FGPC’s 2021 49th Parallel Global Paddle Challenge

Real gold, real silver, a chance to paddle around the world, and join in the battle against COVID-19.

Although the global pandemic has put international paddling trips on hold, we’re happy to host an unparalleled new world-wide paddling challenge.

Fairway Gorge Paddling Club and partnering clubs and paddlers have paddled on a cross-Canada virtual voyage all the way from Victoria to Fogo Island, Newfoundland, traveling more than 6,500 kilometres in the process.

With that success in mind, we’re launching a new challenge: to continue paddling east along the 49th parallel around the entire circumference of the globe until we reach Vancouver Island again.

The distance? A little more than 20,000 kilometres remain after crossing Canada’s 6500km distance. Our first major eastward bound destination is Paris, France, just a few kilometres from the 49th parallel.

To add incentive, Fairway Gorge will award solid gold and silver 2021 coins courtesy of the Royal Canadian Mint to the top male and female paddlers by distance. The male and female paddlers with the third-longest distances will also be awarded commemorative 2021 RCM coins.

Half of the registration fees from all participants will go to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. The balance of net proceeds will be directed to clubs registering for the 49th Parallel challenge.

All paddling or erging distances can be included, including GPS-logged solo and double distances, kayaks and SUPs, logged ERG sessions and OC6 and dragon boat distances if Canadian crew boat training opens up before we reach our round-the-world finish line (Victoria BC).

Note: Two separate registrations are required for any double boats (for example OC2, M2, etc.)

If your club would like to officially participate in the Global Paddle Challenge as a fundraiser, please email your request to info@fgpaddle.com with the words “Global Paddle Challenge” in the subject line. 50% of new registration fees will be going to the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund and 50% to a new participant’s home paddling club*

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_{*less a small credit card processing fee.}

CLICK HERE to register

Current Kilometres Paddled: 1038.457

Total including XCanada Paddle: 8120.096

Click here to watch the Celebration of the Cross-Canada Super Paddler Series, held on March 31, 2021