Victoria — Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) will host the city’s fifth annual Paddlefest at Willows Beach on Saturday, June 18, starting at 10:00 a.m. With a focus on fun and water safety, the family-oriented event is open to anyone, from novice to expert, who wants to take up canoeing or kayaking or to further their paddling skills.

Workshops will be held throughout the day on such topics as canoeing with kids, kayaking for women, introduction to sea-kayaking, kayaking rescue as well as kayak rolling. These on-water workshops will be complemented by several on-land ones, including a yoga for paddlers session, cooking for kayaking expeditions, navigation and preparing for canoe trips with kids.

Numerous boats by several manufacturers will be available for participants to try out. Participants are also welcome to bring their own canoes or kayaks to use.

Registration for Paddlefest is required. You can pre-register at MEC Victoria (1450 Government Street) or on the day of the event at Willows Beach, Oak Bay.

More information about the event is available online at www.mec.ca/paddlefest or by emailing victoriapaddlefest@mec.ca.

Paddlefest is a series of urban paddling events developed by MEC to support the enjoyment, growth and safe practice of paddling sports across Canada.