Bathtub season is just around the corner.
The second annual Great Ogopogo Bathtub Race, hosted by the Summerland Yacht Club, will be held Aug 20 at Powell Beach.
The sandy beach and deeper water along the beachfront were key factors in the decision to switch venues from last year’s Peach Orchard Park location.
Organizers note the Ogopogo race is also a fun community celebration, including a recreational event and more family activities including a barbecue, dinner, silent auction and more.
All proceeds go towards the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation’s $20-million campaign to provide medical equipment for the new patient care tower at Penticton Regional Hospital.
A total of $18,444 was raised from last year’s race which attracted about 20 bathtubbers who sped down Okanagan Lake to Penticton and return, plus many more recreational participants in the much shorter fun event.
This year, competitive racers will face a new loop course from Powell Beach north to Crescent Beach, across the lake to Naramata and then back to Powell Beach. Three loops must be completed.
In addition to the competitive race, the much shorter recreational event, now dubbed the “Putt-Putt, Paddle or Pull” competition, is open to anyone with a craft that will float.
The competitive race is more restrictive. A bathtub at least 48 inches long and 12 inches deep – either real or constructed from a mold using fibreglass or some similar material – must be visible above any decking.
To register or for more information on the race visit ogopogobathtubrace.com.