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Join the Whatcom Paddlers email group by clicking the “Apply for Membership” button. Members receive regular reminders about local races, as well as updates on Lake Padden Intervals and Whatcom-area events (details below).

 

Regional Racing Organizations

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Sound Rowers
Sound Rowers is a non‑profit paddle organization that hosts monthly small‑boat races throughout the year. Visit their website or Facebook page for schedules and event details.

Pacific Northwest Racing Association (PNWORCA)
PNWORCA organizes winter‑series small‑boat races during the winter and spring months.

Canadian Outrigger Racing Association (CORA)

Many great small boat races that our neighbors in Canada host.

 

Local Training & Race Series

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Monday Night Intervals – Lake Padden
Typically starting in the spring and running into early fall, these structured intervals help paddlers prepare for three key regional races: Ski to Sea, Gorge Downwind Championships, and the Salmon Row & Paddle.

Lake Whatcom Wednesday Night Races
Running on a similar seasonal schedule to the Padden Intervals, this 3.5‑mile time trial circles the first basin of Lake Whatcom. It’s an excellent introduction to small‑boat racing, offering opportunities to practice paddling in boat wash, drafting, and buoy turns.

• Start times: 5:55 pm (novice), 6:00 pm (experienced paddlers)

• An Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) sticker is required

• Races run throughout the Daylight Savings season, from spring through fall

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Hot Five Race Series
The Hot Five is a late‑summer series of five consecutive weekly fun races, organized by surfski paddler Kevin Olney. Announcements are shared through the Whatcom Paddlers email group.
The series emphasizes variety and fun—past races have included swimming, remounts, capturing the “Shark” float, and paddling specific craft (SUP, OC, surfski, multiperson boats, and more). OC participation has been limited in past years. Points accumulate across the series, with the option to drop one race. Prizes are awarded at the final event.

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