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Vancouver Island Paddlefest had its genesis in 1999 when
the first event was held in conjunction with Ladysmith Celebration
Days. A year later Paddlfest incorporated as a non-profit
under the Society Act of British Columbia.
Originally conceived as a family-oriented festivity aimed
at uniting a growing cohort of neighbouring supporters and
paddlers, Paddlefest quickly expanded to include the broader
paddlesports community, including industry manufacturers,
operators, outfitters and promoters.
Today, the mandate of the Vancouver Island Paddlefest Society
is to promote paddlesports on Vancouver Island by:
- Encouraging recreational paddling
- Providing paddlesports education
- Promoting paddlesports safety
- Staging events and activities that will support paddlesports
on Vancouver Island
In addition, the Society is committed to promoting:
- Ladysmith as a paddlesports destination
- Paddlefest as a collective Ladysmith community-hosted event
- Advancing Paddlefest as a premier paddlesports event on
Vancouver Island
- Actively seeking opportunities for community service and
development
Increasing market
demand for eco-tourism and soft adventure sports in British
Columbia coupled with some of the warmest Pacific waters north
of San Francisco Bay, make Ladysmith a natural launch point
for recreational paddlers and an ideal location for the Vancouver
Island Paddlefest.
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