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travel / adventure zone
| The Adventure Zone |
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| Photo courtesy MEC Big Chop Summer Paddle Series |
Surf’s up!
On and off the beach with Vancouver’s MEC Big Chop Summer Paddle Series
By Tracy C. Read
Vancouver has shed some of the laid-back aura that made it a countercultural
mecca for young Canadians a few decades ago, but the leisure-time activities
that its spectacular oceanside location make possible are still the heart
and soul of this West Coast city. The Mountain Equipment Co-op Big Chop
Summer Paddle Series — named for the rough waves that can blow up
on the coast — takes perfect advantage of that.
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| Photo courtesy MEC Big Chop Summer Paddle Series |
Every other Thursday since May 1, the adventure-loving members of the
city’s workforce have been postponing their trek home in favour of
grabbing up their PFDs and paddles and heading to the beach at Vanier Park,
five minutes from downtown on the south side of English Bay. That’s
the site of the MEC Big Chop, a 10-race series for paddling enthusiasts
of all skill levels. At 7, the gun goes off and a furious churning of water
ensues, as vessels ranging from high-performance kayaks (a.k.a. surfskis),
single and double kayaks, dugout canoes and single and double outriggers
hit the surf to negotiate the challenging 8-to-9-kilometre Big Chop course.
Hard-core racers are using the series as a training ground for other competitions,
even as fun-loving recreational paddlers embrace the gentler 4-kilometre
Little Chop.
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| Photo by Tony Austin |
The twice-monthly events are ideal for people looking to take advantage
of downtown sporting opportunities. Afterwards, participants can kick back
with post-race drinks and snacks and prize draws. Still to come are races
on Thursday, August 7 and 21, while September 11 marks the series championship,
followed by a celebratory after party. Boat rentals are available on site.
Visit: www.bigchop.ca/index.htm
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