Sync or Swim
Sync Or Swim Race Season 2025
A look back at a successful 2024 Race Season around Vancouver Island.
2023 in review.
Founded:
2022
Team Type:
Female race team.
Practice Times:
Wednesday: On the dock at 5:30 pm, on the water 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Friday: On the dock at 5:30 pm, on the water 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Coach:
Lesley Lambert.
Captains:
Kirsten Carlos & Michelle Ripka.
Race Managers:
Hayley Thomas & Michelle Ripka.
Instagram:
Michelle Stuttard.
Social Organiser:
Louise Wilkinson.
Steers:
Vince Lambert, Ian Smith, Bill Robinson.
We are currently recruiting for the 2026 paddling season.
If you’re interested in coming out for a paddle send us a note here.
Interested paddlers should be over 21 years of age, physically fit and committed to weekly practice times during the regular season (April - October).
A reduced paddle schedule is offered in the off-season (once/week).
Previous paddle experience would be an asset, but not required.
If you come with a passion for teamwork, a commitment to learn and a will to win, we would be happy to teach you the rest.
About
In 2022, Lesley Lambert and Janine Smith worked together to recruit a group of passionate, like-minded, enthusiastic paddlers with the goal of forming a dedicated race team. It worked!
Sync or Swim is a dynamic and dedicated race team who have worked hard to become strong and efficient paddlers over the last three seasons; each with a shared goal towards continuous improvement.
We believe there's always something new to learn. Through training on and off the water and a positive approach to coaching, we continually build our skills, strength, and teamwork.
When we aren’t paddling, you can find us team-building with dry-land training, hiking the many trails the island has to offer and socializing Friday evenings with beverages and snacks on the dock (after practice, of course).
Our team are about more than what happens on the water. We enjoy taking part in community events like the Vancouver Island 5K Foam Fest, celebrating inclusion at Ladysmith Pride Society Event, and rolling up our sleeves for initiatives like our BBQ fundraiser at Mr. Mikes in Duncan to help support our racing season.
These shared experiences create lasting bonds within our team and strengthen our connections throughout the community.
Race Results:
2026 Burnwater Spring Sprints: 1st Place, Women’s C Division, 200 meter
2026 Fairway Gorge Super Sprints: 1st Place, Women’s Grand Final - Consolation, 200 meter
2026 Canada Dry Dragon Boat Festival: 6th Place, Women’s Grand Final, 250 meter.
2025 Campbell River Boat Festival: 4th Place, Women’s, 350 meter
2025 Fairway Gorge Super Sprints: 3rd Place, Women’s Grand Final - Consolation, 200 meter
2025 WCDBS Regatta, Sproat Lake: 1st Place Women’s Division, 300 meter
2025 Westwood Lake Regatta, Nanaimo: 2nd Place Women’s Final, 200 meter | 1st Place Women’s Final, 500m
2025 Vancouver Island Dragon Boat Festival: 2nd Place Women’s A (based on cumulative time)
2024 Fairway Gorge Super Sprints: 1st Place, Women’s A Division, 200 meter
2024 WCDBS Regatta, Sproat Lake: 1st Place Women’s Division, 300 meter
2024 Nanaimo Dragon Boat Regatta: Cancelled mid-way through as a result of strong winds
2024 Victoria Dragon Boat Festival: 1st Place, Women’s B Division, 250 meter
2024 Comox Dragon Boat Festival: 2nd Place, Women’s A Division, 200 meter
2023 Comox Dragon Boat Festival: 1st Place overall, Women’s, 200 meter
