Kelowna paddlers to compete at World Outrigger Champions in Calgary, Aug 9-15

  While many locals may be familiar with dragon boat races on Okanagan Lake, many may not be aware that Kelowna is also home to world championship contenders for outrigger canoe racing.

The Outrigger Worlds Sprint Championships, known by the Polynesian word Va’a will be held in Calgary, Alberta, from August 11 to 15, 2012. Team Canada will be well represented by the Kelowna Outrigger Racing Canoe Club that train out of Lakeshore Inn and Rotary Park. Kelowna Outrigger will have a competitor in both the men’s and women’s individual races as well as 3 men on various teams along with a team of six women in the V6 – V stands for Va’a, which is the outrigger canoe used. Outriggers are rudderless canoes, easily recognizable by the supporting arm that extends from one side.  Outrigger canoes trace their history on the Pacific Ocean as far back as 4000 years ago.

“We are extremely honoured to represent our community as well as our country with such a strong contingent from such a small club,” says head coach Leanne Stanley. “Of the 250 paddlers across all age classes on Team Canada, Kelowna will have 11 racers. We’re excited about our prospects. Our Women’s V6 team has only been training together since January and has clocked some competitive times so we look forward to showing that they can be one of the best teams in Canada.”

Kelowna’s coach Leanne Stanley is no stranger to the world competition. In 2010 she paddled as part of a double gold medal team in V6 and also won bronze in the individual sprint. This year, she’s got her sights set higher. Her crew is comprised of the fastest 6 women from all across Canada.

“My crew has been training hard, mostly on our own and together when we can.” adds Stanley. “As a team, we’ll be competing in three different categories including the V12 – that consists of racing in two outrigger hulls lashed together. As an individual, I’ve had to compete in time trials to make it the Worlds and will be competing in the V1 500 metre sprint.”

The World Championships are held every two years and are organized by the International Va’a Federation (IVF). For more information visit www.vaaworldsprints2012.com .