For the second year, the Victoria Youth Paddlers came to Sproat Landing for a two-day paddling event Aug. 9–10.
On Saturday, Aug. 9, the 18 participants, including adults, learned about change racing techniques and paddling skills. They were taught how to perform a "huli" – jumping out of an outrigger canoe, righting it, and emptying the water.
The group also enjoyed a barbecue that evening. Three Port Alberni residents participated: Lindy James, Rebecca Manuel and Angela de Bruijn.
The main event was a 15-kilometre change race on Aug. 10. The challenging course started from Sproat Lake Landing, proceeded to Two Rivers, circled around Massacre Island, and returned to the hotel dock.
A change race is an endurance event requiring coordination and teamwork. Lead chase boats, each carrying