Suncoast Paddling Club is once again sending paddle teams to a world championship.
“We are sending two club teams to the World Sprint Championships in Hilo, Hawaii, in August, along with two individuals competing with other teams,” stated club president Bruce Layzell, in an email to the Peak.
“With the help of several generous grants over the past few years from the Powell River Community Forest, the club has been able to purchase two canoes, a trailer and coach boat, allowing us to offer paddlers in the qathet region access to first-class equipment, as well as coaching from our internationally qualified coach Michael Matthews.”
Layzell said that the Matahina canoes the club acquired will be used specifically for the competition in Hawaii.
Matahina type canoes are used by the majority of the top paddling teams in Tahiti, Hawaii, Australia and the United States.
"The two women's club teams are Masters 60 plus [in age] and 70 plus; they have been training four times weekly, with coach Matthews providing guidance and expertise to prepare for the World Sprints," stated Layzell.
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