Burnaby Community Services hosted the first-ever Battle of the Paddles at Barnet Marine Park on Sept. 30.
The inaugural event centred around two heats of outrigger canoe races. Participants (five teams in total) were given a quick history of the Polynesian boat, a safety demonstration and paddling lessons by the Lotus Sports Club.
The teams, all decked out in wacky costumes, then took to the Burrard Inlet.
“Battle of the Paddles was a great way to bring the community together, pulling in the same direction. Thank you to all the sponsors for supporting the event and the participants for having so much fun on the water with us,” said Stephen D’Souza, executive director of Burnaby Community Services, in an email to the NOW.
After two 500-metre sprints, team Incredibles pulled into the lead to win the race.
Paddlers also enjoyed painting on a community mural with their thoughts and hopes for the community, a yoga session on the beach, giant Jenga, a pizza lunch and a silent auction.
Supporting each other
Just a reminder that Burnaby has a prostate cancer support group, which meets on the first Saturday of each month at Burnaby Hospital.
The group is always welcoming new members. The meetings run from 10 a.m. to noon inside education room A, on the second floor. For more info, visit prostatecancerburnaby.org or call 604-521-0641.
