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Lina Augaitis is now the 4 time winner of the Queen of Kalamaka title. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)
The 5th annual of the Kalamalka Classic took place on the Labour Day weekend with over 190 contestants taking part in Canada's largest stand up paddleboard (SUP) festival.
The race is a 10 mile trek across the length of Kalamalka Lake. It starts in Oyama on Wood Lake, runs through the channel between the two lakes, and ends on beaches in Vernon.
Taking part in the crossing this year were 125 people, significantly higher than last year's 102 competitors. Organizer Allan Der said that people came from as far as Ontario to compete, while most competitors are from across B.C. and Washington.
According to Der, race conditions could not have been better with moderate temperatures, a bit of a tail wind, and a calm lake.
Pictured right is Allan Der, one of the organizers of the race. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)
The winner for the competitive female class went once again to Vancouver native Lina Augaitis, who finished with a time of 1:45:09. This makes four wins for Augaitis, who left her teaching job in December to pursue racing full-time. She plans to compete in 25 races this year including the upcoming Battle of the Paddle in California, which takes place October 4th and 5th of this year. This race is the biggest in the world and Augaitis placed third last year. Her goal for this year is to become known as one of the best female stand up paddleboarders in the world.
Your king and queen: Ken Larson with a time of 1:42:44 and Lina Augaitis with a time of 1:45:09. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)
Avery Bridge, Junior Queen of Kalamalka. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)
Evan Gerbrecht, Junior King of Kalamaka. (Photo Credit: KelownaNow)
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