It was barely 11am and already crowds were building today for the fourth annual Boat Rodeo at Robert Ostler Park (aka The Foreshore). In marked contrast to last year’s windy weather, when volunteers appreciated getting home to a hot bath and a mug of tea, this year meant remembering the sun screen, water, and hats. Co-organizer Fred Rose was all smiles as the day started.
Officially kicking off the day’s event was a display of marine rocking and rolling by a ’sidewinder’, a water craft used in the logging industry and one that is almost impossible to tip over. Equipped with large bumpers, it rocked from side to side and did circles. It was pretty neat. It could be called the roller coaster of local waters.
Immediately following the impressive display of skill by the appropriately-named sidewinder were kayak demos by Comox Valley Kayaks. Three kinds of rescues and various rolls were shown with accompanying commentary to explain to the audience what was happening. Watching the kayakers in action gives a whole new appreciation for our waters. While paddling is a beautiful way to spend time, seeing how people’s lives can be saved by someone with the knowledge to do so reminds you that safety is an integral part of enjoying our water ways.
Available for tours were the Orca Chief and the Orca Warrior from Marine Harvest Canada. Used to transport farmed salmon from site to processing plant, they’re impressive seen from shore and even more impressive up close. Also on display from Marine Harvest was a former Norwegian Coast Guard vessel, decked out in nautical blue and white and making its debut at this event. Tied up nearby, Marine Link’s vessel was also open for tours.
Also part of the day’s events was the bathtub race, blind rowboat races, and the “Passage Passage”, which saw a variety of craft make their way to Quadra Island’s Cape Mudge.
The Canadian Coast Guard vessel the Point Race kept a gentle eye on the proceedings throughout the day, ready at a moment’s notice in case of emergency.
The boat rodeo is hosted by the Maritime Heritage Society. Sponsors for this year’s event included Redden Nets, Top Quality Music, Grant Signs, Plastics Plus, Gowland Towing, Grieg Seafood BC Ltd., and Island Ready Mix.
Living in Campbell River, we regularly spend time watching what the wateroffers us, from cruise ships headed to and from Alaska in summer to the more modest ferries whose schedules you can set your watch by, to sailboats and water taxis. Seeing the diversity of what floats was an unusual treat. Late summer brings many delights to Campbell River – the boat rodeo is one of my favorites.
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Business | ginaforsyth February 2, 2010 | 
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