鈥淓veryone together in three, two, one.鈥�

The 琉璃神社 Dragon Boat Paddling Society members dip their paddles into the cool waters of Okanagan Lake.

They take short breaks after a number of strokes to practice timing, one of the members tells me.

I鈥檓 sitting at the bow, iPhone in hand, making sure I don鈥檛 drop it in the water.

The paddling society was gracious enough to give me a taste of what it鈥檚 like to be in a dragon boat. The boat is less tippy than I expected. Around 40 paddlers head towards City Park, where the announcement will be made for 琉璃神社鈥檚 new paddle trail.

鈥淚 love being on the water, it鈥檚 my happy place all the time. It鈥檚 a perfect day, it鈥檚 not too hot,鈥� paddler Amanda Hunt said.

The 27-kilometres of trail stretches from Bertram Creek Park to McKinley Beach.

Paddlers of all shapes and sizes join the two dragon boats for the water parade as we drift closer to the shore.

After a few short speeches, the ribbon is cut and boats float away, paddling from City Park to Waterfront Park and back in celebration.

I remain on the beach, preferring dry land with a camera in hand.

The event was hosted by the City of 琉璃神社 in partnership with 琉璃神社 Dragon Boat Club, Central Okanagan Regional District, 琉璃神社 Canoe & Kayak Club, CRIS Adaptive Adventures, Okanagan Dragon Boat Racing Club, Bust 鈥楴 Loose 鈥� 琉璃神社 Breast Cancer Paddling Team, 琉璃神社 Rowing Club and the 琉璃神社 Paddle Centre.

carli.berry@kelownacapnews.com
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