2024 Registration Open!
Early-Bird Pricing ends April 12
Welcome to Board the Fjord, the highly anticipated first big race of the year. We are thrilled to have you join us for another year of this exciting event in Deep Cove! This race is open to all self-propelled watercraft.
Board the Fjord is a fun and scenic event, with a course that takes paddlers around 7 different islands in North America’s southern-most fjord. There are 14km, 7km, or 4km course options for all paddler levels, including, a 1km Kids Race which will take place after the main races. The race is open to recreational and competitive paddlers and we encourage everyone to come our and challenge themselves at this great community event on May 11th, 2024.
Prior to your Race
If you need some practice prior to race day be sure to visit us for a Tuesday Night Race in Deep Cove. Races start at 7pm every Tuesday from April to September.
Make sure you get yourself geared up with quality equipment to ensure your best result at Board the Fjord. Coast Outdoors is your best choice for high quality paddling equipment and advice prior to race day.
Race Day Schedule
| 8:30am | Check-in Starts |
| 10:25am | Pre- Race Meeting |
| 11:00am | Long & Short Course Starts |
| 12:30pm | Post-race Food & Drinks |
| 1:00pm | Kids Race |
| 2:30pm | Awards |
Arrival & Parking
Parking in Deep Cove on weekends is limited and fills up very quickly. Please plan to arrive extra early and take advantage of the loading zones to unload your craft before you proceed to the full day parking locations.
Note that the primary parking lot and the street parking located directly behind the kayak centre are limited to 3 and 4 hours.
Please use this map to find our location and guide yourself to additional parking locations.
Check In
All racers must check in with the race timers prior to the race start.
You may check in anytime between 8:30am and 10:25am.
Here you will receive your race jersey and pre-race package.
We will have coffee and muffins onsite from Bean Around the World Seymour for the first 60 racers who check in.
Race Rules
- Racers must wear a PFD on their body throughout the race.
- Racers must have a leash and whistle.
- Racers may NOT paddle under any docks or walkways along the course.
- Racers may draft but only other racers paddling the same craft category. Men can draft women, and vice versa, as long as both paddlers are on the same type of craft.
Safety & Weather
To best anticipate the weather and wind conditions for this event we recommend using multiple resources to establish your best forecast. When trying to predict what the conditions will be in Deep Cove we typically view the marine forecast for the Strait of Georgia as well as Howe Sound. A combination of these two reports often provides the best insight into conditions.
Weather Forecasts
Strait Of Georgia – Click Here
Howe Sound – Click Here
North Vancouver – Click Here
We will have multiple motorboats as well as the Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue boat on the water to support racers and take photos and video. If you require assistance please utilize your whistle and wave your arms over your head to become visible to the safety boats. Please note that the race course is vast and immediate motorboat support may not be realistic. Racers should all be self sufficient and prepared for immersion. It is strongly recommended that each racer carry a mobile phone in a waterproof case while on the course.
Tide Timetable
Course Map
Course Direction will be determined based on race day wind conditions.
Course Map – Click Here
Kids Race
The 1km free kids race will begin at 1pm. This is for racers under 13 years of age and is open to all types of paddlecraft. Rentals can be arranged through Deep Cove Kayak.
Youth Racers will be supported on the water by volunteers and will each receive a post-race treat!
Post Race Festivities
Following your race, beginning at 12pm you can use your wristband/ticket to receive a post race meal and drink located at the check-in tent
Prizes and Awards will take place between 2pm and 2:30pm.