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Pemberton to host Paddlefest celebration

To some, it may seem ironic that the small land locked community of Pemberton has become a hot bed for paddling sports. Most noteworthy, is the youth dragon boat team.

To some, it may seem ironic that the small land locked community of Pemberton has become a hot bed for paddling sports. Most noteworthy, is the youth dragon boat team. This nationally recognized Cinderella program was the dream child of Olympic gold medallist Hugh Fisher and a cadre of parents. Since inception, the dragon boat team has been adopted by the corridor communities and represents a source of civic pride.

Inspired by this success, new paddling clubs have flourished in the region.

On May 4th, for the first time ever, Pemberton's entire paddling community will congregate at One Mile Lake in Pemberton for the first annual Paddlefest. Initially billed as an opportunity solely for outrigger canoe testing, dragon boat and flat water kayak forms of paddling will also be included for public trial.

Paddlefest will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is an open and free opportunity for the public to try the various forms of paddling and learn about the many paddling opportunities in the corridor.

Paddles and life jackets will be provided at Paddlefest. Layered clothing (similar to cross country skiing) and footwear that can get wet is suggested.

The Pemberton Canoe Club is a non-profit recreational club comprised of residents from the corridor between D'Arcy, Pemberton and Whistler. The club trains on local lakes and provides a fun and social environment in which to develop paddling technique and fitness.

For more information on Paddlefest or the Pemberton Canoe Club, please call Meg Gallup at 894-5035 or Christopher Nicolson at 894-6908.