Comox Dragon Boat Festival Coming Next Weekend

The Town of Comox and VI Paddling are teaming up for the annual Comox Dragon Boat Festival, happening Saturday, September 14th.

The event is taking place at Marina Park in Comox, where paddlers from across Vancouver Island, the Gulf Islands, and the Lower Mainland will compete in 200-metre races.

Tom Arnold, President of VI Paddling says teams from across the region will gather to race in both standard (20 paddler) and small (10-paddler) dragon boats.

"We initiated the small boat race in 2023, the only 10-paddler dragon boat race in BC, and both participants and the crowd loved it.”

“As a partner in this event, the Town of Comox is looking forward to having people gather at Comox Marina Park for this year’s event,” said Comox Mayor, Nicole Minions.

“The growth of this competition, combined with the stunning backdrop that the Comox Valley, presents a significant opportunity for our region with attendance expected to reach over 900. This event is on target to be the second-largest dragon boat race on Vancouver Island.”

Registered teams represent a wide range of experience levels and ages. Among them is the newly formed Comox-based team, Wake Makers, who will be competing with just four practices under their belts.

The event will also feature youth teams, like the Dragon Riders, whose youngest members are 12 years old, as well as senior teams like Prevailing Wins, which includes paddlers in their 70s.

For all the event details, visit VI Paddling.