Make a Splash with Paddlers Cup
Banner’s Up! Soon Paddles Up!
8th Annual Paddlers Cup Regatta is April 27-28, 2019
The Gig Harbor Paddlers Cup, organized by the Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Racing Team, is splashing down in the harbor next weekend. This annual tradition is the premier event for Pacific Northwest canoe, kayak, paddleboard and outrigger athletes and enthusiasts of all ages and levels.
2018 Paddlers Cup
The fun takes place out of Skansie Brothers Park on the historic downtown Gig Harbor waterfront. This popular community event features paddle racing for kayaks, canoes, stand up and prone paddleboards, outriggers and para-canoes, and dragon boat races and events.
All comers and paddle craft types are welcome and participants can register online at www.gigharborpaddlerscup.com. Family-friendly 5k and 10k races take place in the harbor, with the Cross Narrows Challenge offered for experienced paddlers outside the harbor, weather permitting.
The Cross Narrows Challenge
Read more about registration, event overview, schedule of events, dragon boat races, parking, sponsors and more at Gig Harbor Paddlers Cup.
Be sure to be on hand in Skansie Brothers Park at 12:15 p.m. on April 28 for the “Awakening the Dragon” ceremony. This dragon boat tradition is a ritual honoring the dragons and paddlers before races.
Members of the Gig Harbor Dragon Boat team participate in an Awakening the Dragon ceremony in Skansie Brothers Park in March 2018.
Registration proceeds benefit the Gig Harbor Canoe and Kayak Racing Team (GHCKRT), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization committed to introducing youth and adults the sport of Olympic Sprint Canoe and Kayak Racing.
GHCKRT has a history of excellence in the sport of sprint canoe and kayak, producing multiple national champions and world-class athletes. The team has won the USA National Team Championships in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2018.
Event organizers are proud to have CHI Franciscan Health as their 2019 Paddlers Cup Presenting/Platinum Sponsor.
– Photos courtesy of Paddlers Cup, Chance Busey and Kerrie Andrist Clos
Make plans to be part of this fun day at the races!
