Over two years ago, in what now seems to be a different era, Powell River Community Forest generously granted Powell River Outrigger Canoe Society (PROCS) the funds to buy two new six-person canoes to replace its existing, very old and decrepit pair.
“We expected that they would take several weeks to be built and to get here from the workshop in Thailand, but we didn’t foresee a pandemic followed by a complete breakdown of the global shipping organization,” said Michael Matthews, PROCS coach and racing coordinator. “Finally, albeit a little later than expected, the new ARE Matahina canoes arrived this (March 5/6) weekend.”
Individually, each canoe will serve as a perfect training and competition boat for outrigger canoe society crews that race regularly, including the eight paddlers who will once again be representing Canada at the IVF Va’a World Sprint Elite and Club Championships in London, United Kingdom.
“Since we chose this particular design, we were delighted when it was also selected as the boat to be used in the world championships,” said Matthews. “Even more importantly, when strapped side-by-side the two Matahinas will provide a stable 12-paddler training platform, particularly through the winter months, when otherwise, given the wind and water temperature, paddling would not be possible.”
A large part of PROCS’s motivation in approaching Powell River Community Forest was its wish to embark on a significant recruitment drive, focusing on the youth of the qathet region.
“For obvious reasons this has been on hold, but now the arrival of the boats, coinciding as it does with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, and the arrival of warmer spring weather, will allow us to launch the program at last,” said Matthews. “Therefore, whatever your age, and whether you come as an individual or as a group of colleagues who want to paddle together, we would love to have you join us.”
PROCS is careful to fully observe all health and safety guidelines and its paddlers are fully insured.
“We are creating an education and training program that will help you develop, whether as a paddler, steersperson, or even coach,” said Matthews. “Our community is genuine, welcoming, and sincere. New paddlers are going to love the people, the passion, and the intensity of outrigger paddling.”
For more information, go to powellriveroutrigger.weebly.com.
