As the summer months are coming to a close we strongly suggest you get outside to explore Vancouver's waterways while the sun is still shining! Here are just a few of the amazing things you can do on/in/near the water over the next couple of weeks:
Swim with the Vancouver Open Water Swim Association
Ever seen a big group of people in wetsuits jumping in the water at Kits Beach? That’s the Vancouver Open Water Swim Association. Around 60 – 110 swimmers join every Monday and Thursday for a swim around the 1.5km loop at Kits Beach. Thanks to the help of dedicated volunteers and City of Vancouver Lifeguards, this is a very safe way for first-timers to try open water swimming.
The last open water swim practice of the season will be taking place this Thursday, August 27th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Kitsilano Beach. Meet on the grass in front of the Boathouse Restaurant to sign-in and meet with fellow swimmers.
Drop-in fee is $5 and can be paid at the beach. More info here.
Challenge Yourself at MEC’s Big Chop Paddle Series – Super Chop
We have had a blast working with MEC’s Big Chop Paddle Series again this summer and we are sad to see the races coming to a close. Luckily they save the best for last!
They will be hosting the “Super Chop” this Saturday, August 29th from 9:30am – 2:00pm in Vanier Park at the Vancouver Ocean Sports Compound. Come down with your kayak, SUP or surfski or rent directly from the Big Chop team to race the 3km, 7km or 15 km races in English Bay.
Be sure to stay for the delicious salmon BBQ after the race! Sign up here.
Join Fraser Riverkeeper’s Shore Patrol Team
The last Shore Patrol meeting and shoreline cleanup of 2015 will take place at Second Beach on Wednesday, August 26th from 5:30pm – 8:30pm.
Join Fraser Riverkeeper volunteers and the team from Quietly for a shoreline cleanup followed by beach games and volunteer awards.
We provide the gloves, garbage bags and tracking sheets. Please e-mail Ly Vu at [email protected] if you are interested in joining.
Explore the City by SUP or Kayak with Ecomarine Paddlesport Centres
There is no better way to see the city than from the water. Enjoy beautiful English Bay by kayak or SUP with rentals from one of Ecomarine’s convenient waterfront locations. You can find them at Granville Island, near Jericho Beach at the Jericho Sailing Centre or on the beach at English Bay.
Stop by one of Vancouver's incredible beaches for a picnic lunch or to relax with a book.
Remember to always check Swim Guide for any water quality advisories before jumping in for swim!
The ocean not for you? Jump in for a swim at the amazing Kits Pool before it closes on Sunday, September 13th. Located beside Kits Beach, the pool offers great views of the North Shore mountains and English Bay. The pool is an incredible 137.5 metres long and has a great shallow-end/wading area for the little ones.
Have other ideas on how to enjoy water in these last few weeks of summer? Share with us! We would love to hear about your adventures.
See you in the water!
