The middle Mamquam was a hub of activity all weekend long as the fourth annual Mamquam River Whitewater Festival hit town on the weekend.
According to 麻豆社国产Paddling Club (SPC) president Dave Berrisford, it was a solid week of whitewater action.
"I think the whole weekend went awesome," he said. "Considering that there were so many other events going on this weekend, we're happy with the turnout."
Berrisford and co-organizer Tyson Bell admitted that attendance remained flat compared to previous years, but noted that several people came to the festival from the Lower Mainland and that there were also a lot more families and kids taking part this year.
"It was a lot of fun," Bell said. "Attendance might have been down a little, but we had a bunch of new people this year."
Bell said the foam boat competition for the kids seemed to be a big hit. He noted that on Saturday (June 25), kids spent more than an hour racing their miniature boats down the side of the river. He said it's likely that the next year's festival will also be a two-day event, as opposed to the single-day events of the past.
The event got underway early on Saturday with slalom and freestyle clinics available for all participants, ranging from beginners to those with more experience. On the shore, there was a throw bag competition and the kids' foam-boat-building contest. Kids were given a piece of foam and then given the chance to design a boat using scissors. After their boats were completed, kids were led to the side of the river to "race" the boats against each other.
The afternoon saw a slalom race take place, along with a barbecue. Everything was all packed up by 4 p.m. and those in attendance then hit up the Howe Sound Brew Pub for a fundraiser in support of the Mamquam River Access Society.
It was more of the same for the festival on Sunday (June 26), with more foam boat building, clinics and then a paddle cross in the afternoon. The silent auction, which featured items from Mountain Equipment Co-op and other items useful to paddlers, also concluded later that afternoon.
Those interested in experiencing the waters of the Sea to Sky region still have a chance to get involved with the SPC this summer. The group will continue to host their beginner sessions at Alice Lake on every Tuesday at 6 p.m. The SPC will also be offering their Toonie Races, which take place on every second Sunday until mid-September. The next Toonie Race is scheduled for July 3.
For more information on the SPC, visit www.squamishpaddlingclub.com.
