The third annual Alberni Canal Downwind Challenge (ACDC) was won by Jason Bennett from Vancouver who made it from China Creek Marina to Canal Beach in one hour, 14 minutes and 42 seconds.
Bennett said this was his first time competing in a stand-up paddle competition but the sport is something he does frequently on the mainland.
On Saturday, June 4 the race kicked off around 3 p.m. from China Creek Marina and competitors raced downwind in the Alberni Inlet.
The 9 km race was tougher than expected for stand-up paddleboard racers as winds were quite heavy on the Alberni Canal.
In addition to the main competition, a fun relay race took place at Canal Beach while folks waited for the racers. The stand-up paddle relay race was won by the “doctors” team.