May 9, 2026
Canoe Races
On May 9, 2026 we are proud to again host the Native American Canoe Races on Penn Cove in Coupeville, WA. This event is part of a renaissance among indigenous peoples to reclaim the traditional canoe culture, and stems from the Paddle to Seattle in 1989.
We look forward to welcoming you all back! See 2026 Race Schedule and Sponsors below.
2026 Festival : May 9, 2026
Please Note: The date of the festival is traditionally on a Saturday in May.
The date may vary, year to year, based upon tidal predictions.
Schedule and Results
At the BOAT LAUNCH on 9th Street:
12:00pm - Festival Welcome
12:15pm - Race Captains Meeting
Canoe Races take place during the rest of the afternoon.
Races are from 12:30 to 5pm
2026 Race Sequence
and Sponsors
Races are from 12:30 to 5pm, depending on winds, tides and arrival of participants
1) Single Woman Race - Saltwater Sisters; Dalva Church
2) Single Man Race - Richard Knodel
3) Buckskins Doubles - Jan & Marshall Bronson/Compass Rose
4) Mixed Doubles - Penn Cove Shellfish
5) 6 Jr. Buckskins - Little Red Hen Bakery
6) 6 Buckskins - Susan Berta and Howard Garrett "In memory of Elders, Family and Friends on the other side"
7) 6 Woman Race - Saltwater Sisters; Martha & Vern Olsen
8) 6 Man Race - Penn Cove Shellfish
9) 11 Jr. Bucks Race - Gary and Dianna Deseck-Piazzon
10) 11 Buckskin Race - Harry Anderson, Terry Bible
11) 11 Woman Race - Saltwater Sisters
12) 11 Man Race - PCWFA
Thank You to the following for providing travel money for the racers: Jan & Marshall Bronson/Compass Rose
Click here for the 2026 Canoe Sponsorship/Donation Form
Thanks to Penn Cove Shellfish for getting buoys for the races.
A special thank you to the Saltwater Sisters for sponsoring all the woman's races, again!
Past Participants
Chehalis, BC
Chilliwack, BC
Lummi Tribe
Makah Tribe
Nooksak Tribe
Samish
Samish Tribe
Skawh Band (BC)
Skowkale Band of Sto:lo First Nation
Skowkale First Nation, Chahalis, BC
Swinomish Tribe
Tsleil-Waututh Nation in North Vancouver, BC.
