Author: Graeme Galves

The Peter Forand Masters Challenge trophy was AWOL for 2017 and 2018 and 2019. Once the trophy was recovered, we were finally able to present it to Peter Marcus, the 2017 champion, at the 2020 FCRCC Winter Series race, and to Mignon Fontenelle, the 2018 and 2019 and 2020 champion, at the 2020 Jericho Winter Series race.

A small ceremony was held on a gorgeous afternoon in October 2021 on the Washington side of Peace Arch Park with Peter Marcus (2017 Recipient) making the presentation to Beau Whitehead (2021 Recipient). The Peter Forand Masters Challenge trophy travelled to the PNWORCA Winter Series Championship Race for the first time in March 2022, where Beau Whitehead was recognized by fellow Pacific Northwest paddlers.

2022 has been another exceptional year for the PNWORCA Winter Series. Two PNWORCA Winter Series events were cancelled, two PNWORCA Winter Series events went virtual, and there were 3 onsite PNWORCA Winter Series events. There were only 3 OC1 Masters paddlers who participated in at least 3 races.

Discussions between PNWORCA and CORA resulted in agreement that there was indeed one OC1 Masters paddler who not only participated in in a minimum of 3 events in the same Division and was first in Points, but dominated OC1 Masters paddling by financially supporting the host clubs and finishing 1st place OC1 Masters in all virtual and onsite PNWORCA Winter Series events – including the Sand Point Championship race.

The 2022 PNWORCA Winter Series winner for the Peter Forand Masters Challenge is Darian Hildreth (Friday Harbor, San Juan Island) in the Men Masters 40+ OC1 Division. The 2022 PNWORCA Winter Series event organizers recognize Darian Hildreth as the Peter Forand Masters Challenge winner in accordance with guidelines as the Male or Female Masters (40+ / 50+ / 60+ / 70+) paddler with the highest number of points across all age / gender brackets at the end of the Winter Series.

Congratulations to Darian Hildreth for his commitment and excellence in Winter Series small-boat racing. Unfortunately, Darian Hildreth had to leave before the presentation to make a return ferry to San Juan Island. Vast distances permitting, we would like to present this trophy to Darian in person at a PNWORCA event in the near future.

For more information about the Peter Forand Masters Challenge, CLICK HERE

Fort Langley Canoe Club invites you to participate in their 2022 Spring River Run Small-Boat event on Sunday 10-April-2022. Pre-register with FLCC Online Registration or onsite at race day.

See the FLCC 2022 Spring River Run Small-Boat event flyer for details and contact information.

An Annual or Single Day CORA membership is required.

Borders are open, vaccines are available, gathering / travel restrictions are lifting, and canoe racing is returning.

CORA would like to offer you an uplifting “Fireside Chat” with Mr. Boy Chun Fook – former PNWORCA Chairman, small-boat / sprints regatta / long-distance OC event organizer, founding member of Kikaha O Ke Kai of Tacoma WA, frequent visitor to CORA events – to get you in the spirit for a return to in-person racing as we are all “Jonesing” to see fellow paddlers once again.

Cozy up to the speakers with a beverage of your choice as Boy Chun Fook chats in Part 1 of 2 and Part 2 of 2 with Bellevue WA radio station KBCS (Hawaii Radio Connection) hosts Braddah Gomes and Auntie Ala, as they discuss the many challenges that event organizers have faced with hosting events during COVID, the weather dynamics that make The Gorge a surfing destination known around the world, and the spiritual healing benefits of being able to drive a few hours to The Gorge for a surfing escape away from COVID.

Browse the playlists and enjoy the unique sounds that evoke a tropical island paradise for your ears brought to you every Saturday for two hours by Hawaii Radio Connection.