canada Day

Stuart Robinson from Compass Adventures does some fancy stand-up paddling.

Stuart Robinson from Compass Adventures does some fancy stand-up paddling.

It was a Canada Day to remember as hundreds of people celebrated the first annual Comox Valley Dodge/White Whale Paddle Battle.

Kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, tubes and snorkelers all entered the Curtenay River at the Condensory Bridge at 5 p.m. and celebrated their way down to the White Whale for their one-year anniversary party extravaganza.

People lined the shores and bridges with Canada Day cheers as the Canucks floated by with high-fives, headstands, Eskimo rolls and wheelie demonstrations. Live DJs, bands, burgers, beer and dancing filled the White Whale, deck, dock and parking lot. making for a real life beer commercial.

“The theme behind the Paddle Battle was water rights and awareness as the tides sure are a changing,” said event organizer Marc St.Jules. “People need to be more aware and educated with what’s happening with our very limited and precious water resources, many still take water for granted and the smallest details must not be overlooked.”

This event was such a success that special plans are already in the works for next year. Special thanks to the White Whale and platinum sponsor Comox Valley Dodge for ensuring safe shuttling to and from, Bob Bush of Bush and Company Injury Lawyers for their contributions in rescuing lost Ducky 500 ducks and Shane Philip for capturing this epic day.

 

Comox Valley Record