Hero image: a dark-hulled coastal double taken directly aft, with both blades in water. Crew rows on a calm sea in midday summer sun

Next Regatta: Aug 22-23, 2026

Tough, tactical, and totally unforgettable — Race Around the Rock is an 88 km coastal relay built for grit and teamwork.

Crews tackle up to seven rugged segments around Salt Spring Island, switching athletes at shore-based waypoints. It’s a full-on endurance test and a team building powerhouse, welcoming mixed-age, mixed-ability teams. Hammer out long legs or rotate at every stop—navigating the stunning Salish Sea!

Thinking About Racing RAR 2026?

Planning for Race Around the Rock 2026 is underway.

If you’re an individual athlete or crew thinking about entering, please complete our Expression of Interest form. This is not registration, but it helps us understand interest levels and share important updates.

→ Expression of Interest Form

Dark-hulled coastal double racing on sunny open seawater, two male athletes with the power on, boat is called Pépe,

About the Race

Get ready to embark on the ultimate coastal rowing odyssey!

This regatta is an 88km relay race circling the stunning shores of Salt Spring Island, a coastal setting of breathtaking natural beauty.

Get set to push your limits along with your crew and embrace the fun and grueling challenge that awaits.

Regatta Info Deck

Who is this race for?

Race Around the Rock regatta is a perfect combination of hard work, breathtaking nature and a whole lot of fun — and likely some hard-earned trophy blisters (but you're a rower so you're expecting that)!

We welcome, encourage and celebrate teams and athletes of all ages and athletic abilities.

Bright red coastal coxed quad, seen from the side, all wearing red uniform, blades squared and ready to take the catch.

Red coastal quad being walked by several athletes into shallow pre-dawn water with a misty tree-covered hill in the background. Clouds lit up with warm colours of sunrise.

Let’s Make 2026
the Biggest Yet

We built a 'Share Kit' to help you to get other rowers you know, excited about this regatta.

Download and share these assets — social graphics, blurbs, info decks — with your club and rowing community.

All content has been designed with accessibility in mind.

→ Access share kit

Registration Information

Course Map & Waypoints

Rules & Regulations

Safety Plan

Emergency Plan & Contacts

Travel & Accommodation

FAQs

Coastal double seen from side, blades just taking the catch, on open sea in bright afternoon sun.

Regatta
Sponsors
Coming soon

Thanks for helping us get closer to achieving our vision of establishing Race Around the Rock as a highlight of the summer sporting events calendar on Salt Spring Island.

Our vision for Race Around the Rock

The Salt Spring Island Rowing Club has a vision to inspire interest and passion for coastal rowing and establish our region as a key contributor to the growth of the sport.

We aim to foster a growing network of lasting connections within the rowing community, and contribute positively to the healthy enjoyment and love for coastal ecosystems.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible event where athletes, volunteers, and supporters of diverse backgrounds and abilities feel welcomed and valued. We actively work to reduce barriers to participation and encourage anyone interested to connect with us about accessibility needs.

Safe Space heart graphic with rainbow, trans and bipoc colour stripes.

Fast rowing coastal double crew, blads just took the catch. Strong lean arms and powerful looking leg drives. Sunny afternoon on calm sea. Boat hull is white with the tattoo-like wavy graphic seen on most Liteboats.

"I participated in the 1st and 2nd editions of the Race Around the Rock, and it has been an incredible experience. The event perfectly combines adventure and endurance, making it a unique challenge in the discipline of coastal rowing. The community spirit among participants, volunteers and organizers creates a supportive and encouraging atmosphere. Being in the Gulf Islands adds to the charm of this unique race, making it an ideal location for such an event. Highly recommend for rowing enthusiasts seeking an adventure on the West Coast of Canada."

Julien Bahain

Olympian & West Coast Rowing Adventures Co-Owner