The Vernon Paddling Centre participated in a Canadian Racing Outrigger Association National Championships last weekend in Harrison Hot Springs.
The two teams trained for three months doing interval training and speed drills with coaching from Glenn Bond. They also practised starting the race and doing quick turns around buoys which turned out to be a real advantage.
The Vernon crews quickly launched out front of the group and were surprised to see they were not overcome by other teams.
Said Bond: “As coach, I could not be happier for both Vernon teams to win gold and silver in the mixed open at the national championships is way beyond what I expected. The Vernon Paddle Centre stepped up the programs this year and everyone in the paddle plus program trained hard with the focus on nationals at Harrison Lake. With 26 outrigger canoes with six people in each boat for our heat, the energy was very high. Both Vernon teams had a great start as we practised starts many times. Both Vernon teams rose to the challenge.”
Mixed open results:
Vernon Mixed Team #1 - 12.5km race consisted of: Debbie Hunter in stroke, Lars Villadsen, Wendy Harris, Judy Lapierre, Chris Hodgkinson and Bob Woodman as Steersperson. This team won gold.
Vernon Mixed Team #2 - 12.5km consisted of: Laurie Fowler in stroke, Anne Marie Tosse, Chip McKay, Kim Doleszar, Kimm Mitchell and Glenn Bond as Steersperson. This team won silver.
Out of 26 boats in all capacities in the short course, Vernon was second and fourth overall.
Men’s Long course (25km) consisted of: Glenn Bond, Kim Doleszar, Joanna Demontreuil, Chip McKay, Ian Chadwick and Darryl Spencer. Placed eighth overall.