photo Wayne Barson
photo Wayne Barson
52 paddlers, 2-day event.
“Tell them to go ahead without me.”
Boats, beach, but Warden ensured no beer.
paddlers Rob Cartwright and James Mole, who took first and second respectively in the expert category, impressed judges with spectacular tricks like aerial blunts and helixes. This year’s festival marked the return of surf kayak competition to Long Beach after a lengthy hiatus. Legendary Nanaimo-based kayaker Don Coen used to organize surf kayaking events at Pacific Rim through Malaspina College. When Parks Canada suits and ties put the kibosh on the event 12 years
ago, an informal gathering of surf kayakers continued to descend en masse to play in the waves at Long Beach every year at the end of September.
It seemed natural to hold the competi-
tion’s revival on the same weekend. In January, 2002, a new generation of whitewater paddlers decided to resurrect the event and harness some of the local kayak talent. Surf enthusiasts Shayne Vollmers and Sean Pleckus approached Parks Canada. After some
push and pull, they were given a permit pro- viding they adhered to strict guidelines limit- ing the size and impact of the event. Coen was back to sit in as a judge. Vollmers, who was busy throughout the weekend but managed to bag third in the com- posite/surf kayak category, said the event exceeded his expectations by a long shot. “It was great to see so many Island kayak- ers getting together. It was a very cool and positive attitude,” Vollmers said. He’s confi-
dent that once he has a chance to sit down with Parks officials, they’ll be able to start organizing next year’s festival. “If we get approval we’ll definitely hold it again.” Tentative plans for next year include expand- ing the number of categories, which might please Larry Bell who was edged out of a top three spot in the beginner category. “I wish they had a class for old guys,” he said.
—Andrew Findlay
2003 Spring 11
photo Wayne Barson
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