PADDLE-A-THON
All ages fundraiser for the Shawnigan Basin Society
May 27, 2023
We are excited to continue our Paddle-a-thon fundraiser this year by bringing the community together for a fun day on the water on Shawnigan Lake.
Although the event is organized by St. John’s Academy Shawnigan Lake, the proceeds go to support the Shawnigan Basin Society and the Rotary Club of Shawnigan Lake EcoClub.
The event is not a race or a competition. There are no prizes for fastest paddlers or quickest to complete the circuit. Rather we hope, along with participating local environmental groups, to raise awareness of the value of a healthy watershed, water sustainability and protection.
Bring your own kayak, canoe, or SUP (and lifejacket) and join us May 27th from 10am-2pm.
St. John’s Academy is also hosting our FUN FAIR at the same time on our campus. Stop by before or after your paddle for games, food, prizes, an entrepreneur fair, and lots of fun!
Circuit Options
The event is family-friendly and there are various paddling circuit distances to choose from to appeal to all ages and abilities. All distances below are approximate.
There will be various pitstop around the lake with water stations and check-in tables for raffle ticket collection. Stations are located near the docks at:
- St. John’s Academy Shawnigan Lake
- Easter Seals Camp Shawnigan Lake
- West Shawnigan Lake Provincial Park
- Shawnigan Lake School
- Shawnigan Lake Wharf
Paddlers can start at any time after 10:00am, but must be completed their circuit by 2:00pm.
North Loop: 6.5 km (start and end at St. John’s Academy)
South Loop: 4.5 km (start and end at Easter Seals Shawnigan Lake)
Across the Lake: 3 km (start and end at St. John’s Academy)
Mini Crossing: 1.5 km (start and end at Shawnigan Lake Wharf)
Vessel Options
We expect to see all kids of paddlers on the water. Whatever method of floatation is used (canoe, kayak, SUP), it must be human-powered! No engines allowed!
You may choose to captain your own stand-up paddle board or get friends together in a large canoe. Whatever you choose, the most important rule is to have fun (and be safe)!
Registration & Payment
Registration can be made online by clicking the REGISTER NOW link above.
Solo paddlers: $60
Team paddlers (in one vessel): $100
Each registration (either solo or team) receives one event package and one set of raffle tickets. Additional raffle tickets can be purchased for $10 at the school office when making your payment.
Payment for all fees can only be made in person at the Administration Office at St. John’s Academy Shawnigan Lake (2371 Shawnigan Lake Road). Cash payments are preferred but cards are also accepted. Payments are due upon collection of your event package between May 23-26 or earlier.
Raffle
Although there are no prizes for finishing quickly, the more pitstop stations that you stop at along the route, the more raffle tickets you can collect!
Some great prizes to be won include a stand-up paddleboard, tickets to a Pacific Football Club game, and a gift card to The Lakehouse!
Package Collection
After registration, your event package will be available to collect at St. John’s Academy Shawnigan Lake (2371 Shawnigan Lake Road) during the week of May 23-26 from 9am-5pm. You package will include information on the routes, reminders for the day of the event, and some discounts for local businesses.
Safety
Safety is a priority at our event. We have enlisted the help of the Shawnigan Lake RCMP detachment who will patrol the water on their boat. There will also be other event boats on the water in case of any emergency.
All paddlers, regardless of age, are required to wear a properly fitting PFD at all times while on the water.
Each pitstop around the lake will include a water station. Bathroom facilities are available at certain locations as well.
Alcohol, smoking, and drugs are not allowed by any participant during any portion of the Paddle-a-thon.
We require check-in and check-out at our event tents (depending on your starting/finishing location) so that we have accounted for all paddlers.
