Being the second-largest country in the world, the country with the most lakes, and that with the largest coastline, Canada is an ideal place for all manner of watersports. From surfing the coast of British Columbia and paddleboarding the lakes of Ontario to sailing around Nova Scotia and swimming the shores of Newfoundland, Canada offers landscapes to suit every type of aquatic competition too.
Following the postponement and cancellation of many watersport competitions, 2022 is now seeing many return for the first time in two or three years. This means that, as summer approaches, there are an exciting array of competitions and events ready to host watersport professionals and enthusiasts who are eager to once again test their skill against others on a national level.
Oceanfest, August
At the Jericho Sailing Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia, Oceanfest is returning with an array of watersports competitions to choose from. Taking place on August 6th, there will be a number of competitions including the 5k Paddlesport Race, 2k SUP Technical race, 1k Ocean Swim, and 3-Person Prone Relay Race, as well as an entire day of casual sports and games.
With the growing popularity of stand-up paddleboarding, it is the technical race that many will be paying close attention to. The 1km loop, circumnavigated twice, is set to display the latest developments in SUP technique and will ensure that those with a board built for performance are most likely to find success.
The event is open to all with registration for competition available in advance and on the day.
Sail East, West, Central, July
Sail Canada is the organizer of the country’s biggest sailing competitions, occurring as three weekend events. Sail East, takes place in Glen Haven, Nova Scotia from July 15th-17th. Sail West occurs simultaneously, from July 15th-17th, welcoming regional competitors to Gimli, Manitoba. Then, July 21st-24th, Sail Central will conclude the summer competition in Hudson, Quebec, hosting a final and epic sailing competition for those across the country.
The competition sees over a hundred and fifty sailors go head-to-head, offering the opportunity for talent scouts to identify new potential on the water amid well-celebrated races. With sailing continuing as an Olympic and Paralympic sport, this event continues to focus on the achievements of those competing, with a number even having gone on to win medals internationally.
Canada Summer Games, August
Niagara 2022, the Canadian Summer Games, is one of the biggest sporting events in the country, taking place every two years. While a number of sports will occur on land, there are also a range of watersports, including kayaking, rowing, sailing, and swimming.
Niagara 2022 will take place, expectedly, in Ontario, around Niagara Falls, between August 6th and 21st. There will be a number of major competitions, seeing the country’s greatest watersport talent compete, as well as a selection of musical and environmental events too. The Canadian Summer Games place a great emphasis on social wellbeing and environmental sustainability, which is why the event is also an important one on the calendar of those wishing to support local and national issues.
