Dragons are returning to Port Moody.
Dragon boaters, that is.
The sixth Inlet Spring Regatta launches at Rocky Point Park on Saturday, April 19.
The event features more than 40 paddling teams from across the Pacific Northwest including Seattle and serves as the start to the Canadian dragon boating season.
“It’s incredible to see how much this event has grown since 2018,” said Robbin Whachell, the president of the Nothin’ Dragon Paddling Society that organizes the regatta which began with 36 teams, mostly from the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.
The races will be 200m sprints in heats of three to four 12-metre boats. Each takes about a minute. Crews of 20 paddlers, a drummer and a steerer will compete in either the mixed or women’s divisions.
“In sync teamwork and a spirit of competition make each race exciting,” said regatta chair Brian Kenny.
Top finishers are awarded a special wooden medal carved by First Nations artist Glen Rabena.
Between races, paddlers and spectators can refuel at food trucks like Dos Amigos, Crack On and Indish, as well as the Yellow Dog beer garden and a vendors expo that even includes the opportunity to get a free mini-massage from Enhance Sport & Wellness. There’s also live music by Steve Marriott and John Parsons along with a DJ between sets.
The day begins with an opening ceremony at the water’s edge with the first races scheduled for 8:30 a.m. The first medals will be awarded at around 2 p.m. and the beer garden closes at 5 p.m.
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