Paddlesport enthusiasts of all skill levels weren’t deterred by the cold and rain Saturday morning as dozens off participants hit the water off Deep Cove for the 2019 Indian Arm Challenge.
The first wave of racers commenced the 32-kilometre course at 8 a.m. sharp as a crowd of onlookers watched from the shore.
The course challenges paddleboarders or kayakers, racing as either solo participants or as part of a relay team, to make their way from Deep Cove to Granite Falls, located at the northern end of Indian Arm Provincial Park, before heading back again.
The annual event kicked off in front of Deep Cove Kayak, who are also the organizers of the race. A second and third wave of racers set off at 8:45 and 9:30 a.m., respectively.
Average time to complete the race is between four and six hours, according to organizers.
