Rocky Point Park is the venue for the Inlet Spring Regatta (BC 55+ Games photo)

The inaugural Inlet Spring Regatta will take place at Rocky Point Park, in Port Moody, B.C. on Sunday, April 22, attracting dragon boaters from around the region. The event is being hosted by the Dogwood Nothin’ Dragon Masters, a 50 plus team based in Coquitlam that trains at Rocky Point. The event coincides with the team's 20th anniversary, as well as Earth Day.

Nothin' Dragon hosted the BC 55 + Games in 2016 and received rave reviews for the site and organization. G2G Race Management ran the water portion and will return for the Inlet Spring Regatta, which promises to be a great warm-up for the 2018 Dragon Boat Season.

The event will consist of 200 meter races in twenty-person BuK boats. Each team will be guaranteed four races and all winners will receive a medal. Teams from Langley, Burnaby, North Vancouver, Chilliwack, Delta, New Westminster, and Burnaby have already registered. Invites are going out to teams in Washington, Oregon, and California, as well as other Canadian provinces. The regatta is open to all dragon boaters far and wide.

First Nation artist Glen Rabena donated his rendering of the Kingfisher which has been incorporated into the event logo.

"With Earth Day occurring on the same day as our inaugural regatta, it was felt that we should celebrate not only the water sport of Dragon Boating, but the amazing environment we have paddled in for almost 20 years," said Brian Kenny, president of the host team, the Nothin' Dragon Masters.

"Of all birds that use the inlet, the Kingfisher seems to epitomize the strength and speed one feels on the water. The Kingfisher propels itself stealthily to the water to catch its prize, just like a Dragon Boat team as they put all of their strength and group focus into a race, that is over in a few minutes."

The Burrard Inlet is an ocean water inlet teaming with wildlife, from birds, to seals, fish and shellfish, most of which can be seen while paddling there. The Inlet Spring Regatta will have several categories and each will be named after birds found in the area, like the eagle, osprey, and hawk.

Known as the City of the Arts, Port Moody is located in Metro Vancouver at the east end of Burrard Inlet and is bordered by Coquitlam on the east and south, and Burnaby on the west. The regatta venue, Rocky Point Park is known for its beautiful amenities, with The Boathouse Restaurant, Pajos Fish and Chips. and Rocky Point Ice Cream all within one to five minutes walking distance. The area is well-known for its four local breweries, also within short walking distance from the venue.

Host team, the Nothin' Dragon Masters will celebrate 20 years as a team in 2018 and play official hosts to the Inlet Spring Regatta being held on Earth Day on April 22.

Arrive in an earth-friendly manner by taking the SkyTrain. The Evergreen Line to Moody Centre Station stops a mere 150 meters from the Rocky Point dock.

Teams wishing to register can take advantage of early bird pricing before December 1st. More information can be found at www.inletspringregatta.com.

Nothin' Dragon Masters during their 2017 race season on the waters off Rocky Point Park on Burrard Inlet, B.C.

About the Nothin' Dragon Masters: The Nothin' Dragon Masters are a 50 + team based in Coquitlam, B.C., and operate under the Dogwood Seniors Society. The team has approximately 70 members and mentors challenged youth through their Kateslem Kids Program as well as supports the Riverside Secondary dragon boat team. More information at nothindragon.ca.

Media Contact:
Brian Kenny
604-817-5961
inletspringregatta@gmail.com