Well, well, well. So, a Bowen rumour that has turned out to be true. After all this time, Bowen Island Sea Kayaking has been sold... game, set and match. And yes, I am out and Brent O'Malley is in. But more of that later.
As of now, it is my pleasure to say how much I have enjoyed being the boss of the little boats on Norma's dock. It has been a delight to offer so much fun and adventure on the water to so many of you in the community and especially to the kids of Bowen where we have the pleasure of teaching them new skills and introducing them to the delights of being on the ocean. But also, it was a gift for us to the many foreign students who paddled with us, especially those from the cities of Asia where sports on the water is not part of the culture. In fact, paddlers from all over the world have been with us and each year we can say that about paddlers from 40 countries are represented. In 2005 we had paddlers from 54 countries.
To all of you who gave your time, boats and culinary skills to support the Round Bowen Challenge, North America's longest one day kayak race, our many thanks. It is now a highlight for paddlers throughout BC and Washington.
And lastly, to my skilled, passionate and friendly staff, both past and present, I owe so much thanks. And above all, I have to single out two women with great hearts who have been with me for the full 14 years, Karla Everitt and Tierney Crickmay, A huge thankyou for your commitment, humour, support and loyalty.
And so Brent O'Malley is the new owner. Up from California as part of the Belterra Co- Housing group, he will, I am sure, keep Bowen Island Sea Kayaking to the great company it is. Bowen will enjoy him as the new boss.
So now I am asked what I am going to do. I will not be teaching Jasper to fetch my slippers.
More kayaking seems the ready answer. But maybe that is just a rumour.
Martin Clarke
