The first Snuneymoxw Outrigger Race on Sept. 24 was a success. Organizers hope the 13km race will become an annual event. (Kate Good)

By Dan Marshall

Paddling Event

Snuneymuxw hopes to grow paddling event after holding inaugural Outrigger Race

Oct 8, 2023 | 5:58 AM

NANAIMO — Nearly 100 athletes took place in the first ever Snuneymuxw Outrigger Race on Sept. 24.

A version of the event took place in 2022 but spokesperson Kate Good said the latest race will officially be the first annual.

“We hope to be able to continue this yearly. We’ll be seeking sponsorship to help with the event itself.”

Good said the outrigger race is an example of a larger plan to bring more health and wellness offerings to Snuneymuwx.

“We’re visible with these activities and they’re all inclusive. It gets people out there training and it’s going to entice people to join the circuit as well. That’s what it’s all about. We’ve also got a lot of youth in Snuneymuxw and youth from off reserve that come down to our youth centre too. It’s important to have these events in our community.”

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There were approximately 25 outrigger canoes in the race in either the OC1 or OC2 categories.

That means the vessels were for one or two people.

The plan is to have six person or OC6 outriggers taking part as soon as next year.

With paddlers starting from the beach in front of the Snuneymuxw reserve, the route was approximately 13 kilometres.

“The race itself was well received and the participants were very grateful,” Good said. “They did two laps around in front of the reserve here and then went out by the cruise ship terminal and back. About an hour and twenty minutes was the quickest time.”

The Snuneymuxw Outrigger Race was for anyone aged 18 and up with many of the paddlers a part of the Canadian Outrigger Racing Association.

CORA members race in events around the province and other national and international events.

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