If you’re in Deep Cove on a Tuesday night early April through mid-September starting around 6 p.m., you can’t help but notice the colourful buzz of activity as dozens of kayakers, rowers, surfskiers, paddleboarders, canoeists and outriggers unload their watercraft onto the grass and beach of the Cove waterfront.
Now in its 19th year, the Tuesday Night Paddlesport Race enables paddlers of all ages and abilities, for a $5 registration fee at Deep Cove Kayak, to pit themselves against other racers and whatever Mother Nature can throw at them on the waters of Indian Arm as they navigate a variety of race routes varying from four to 10 kilometres.
With paddles flying in a mass start at 7 p.m. at Deep Cove Government Dock, 70 to 80 paddlers may encounter glassy calm waters, incoming tides, rain and wind or the occasional seal popping its head up to check on all the action and commotion.
As the summer progresses and the waters of Indian Arm warm up, the races take on a multi-sport dimension, with swimming and trail running segments added to the mix, making for an outdoor adventure race triathlon.
Races end back at the Deep Cove dock with participants sprinting to the finish line and winners declaring bragging rights at the local pub afterward.
