Mark your calendar for Saturday May 27th, 2023!
New name, same great event designed to provide FUN for ALL ages and ALL skill levels from first time paddler to pro.
The focus is on participation, trying something new and perhaps challenging your own limits with distance or speed.
Tons of FUN and DRAW PRIZES for everyone!
Brought to you by South Island SUP and Mer Tales Ocean Journeys with support from our Platinum sponsor Victoria Sports Tourism Commission.
Refer to our Facebook Event Page for event updates and news.
Registration via Webscorer
Many Challenges to Choose!
- 4km or 8.8km Distance Course Challenge
- 1-2km Short Course Challenge
- 200m Mini-Grom (U10) Challenge
- Relay Challenge
Free boards will be provided for the 1-2km Short Course and Relay races. First come first served.
All Challenges start and end at the Thetis Lake main beach.
Course designs subject to change to provide a safe and fun event for all.
Click on images for full extent
Distance and Short Course Categories
- Raceboard 14′ and under (< 28″ wide)
- Touring board 14′ and under (≥ 28″ wide)
- Surfboard style or inflatable under 12′
- Prone
Unsure? Contact us before registering. Or register under the most suitable category for your board. The Race Director will review your board on site to make sure you are placed in the correct category.
| 8:30 | Volunteers’ meeting |
| 9:00-9:45 | On-site check-in/registration** |
| 10:00 | Mandatory paddlers’ safety meeting: 4.4 & 8.8km Distance Course Challenge** |
| 10:15 | 4.4 & 8.8km Distance Course Challenge |
| 11:30-12:00 | Lunch – sandwich wraps and fruit provided |
| ~12:15 | Mandatory paddlers’ safety meeting: 1-2km Short Course Challenge** |
| 12:30 | 1-2km Short Course Challenge |
| 1:15 | 200m Mini-Grom (U10) Challenge (FREE) |
| 1:30 | Relay Challenge (FREE) |
| 2:00 | Category Placement Recognition and Draw prizes |
Safety
- Attendance at paddlers’ safety meetings is mandatory
- Transport Canada approved PFDs and whistles are mandatory Transport Canada requirements | CHECK you have a whistle | If you do not, we will have a few for sale at the race ($5 each)
- Must be 16 years of age or older to wear inflatable PFDs (i.e. waistbelt style) (Transport Canada requirement)
- Leashes are required for all Distance Course Challenges (4.4km and 8.8km)
- Children under age 16 must paddle with an adult unless approved for independent paddling
- Safety spotters on paddleboards will be on the Distance Courses
- If you are close to a paddler that’s in the water and a safety spotter is not in view, we ask that you stop or watch until the paddler is safely back on their board or safely on shore | Provide them assistance if necessary or requested, or flag another paddler to help you
- Wear bright clothing if possible and clothing/immersion gear suitable for the weather conditions
- Bring a change of clothes and keep on the beach or in your car just in case
Registration and Pricing Details
- Registration via Webscorer
- 4.4km or 8.8km Distance Course Challenge (Online $35 until 4pm May 26 | Onsite $45)
- 1-2km Short Course Challenge (Online $20 until 4pm May 26 | Onsite $30)
- Both Distance and Short Course Challenges (Online $50 until 4pm May 26 | Onsite $60)
- South Island SUP Paddling Club Member and Youth (10-18) discounts are applied after answering related questions during registration process
- 200m Mini-Grom (U10) Challenge (FREE)
- Relay Challenge (FREE)
Cancellation Policy
- Refunds subject to $5 admin fee
- No refunds less than 2 weeks prior unless the event is cancelled
Be as green as possible and protect what you love. Walk, ride your bike, bus, carpool. Bring your own refillable water bottles.
Spread the word and let your friends know about the South Island SUP Challenge May 27, 2023!
Interested in being a sponsor or volunteer? Have questions?
Contact Brian at 778-679-1423 or Brian at southislandsup dot com
Where to Stay
Hotels
Hotel Grand Pacific www.grandpacifichotel.com
Oak Bay Beach Hotel www.oakbaybeachhotel.com
Robin Hood Inn www.robinhoodinn.ca Discount code RG10
Campgrounds
Island View Beach
Goldstream
MacDonald Park
