Our signature event
Race the River
Campbell River’s dragon boat regatta on the beautiful Campbell River estuary — known as the first regatta of the paddling season on Vancouver Island.
About the regatta
A celebration on the estuary
Race the River was started as a way to have a local regatta that showcases the beauty of Campbell River’s waters — especially the estuary. The regatta is organized by the Campbell River Dragon Boat Society and hosted by the River Spirit team.
It has grown to be known as the first regatta of the paddling season on Vancouver Island: a low-key, fun event where teams from up and down the Island race in the Campbell River estuary. In 2026, Race the River celebrated its 15th year.
Event details
The next regatta
[PLACEHOLDER – 2027 details: update the date and confirm the details below each year.]
Date
[PLACEHOLDER – 2027 date TBA]
The 2026 regatta was held Saturday, May 9.
First race
9:00 am
Location
Dick Murphy Park on the Tyee Spit, Campbell River, B.C.
Racecourse
300 metres in the Campbell River estuary
Divisions
Women’s and Mixed
Boats
Standard boats and 10-person boats (a steersperson is provided for 10-person boats)
Who can participate
Registration
Teams from across Vancouver Island are welcome. Capacity is limited, so sign up early.
[PLACEHOLDER – registration: add the registration link or instructions for 2027.]
Questions? Email teamriverspirit@gmail.com.
Standard boat
Early bird – $425
After April 20 – $475
Double up special
$100 discount if all paddlers in your 10-person boat are also paddling in your standard boat.
10-person boat
Early bird – $375
After April 20 – $425
Don’t have enough paddlers for a standard boat? Sign up for a 10-person boat.
No team? No problem
Want to paddle or till but don’t have a team? Sign in at the registration desk on race day to join the paddling pool.
Fees shown are from the 2026 regatta. [PLACEHOLDER – confirm 2027 entry fees.]
Team waiver and crew roster
Each team submits the waiver with its crew roster at the marshalling area between 7:30 and 8:00 am on race day.
[PLACEHOLDER – upload the 2027 waiver and roster form and link it here.]
Rules of racing
Please review Dragon Boat Canada’s rules of racing before race day.
Race day
Regatta schedule
Schedule shown is from the 2026 regatta and may change each year.
Morning
7:00 – Teams start to arrive
7:30–8:00 – Teams hand in waivers at the registration table
7:30 – Sterns and captains meeting
7:45 – Welcome and introduction
8:00 – Blessing
8:15 – Group warm-up
8:30 – Call teams for first race
9:00 – First race starts
Afternoon
12:00 – Break in races, lunch
12:10 – Carnation ceremony announced
12:20 – Carnation ceremony
13:00 – Races resume
15:00 – Last race finishes
15:10 – Prize draws
15:20 – Awards and other recognition
Spectators and parking
Come cheer us on
Join us at Dick Murphy Park on the Tyee Spit to cheer on the teams from the shore. At midday, paddlers and spectators gather for the carnation ceremony — a moving moment on the water honouring those touched by breast cancer.
Parking: please park only in the areas marked in yellow on the parking plan.
Site map (2026)
Parking plan (2026)
2026 results
Congratulations to all teams
Standard boat
Women
1st Panda – 4:31.62
2nd CV Flying Dragons – 4:38.19
3rd Wave Cutters – 4:47.02
Mixed
1st Prevailing Wins – 4:38.72
2nd Mid Island Masters – 4:53.90
10-person boat
Women
1st VIP Women – 4:40.03
2nd GD Senior D Women – 5:10.49
3rd Wave Cutters – 5:10.13
Mixed
1st VIP Mixed – 4:24.42
2nd Nanaimo Dragon Slayers – 4:42.40
Spirit Award
This year’s winner of the Spirit Award is Prevailing Wins! Congratulations to everyone on the team.
Full standard boat results (total time)
| Team | Total time | Placing |
|---|---|---|
| Panda | 4:31.62 | 1st – Women |
| CV Flying Dragons | 4:38.19 | 2nd – Women |
| Prevailing Wins | 4:38.72 | 1st – Mixed |
| Wave Cutters | 4:47.02 | 3rd – Women |
| CV Blazing Paddles | 4:45.14 | |
| River Spirit | 4:51.56 | |
| Let Her Run | 4:52.13 | |
| Sproat Ness Dragons | 4:52.54 | |
| West Coast Warriors | 4:53.57 | |
| Mid Island Masters | 4:53.90 | 2nd – Mixed |
| Team Wild | 4:55.20 |
Full 10-person boat results (total time)
| Team | Total time | Placing |
|---|---|---|
| VIP Mixed | 4:24.42 | 1st – Mixed |
| VIP Women | 4:40.03 | 1st – Women |
| Nanaimo Dragon Slayers | 4:42.40 | 2nd – Mixed |
| Wave Cutters | 5:10.13 | 3rd – Women |
| GD Senior D Women | 5:10.49 | 2nd – Women |
| Panda | 5:19.62 | |
| Angels Abreast | 5:35.38 | |
| Hope Afloat | 5:45.34 |
Thank you
Our 2026 sponsors
A huge thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors of Race the River. Without the help and support of these individuals and organizations the regatta would not be such a great success!
Wei Wai Kum First Nations
City of Campbell River
McDonald’s
Quality Foods
Scimitar
Vancouver Island Air
Lavern Henderson
Campbell River Salmon Festival – Dave Crosby
Misko DJs
RE/MAX Realty
Search and Rescue Campbell River
VI Paddling Society
Campbell River Toyota
Houle Electric – Paul Benoit
North Island Communications
Rescue One
Tyee Club of BC
Event inquiries
Questions about Race the River?
Registration, volunteering, sponsorship or general questions — we’d love to hear from you.