Dragon Slayers from Nanaimo conquer weather at Sproat Lake dragon boat event

Midday wind and choppy waves threatened to end annual event early

Dragon Slayers from Nanaimo conquer weather at Sproat Lake dragon boat event Published 4:42 pm Sunday, July 12, 2026 The West Coast Dragon Boat Society (WCDBS) held their annual Dragon Boating Event on Sunday, June 7 at Sproat Lake and it started out as a calm and sunny day. However, as is always the way in the Alberni Valley we had a midday change and the wind came up— so did the waves.

The 17 teams from Port Hardy to Victoria and all points in between were set to finish early due to the weather, but then the wind calmed down and the sun came out and they carried on. Teams and where they came from: Angles Abreast – Nanaimo Gorge Us Girls- Victoria Blazing Paddles-

Comox Sea Dragons – Ladysmith Let Her Run – Ladysmith Mid Island Masters – Nanaimo. Mixed Dragon Slayers – Nanaimo. Mixed Paddling for Life – Powell River VIP Panda-

Nanaimo. Mixed Prevailing Winds- Comox. Mixed Oceanside Paddlers-

Parksville River Spirit- Campbell River VIP Flying Dragons- Comox Vic Vixons- Victoria West Coast Warriors – Port Hardy Well Wave Riders – Nanaimo Sproat Lake Paddlers – Port Alberni The ladies teams that came in first to third were as follows (with times): Panda came in first with a total time of 4:11.13. Second went to the Flying Dragons with a total time of 4:21.30.

Third place went to Let her Run with a total time of 4:22.21 Overall winners were the Dragon Slayers from Nanaimo with a total time of 3:59.02; they will receive their name on a permanent trophy. Prevailing Wins came in second with a time of 4:41.48. Mid Island Masters were in third with a time of 4:53.62.

All of the winners in all categories each received medals.