Edmonton teams stole much of the show at the ninth edition of the Kelowna Dragon Boat Festival.
Crews from the Alberta capital won the women’s division, mixed division and the Survivors’ Race last weekend on Tugboat Bay in Okanagan Lake.
A total of 27 teams competed in the two-day festival, with EDBRC Lightning Edmonton capturing the women’s A division championship on Sunday in a time of two minutes 18.25 seconds.
KDBC Dragon in the Drink was second, while Fire on Water took third.
In the mixed division, EDBRC Storm Edmonton took top spot in 2:05.34. The Rogue Dragons took second, while Race Face Vancouver was third.
Best Friends from Edmonton won the annual Survivors’ race.
The fastest Kelowna Dragon Boat team was High Frequency, which won the mixed consolation B event in 2:20.72.
With the exception of a little wind, smoke and rough waters on Saturday, KDBC Deb Champion said the weekend event was a big success.
“Saturday’s weather created some challenges but our organizers and volunteers were amazing, they dug in and made sure the event went well,” said Champion. “Sunday was much better, and the races all ran smoothly.
“Most of the teams tell us how much they enjoy coming here, the beauty of Kelowna and how well the event is run.”
Champion said the festival will be back next year, although possibly on a different weekend, to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
