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The Kalamalka Classic is back on beautiful Kalamalka Lake, just minutes from Vernon, B.C., - and that's something to celebrate! Featuring events for all ages, recreational and competitive, it's the kind of event that combines both competitive sport with the Aloha of the Okanagan region.
Choose from a variety of events throughout the weekend. If you're new to the sport, try a beginner or intermediate course, which will give you breathtaking views of the lake, Vernon and the heart of the Okanagan. Other events will challenge the fittest athletes and take you to another level.
Don't forget to take part in Sunday's "Kalamalka Crossing," a scenic 10-mile trek across the full length of the lake. Starting in Oyama on Wood Lake Beach, you’ll dash from the beach around a buoy and then through the channel that connects the two lakes heading north towards Kal Beach.
Enjoy SUP in a beautiful setting.
Photo provided by the Kalavida Surf Shop
Events
Here are the types of events you can expect at the Kalamalka Festival.
Note: this year's race categories are yet to be determined - check the festival website for updates.
EAGLE DASH (2.5 Mile Circuit): Open/Recreational – All boards
Short course race for recreational athletes of all ages and levels. Easy-going course in and around the north end of Kalamalka lake. You’ll pass by the famous Eagle Nest at Bishops Bird Sanctuary and blaze a watery trail with other like-minded recreational paddlers. Sure, there are prizes but it’s more about the fun than the fame. Prizes for male, female and tandem. All boards welcome, costumes encouraged!
WIKI HOLO: Short Course Competitive & Recreational
Divided into two or more heats, you’ll sprint from the beach and onto your board and around a short buoy-riddled course. It’s a spectator-friendly event that serves up exciting head-to-head competition and a true test of mental and physical endurance. It's Part 1 of the King & Queen of Kalamalka quest.
KEIKI HOLO: 400 Yard short course for Kids, 13 & Under
Here’s a fun event for the kids. They all leave the beach at the same time and paddle around the inner buoys in shallow area for fun and prizes.
SPRINT DERBY: Recreational Fun / Kids & Adults
They supply the boards, you supply the fun. This competition format lends itself to youth, family, and performance racing all in an exciting and fun social environment. The event starts with qualifying rounds and finishes with one big final race.
TEAM RELAY: Open to everyone (Mixed teams of four
or Tandem)
Teams of four or tandems of two (Adult and kid/youth) will form on the beach, and prepare for a fun event going head-to-head with other teams. Teams of four must have at least one male per team. Winning teams get a valuable prize pack.
Classes:
- Mixed Fours – Must have one male
- Tandem – Adult plus kid (13 & under)
- Corporate Challenge – Teams of four from local businesses
KALAMALKA CROSSING – The Classic event –
Open to everyone
This is one of Canada’s most iconic bucket-list SUP Races – The Kalamalka Crossing. A scenic 10-mile trek across the full length of the lake. Starting in Oyama on Wood Lake Beach, you’ll dash from the beach around a buoy and then through the channel that connects the two lakes heading north towards Kal Beach. Do it for the exercise, for the challenge, or race it to beat the clock. This is Part 2 of the King and Queen of Kalamalka. Where do you
fit in?
