June 22nd Campbell River rocked with 19 dragon boat teams from across BC and Alberta. Many of the Abreast of Life team went up-island the night before, staying in the Town Centre Inn (enjoying dinner and an after dinner drink together), while others left early Saturday morning to arrive at the race site bright and early.
Race the River is one of the team's favourite annual festivals. At 250 metres, the races provide a good base from which to build up to the 500 metre races in Nanaimo and Penticton. The smaller number of teams and provides ample opportunity to chat with other paddlers and the camaraderie is infectious.