The marquee event for local — and many international — kiteboarders in Squamish has been cancelled this year due to COVID-19.
Organizers have announced KiteClash 8 has been deferred until 2021.
“The COVID-19 crisis has obviously meant that planning any large event in the near future at this time is impossible, but we are hopeful that we can continue next year and make KiteClash an even better event,” reads a post published on the event's online page.
But something may still happen this year.
The organizers say they are considering putting on a version of the Canadian Nationals competition, which has long been a part of the annual KiteClash exhibitions.
But that’s only if conditions allow by Aug. 27, which was the intended start date for KiteClash.
Canadian Nationals have generally taken place at the beginning of KiteClash events, and have given Canadians a chance to compete for a country title before the international athletes started competing at KiteClash.
Organizers also acknowledged that this year could be the last time the Spit is around in its current form. Authorities are expected to dramatically change the layout of the structure to allow for salmon to move freely between the Squamish River and the Estuary.
“We would encourage athletes to come and help us say farewell to an iconic location,” wrote the organizers. “Details of this plan will be announced as COVID-19 recommendations are unveiled.”
