New Westminster, BC – March 30, 2009. The Mountain Equipment Coop Big Chop Summer Paddle Series begins on April 30, 2009, off the shores of Vanier Park in Vancouver. This ten race series will be held every second Thursday and is open to paddling enthusiasts of all levels. Racers in kayaks, outriggers, surfskis and outriggers will battle it out on either the 8km ‘Big Chop’, or the 4km ‘Little Chop’.

The MEC Big Chop Summer Paddle Series offers a supportive and challenging environment to both the experienced and new racer. Beginners can take advantage of MEC’s instructional sessions that are held before each race, and participate in the ‘Little Chop’, which was set up for newer racers or those looking for a fun and less competitive environment.

 “Not only is the Big Chop a perfect way to improve your paddling skills, it’s also a great social event that features a barbeque and tons of great door prizes following each race,” says Co-Race Director, Bryan Tasaka. “Plus, the series provides a perfect opportunity to take advantage of a downtown sporting activity, and decompress after a long work day.”

Registration starts at 6 PM in Vanier Park and the races starts at 7 PM sharp. The fee is $10 per race or $90 for all 10 races with partial proceeds going to Vancouver Ocean Sports, a non-profit paddling association. The first 25 people that sign up for the Big Chop season’s pass will receive a free Helly Hansen Lifa Cool tech top screened with the Big Chop logo valued at $50. Kayak and surfski rentals are available for a nominal charge. The final race and series championship will be held on September 3rd, 2009, followed by end of season festivities. For more information, go to www.bigchop.ca.

The MEC Big Chop Summer Paddle Series is owned and organized by Mind Over Mountain Event Co. Ltd and Pogue Sports Canoe Club.

Mind Over Mountain Event Co. Ltd. is a professional event management company specializing in organizing adventure races (MOMAR) and co-organizing the MEC Big Chop Summer Paddle Series. They are entering their 10th race season and have organized over 80 successful events since 2000. The Coast Mountain Sports Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race series was recently voted the best adventure race series in Western Canada by Get Out There Magazine. Mind Over Mountain Event Co. Ltd. is owned and operated by Bryan Tasaka and is based out of New Westminster, BC.

Pogue Sports Canoe Club is a retail paddling equipment company based in Vancouver, BC. Not only are they are co-organizers of the MEC Big Chop Paddle Series, they developed the first Canadian adaptive paddling team in 2004 and recently started the Outrigger and Dragon Boat Canoe Club in Vancouver. Pogue Sports has international race crews and offers some of the finest paddling programs and coaching in Vancouver. Pogue Sports Canoe Club is owned and operated by Ryan Pogue out of Vancouver, BC

For more information contact:

Bryan Tasaka
Co-Race Director/Owner
Mind Over Mountain Event Co. Ltd.
1.866.912.3331
bryan@mindovermountain.com
www.mindovermountain.com

or

Ryan Pogue
Co-Race Director/Owner
Pogue Sports Canoe Club
1.604.685.5955
ryan@poguesports.com