S.O.S (Save our Steer) - The Super Sprint Story

On Saturday, May 24th, Sync or Swim returned to the water for one of our favourite events of the year: the Fairway Gorge Super Sprints. These quick and chaotic 200m races are all about power, timing and as it turns out, emergency water retrieval procedures.

Coming off a gold medal performance in last year’s A Division, expectations were high and adrenaline even higher. We came out flying in our first two heats, placing 1st in both with times of 1:01.230 and :59.819. Those wins locked us into the Grand Final Consolation Round. There’s no medals, but still the top competitive bracket and a spot we were proud to earn.

Then came the final.

Lined up beside our favourite Central Island frenemies VIP’s Panda and Nanaimo Paddling Centre’s Nusa’lon, we were ready for a fight to the finish. But the water had other plans. Strong, shifty conditions turned things sideways… literally. One chaotic moment later, we collided mid-race and watched, as our beloved (and very calm) steer fell overboard.

Yes, he’s fine. No, he didn’t scream. Yes, we’re still emotionally recovering.

It wasn’t the medal moment we envisioned… but it was one for the team history books.

Huge thanks to the always-stellar Fairway Gorge Paddling Club for running a tight, top-notch regatta (even if we personally ran... less tight). And to VIP Panda - our sincerest apologies for the impromptu boat bump. We owe you one.

Onward, upward and hopefully more upright next time.

By the way, check out those new team jerseys!