Dragon Boat West

Quick question - slightly off topic. If you lived in the US and could do only one race in Canada - Alcan or the big race in Montreal, which would it be and why.  Gracias.

Let me add a quick correction first, it's the 'race' in Montreal, and the 'big race' at Alcan :)

I won't go into non-racing details since you have to decide for yourself if you are making this into a vacation and debate the merits of each city separately. Further, I know you guys have raced at Alcan so you know about this festival. I last raced there in 2002/3 so my memories have faded about Montreal but this is what I recall (IMO):
1. Cool to race at the Olympic basin where you have lane markers the entire length of the course. Also no debate about tidal advantage and I would assume you could not wake ride with the lane markers there (what do I know, I don't steer).
2. Starts are equitable since they are held (if I recall).
3. Nice to see your team name and times posted on the big scoreboard.
4. Quality teams from Toronto and Montreal, as well as from Eastern US.
5. Smoked meat sandwiches (OK, this is not race related but you can't discount smoked meat!)
6. The have stands to watch the races right at the finish.

I don't know if they have tents set up for teams (like Alcan) or whether you are on your own (someone else can answer?). Festival ran smooth if I recall with no major hiccups, but maybe someone with a more recent experience can add to this?

To answer your question though, for 2011 I would do Alcan because it's the 25th anniversay. Then I would go to Montreal in 2012 because as something new.

since its in that olympic basin and the lanes are pretty close together , I do remember a lot of wash riding...
we seemed to lose every race in the last 50 meters.  :?
Also there were no food vendors nearby and u are on an island inbetween Montreal and the South Shore so there is nothing around unless u go the Casino ,in which case u will not be coming back. :P

Other reasons for Montreal (my home town!)

1. Poutine (when I was able to eat it.... :()
2. Bagels
3. Schwartz Smoked meat
4. The ladies.... :lol:
5. The night life
6. The ladies....
7. Old Montreal
8. Food from every nationality you can think of
9. Fashion (shopping)
10 Schwartz Smoked meat... :lol:

and Hey Puppy!
GET A LIFE and do some work man....

Like '2010' said, in 2011, you will want to go to Alcan due to the fact that its the 25th anniversary.
Even better reasons are the competition...there's gonna be:
- FCRCC Team Canada
- FCRCC Mixed
- U23 Team Canada
- Gorging Dragons making a comeback
- Kai Ikaika
- Florida/Southeast US teams
- the usual tough comp A teams like Ultimate, Masters, SIB, LARD (if you guys come), DW, etc etc

in 2012, sure try out something new in Montreal haha
The east coast has a bit more competition in the low Comp A to Comp C division (meatier substance they say), but note that the flight to get there can cost an arm and a leg lol

I would throw the two big Toronto races into the mix for consideration if you are interested in racing in Canada.

The one in the spring is called TIDBRF, Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival, and has the advantage of better weather (typically) and a beautiful setting (Toronto Island).  The ferry ride may be considered by some to be a pain, but for someone visiting the city it's a great way to see the skyline.  Competition is strong, and the "festival" element is very apparent.

The one in the late summer/fall is called the GWN Challenge.  It's slightly more competitive than TIDBRF and has much more of a racer's regatta feel to it than a festival.  Being in September, it can suffer from tempermental weather.  The setting is not quite as nice as TIDBRF, but it's easier to get to.

Both race courses have their issues, but they're better than the shallow basin in Montreal, IMO.