Rowers from the North Okanagan capped off their 2016 competitive season with a strong showing at the 22nd annual Head of the River regatta in White Rock this past weekend.
Peter McLean and David Miege, from the Shuswap Association for Rowing and Paddling (SARP), posted the fastest masters’ time in the doubles event, and finished second overall.
Dirk Sigalet, from the Vernon Rowing and Dragon Boat Club, raced hard in the men’s single, finishing with the second fastest masters’ time and placed fourth overall.
Masters’ events are for athletes aged 27 or older, with time handicaps for older participants.
The 5.5-kilometer race was held on the west end of the Nicomeckl River, and features twists and turns in the course that compare it to the famous Head of the Charles Regatta in Boston, Mass.
Competitors were treated to glimpses of herons, seals, and even dolphins.
McLean, director for SARP, encourages residents of Salmon Arm to come try a new sport. An open day will be held next spring, with learn-to-row classes being offered throughout the summer.
“The oldest competitor at the Head of the River was 69, and the youngest was 16, so this is a sport for people of all ages,” said McLean.
