Paddle for Health 2026
- Date Sat 12th September 2026
- Location Oak Bay, BC
- Races 1 race
Event summary
Join us for the exhilarating Paddle for Health 2026 on Saturday, September 12th, 2026, taking place at the scenic Oak Bay in the Capital region! This annual event is a vibrant celebration of community spirit and strength, supporting the Island Kids Cancer Association (IKCA) in their mission to assist families facing childhood cancer on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands.
Participants can choose to paddle in voyageur canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards, or simply cheer on from the beach as everyone unites for a fantastic cause. The paddling route spans approximately 7 kilometers from Willows Beach Park to Gyro Beach and back, encouraging a sense of togetherness rather than competition. Arrive by 8:30 AM PST for a fun-filled day that includes food from Kattia's Kitchen, games, and awards for top fundraisers and best team costumes. With a voluntary registration donation of $50 and opportunities to raise funds for this noble cause, you can help make a real difference in the lives of families in need. Come and make a splash for health and hope!
Participants can choose to paddle in voyageur canoes, kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards, or simply cheer on from the beach as everyone unites for a fantastic cause. The paddling route spans approximately 7 kilometers from Willows Beach Park to Gyro Beach and back, encouraging a sense of togetherness rather than competition. Arrive by 8:30 AM PST for a fun-filled day that includes food from Kattia's Kitchen, games, and awards for top fundraisers and best team costumes. With a voluntary registration donation of $50 and opportunities to raise funds for this noble cause, you can help make a real difference in the lives of families in need. Come and make a splash for health and hope!
Organiser's Description
Welcome to Paddle for Health - the annual celebration of strength, community, and spirited paddling in support of Island Kids Cancer Association (IKCA)! IKCA supports Vancouver Island and Gulf Island families facing childhood cancer through every step of the journey. Through a holistic approach that prioritizes community connections, practical resources, and mental health and wellbeing, IKCA recognizes the family as a unit. Join us on September 12th for a day at the beach! It'll be your choice to paddle voyageur canoes, kayaks, stand up paddle boards, or cheer on your team from the beach as we all unite for a fantastic cause! Leading up to this exciting event, you and your team will be making waves of your own by raising funds that directly contribute to IKCA's vital support services. For the last 11 years, Paddle for Health has been a dedicated FUNdraiser enhancing the lives of cancer patients and their families through the power of paddle sports and community support! Join us in making a splash for a cause that truly makes a difference! When: September 12 2025 - Please arrive by 8:30AM PST
Where: Willows Beach and ParkThe paddling happens from Willows Beach Park to Gyro Beach & back again (about 7km). It is not a race and we travel as one big group.
Event Day Timeline: 08:30AM - Padders arrive 09:45AM - Under the watchful eyes of our on-water safety crew, launch from Willows Beach. We follow the shoreline past Cattle Point and into Caddy Bay then on to Gyro Park Beach for a 15 minute stretch and snack stop. We’ll follow our route back to Willows Beach.12:30PM - land back on Willow's Beach. Once we return there will be food provided by Kattia's Kitchen (complimentary to all registrants), prizes, games, and awards!
Who: Family friendly! People of all ages and skill levels including 1st time paddlers (children require a guardian). Don’t have a kayak/voyageur canoe/SUP – borrow one from us (limited quantity so register early). Registration: Voluntary $50 donation. Fundraising: Raise what you can. $100 or more qualifies you for a Paddle for Health T-shirt!Top Fundraising Team and Top Individual Fundraiser AwardsBest Team Costume AwardCause & Beneficiary: Island Kids Cancer AssociationFundraiser Recourse GuideNow that you've registered, please use this Fundraiser Resource Guide Gain more of an understanding of Island Kids Cancer Association and what they do!Learn some fundraising tips!Download images that can be shared on your social media pages!See email templates that can be sent to friends and family! We truly believe that no family should face childhood cancer alone, and with your help, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. For event inquiries: info@paddleforhealth.caFor registration platform inquiries: support@raceroster.comPhone Support: 1-855-969-5515Monday to Friday – 6 am to 5 pm PSTSaturdays— 4 am to 5 pm PSTSundays — 4 am to 12 pm PSTFor all other inquiries: jenna@ikca.ca
Where: Willows Beach and ParkThe paddling happens from Willows Beach Park to Gyro Beach & back again (about 7km). It is not a race and we travel as one big group.
Event Day Timeline: 08:30AM - Padders arrive 09:45AM - Under the watchful eyes of our on-water safety crew, launch from Willows Beach. We follow the shoreline past Cattle Point and into Caddy Bay then on to Gyro Park Beach for a 15 minute stretch and snack stop. We’ll follow our route back to Willows Beach.12:30PM - land back on Willow's Beach. Once we return there will be food provided by Kattia's Kitchen (complimentary to all registrants), prizes, games, and awards!
Who: Family friendly! People of all ages and skill levels including 1st time paddlers (children require a guardian). Don’t have a kayak/voyageur canoe/SUP – borrow one from us (limited quantity so register early). Registration: Voluntary $50 donation. Fundraising: Raise what you can. $100 or more qualifies you for a Paddle for Health T-shirt!Top Fundraising Team and Top Individual Fundraiser AwardsBest Team Costume AwardCause & Beneficiary: Island Kids Cancer AssociationFundraiser Recourse GuideNow that you've registered, please use this Fundraiser Resource Guide Gain more of an understanding of Island Kids Cancer Association and what they do!Learn some fundraising tips!Download images that can be shared on your social media pages!See email templates that can be sent to friends and family! We truly believe that no family should face childhood cancer alone, and with your help, we can make a difference in the lives of those who need it most. For event inquiries: info@paddleforhealth.caFor registration platform inquiries: support@raceroster.comPhone Support: 1-855-969-5515Monday to Friday – 6 am to 5 pm PSTSaturdays— 4 am to 5 pm PSTSundays — 4 am to 12 pm PSTFor all other inquiries: jenna@ikca.ca
Races
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Paddle for Health 2026
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Location
Willows Beach, Esplanade, Oak Bay, BC, Canada
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Paddle for Health 2026