The first annual Kayak For a Cure in the Comox Valley started out drizzly and grey. As  we were setting up tents the rain stopped. Visibility decreased to about a mile, and we lost sight of our destination altogether. After moving 15 boats off Comox Valley Kayaks trailer’s  and many other boats to the beach, the weather improved dramatically.

33 paddlers registered and enjoyed a great breakfast supplied by Nancy, Lesley, the great folks at Starbucks, as well as Thrifty Foods.  Swag bags stuffed with KFAC shirts, sunscreen, Clif Bars, water, Wavelength magazines, Sea Kayaker magazines,  chocolate, and energy gels were handed out to all as a thank you for their hard work.

Next a guide/rescue boat meeting took place. Shortly afterward everyone was rounded up for a “welcome to Kayak For a Cure” speech. Everyone’s attention was then directed to Don Lowther, guide extrodinaire, and lead volunteer at Kayak For a Cure Victoria. Don briefed the group on safety on the water, how not to swim, and what to expect if you do swim.

After a quick run down on spray skirts and wet exits for the new to kayaking crowd, everyone got into their boats and on were the water. We rafted up the 25 boats and had some photos taken. Then we were off to Sandy Island.

Fighting a tide but luckily no wind, and a calm sea the open water paddle took 2 hours. We beached our boats and took a well deserved rest from paddling, laughing, smiling for the camera, and the constant ridicule from James of Compass Adventures in the Safety boat.

After some time to fuel up, down some water and have a few more laughs, we were back to paddling. With a flooding tide, favourable winds, the sun popping out and food and drink waiting, the trip home was considerably shorter at 90 minutes.

Back at the beach, the BBQ’s were fired up, everyone dried out, stories were shared, and laughs were many. Burgers and  smokies, salads, veggie plates, chips and fruit were devoured by hungry paddlers, guides and volunteers. Names were drawn for our Kayak For a Cure raffle, and 20 prizes were given out. Next we gave a Werner Carbon paddle from Comox Valley Kayaks to paddler Christine Gornall for her efforts with the highest donation total. $4315.00 Way to go Christine!!!! Our second highest fundraiser, and super hard worker, Natalie Force was given a $100.00 gift certificate for the Atlas Restaurant. $3720.00, nice work Nat!!! Several other prizes were drawn as well.

Throughout the day, raffle tickets sold, cheques were written from spectators, and cash donations were made. We finally had the time to total our donations announce to a cheering crowd we’d raised $25 005.13!!!!!

Overall, a very successful event here in the Comox Valley. A huge thank you goes out to Lesley Hemingway, Marsha Foster, my family, our paddlers, guides, volunteers, and rescue boat captains, We would also like to thank Bruce Mornan for his photographic expertise.

It’s hard to believe it’s over. Planning has already started for next year, and interest is already building for the second Kayak For a Cure Comox Valley.