More Than a Race: Why Race Around the Rock Matters to Salt Spring

On a summer morning this August 23rd, rowing crews from across British Columbia—and beyond—will launch from Fulford Harbour and begin an 88-kilometre journey around Salt Spring Island.

For most people, that first reaction is:

"You're rowing around the entire island?"

Yes.

In a single day.

Race Around the Rock is one of the longest coastal rowing races in North America. Teams navigate changing tides, open-water crossings, ferry routes, headlands, and some of the most spectacular coastline in British Columbia before arriving back at Fulford Harbour many hours later.

But Race Around the Rock is about more than an endurance challenge.

It is part of a much larger story.

Around the world, coastal rowing is experiencing unprecedented growth. The sport has expanded rapidly in Europe and is now gaining momentum across North America. In 2028, coastal beach sprints will make their Olympic debut in Los Angeles, bringing international attention to a discipline that combines athleticism, adventure, and the ocean environment.

Here on the West Coast, we are uniquely positioned to be part of that movement.

Team Salt Spring pushing hard to hold off our neighbours from Maple Bay Rowing Club from overtaking.

The waters around Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands provide some of the best coastal endurance rowing conditions anywhere in the world. Canada's national rowing team trains just across the water near Maple Bay, and interest in coastal rowing continues to grow throughout British Columbia. Coastal rowing's growth isn't happening in isolation. Across British Columbia and Canada, clubs, coaches, athletes, and organizations are investing in the discipline's future. Race Around the Rock is proud to be part of that broader effort, working alongside partners such as Rowing BC, Rowing Canada Aviron, OARCA Coastal Club and the brand new University of Victoria Vikes Coastal Rowing Club to help grow awareness and participation in coastal rowing on the West Coast.

This event is helping establish Salt Spring Island as a destination for coastal rowing and open-water adventure sport.

Coaxed coastal quad locked in for the long haul—this race is all about endurance... and the stunning scenery.

Since the event began, participation has grown dramatically. This year we are expecting our largest field yet, including teams travelling from across British Columbia and from the United States. Athletes will bring support crews, families, and friends to the island, creating activity and visibility at race checkpoints around Salt Spring throughout the day.

For Salt Spring Island Rowing Club, the event is also an investment in the future.

As Race Around the Rock grows, it helps support our community's local rowing club, youth participation, and broader access to the sport. Coastal rowing boats are stable, approachable, and well suited to people of many ages and abilities, making them an exciting pathway for introducing more community members to rowing.

Athletes from Salt Spring Rowing's junior rowing program at RAR training day camp, summer 2024

Team Salt Spring's junior boys finishing crew, secured second place for the whole relay team, RAR 20204

Over the coming months we'll be sharing stories from behind the scenes as preparations continue for Race Around the Rock 2026. We'll introduce athletes, volunteers, safety crews, sponsors, and the many people helping bring this unique event to life.

Because while the race lasts only one day, building something this special takes a community.

Follow along on Instagram as we count down to race day, August 23rd, 2026.

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