Back in the day, locals might remember when hundreds of outrigger paddlers descended on the Town of Gibsons for the Howe Sound Iron Outrigger races. This event drew elite paddlers from far and wide—Hawaii, Seattle, Vancouver Island, Interior of B.C. and beyond. But, with COVID and ferry challenges, this event has moved to other B.C. waters.
Last year, a small group from the Gibsons Paddle Club, headed by race director and paddler, Manfred Hartmann, decided it was time to resurrect some fun and racing, back on the Sunshine Coast and, the Keats Chop Small Boat race was born. In its inaugural year, the race drew an impressive line-up of paddlers from the B.C. interior, Vancouver, as well as many locals. The event has a long course—around Keats Island—about 14 km, and a short course—along the shoreline to Soames Point and back to Breakwater Beach. A local paddler and videographer created an impressive YouTube video of the event. youtu.be/Rqv4AOkykvQ?si=RzmaZ1T8JFePq2i6.
The event drew paddlers of all kinds—stand up paddle boards, kayaks, surfskis, outrigger canoes, a rowing skull and even a dog went along for the ride on the short course! There were 49 racers and 30 volunteers (from Gibsons Paddle Club) this year, up from last year’s 44 racers.
Judging by the smiles and interviews with paddlers before and after the race, folks were thrilled to once again be paddling and racing the waters around Gibsons. The race is growing and it seems clear that there are plenty of locals as well as elite paddlers from all over the province who enjoy our local waters. The wind on race day—July 27—made for some interesting and challenging conditions on the long course, and with all the summer boat traffic buzzing in and around the harbour, those on the short course said it was more like an obstacle course! Whether you are an elite paddler, or just someone who wants to come and paddle for fun on the short course, this event has something for everyone. Next year, the plan may include an intermediate (in-between short and long course distance) for SUPs and kayaks who feel they are up for the challenge.
The Keats Chop Small Boat race checks a lot of boxes, if you are a recreational paddler, or like to challenge yourself. The entry fee includes a BBQ lunch, some socializing with all the other paddlers, and a First Nations ‘necklace’ ceremony, conducted by local artist and paddler, Ed Hill. The necklaces are well known in paddling culture and are meant to keep paddlers safe on the water. If anyone is wearing the Devil’s club and beaded necklace in waters on any of the Hawaiian Islands, they are most likely to hear, “You’re from Gibsons, aren’t you?!”
Brittany Broderson, producer for Eastlink Community TV, rode along in one of the safety boats to film the event. As a non paddler, she was looking forward to seeing the paddlers choose their line and watching them navigate the wind and waves. “From the boat, we were able to see how rocky the conditions were in some places, particularly when they crossed the gap. Every now and again you’d see the paddlers go over waves bigger than their boats! Behind Keats Island, the conditions were incredible, and it was such a great opportunity for the paddlers to get a good glimpse of how beautiful our scenery is out here. The race day as a whole was so well organized, and the volunteers both in the compound and on the water were so supportive of every single racer on the course.”
We are looking forward to a bigger and better event next year. If you aren’t into racing, but would like to come out and try paddling in the outrigger canoes, there is a seat waiting for you in our canoes. Check out our website for more information: www.gibsonspaddleclub.com.
