ISLAND CUP 2025
Join us on Vancouver Island for a two day, two night kayak polo tournament. It will be a unique all-in-one experience. The registration package includes on-site accommodations, meals, and tournament fees.
Please ensure you read full details for this event.
Participant Registration Closed
Location:
Camp Thunderbird,
5040 Glinz Lake Road
Sooke, BC V9Z 0E3
Date:
May 23rd-25th
Tournament Overview
The Island Cup will be the first tournament on Vancouver Island with the aspiration of becoming an annual event. Players will be joining us from across North America and abroad. The Island Cup will be held at YMCA/YWCA Camp Thunderbird on Glinz Lake. Overnight accommodations and meals are included in tournament fees.
Games are scheduled for Saturday (May 24th) and Sunday (May 25th) and will be played in a round-robin style. Guests are welcome to arrive anytime after 4pm on Friday, May 23rd. The final match on Sunday will be scheduled to finish in mid-afternoon, followed by an awards ceremony.
We are looking forward to everyone having a great weekend with Vancouver Island Kayak Polo!
About Camp Thunderbird
Accommodations
There are 5 on-site cabins available for our use, which can be reserved for families, teams, or individuals. Cabins are heated, have electricity, washrooms, and 12 twin size beds (6 bunks). Yurts are also available for slightly more “private” accommodations to be booked as a group. Yurts do not have washrooms inside and will be reserved on a first come first served basis.
We will do our best to put players coming from the same team or region together in cabins. Cabins are co-ed at this time, please contact us if there are any issues.
Please indicate in your registration if you would like to book a private building for a family or a team and who will be staying with you. VIKP will confirm these requests and follow up with you after registration.
Cabins and Yurts
It is strongly preferred that participants stay on site for the tournament. If you choose to stay off-site, you will need to complete a separate accommodations registration and must ensure that VIKP knows when you are on and off site as part of our safety plan.
Food
Camp Thunderbird will provide all meals. Please indicate dietary restrictions and allergies in your registration.
Food is not permitted in cabins/yurts and please be bear/cougar aware when disposing of food and garbage.
Transportation
Camp Thunderbird is an approximately 45 minute drive from the Victoria airport (YYJ). Public transportation is available from downtown Victoria to the junction of Highway 14 and Glinz Lake road.
Airport and ferry shuttles can be arranged for those arriving without vehicles. Please indicate in your registration if you will need an airport/ferry shuttle.
If you are traveling to Vancouver Island by ferry, it is advised that you pre-book in advance as weekends have very high demand. Ferry reservations arriving from mainland BC can be made through BC Ferries. Ferry reservations from the US can be booked with the Black Ball Ferry Line.
What to Bring
Each attendee should bring a sleeping bag, pillow, towel, personal toiletries, and flashlight or headlamp. Camp chairs are encouraged for spectating!
While temperatures in the Victoria area are quite pleasant at this time of year, realize that we will be outside in the foothills. Temperatures range from 25°C to 6°C ( 77°F to 43°F) and light rain is a possibility, so bring clothing that can be layered and please avoid cotton.
Please ensure you bring appropriate paddling thermal wear, as the lake can be quite cold in May. There is a sauna onsite available for our use to warm up between and after games. Please observe all sauna rules and ensure children are accompanied by an adult at all times while in the sauna.
Spectators
Spectators are welcome at Island Cup! Spectators not staying on site must be registered for each day with a personal contact number and emergency contact number. Registration for spectators is free of cost.
There is limited parking at this event, please carpool if you are able. You may request a shuttle from nearby locations, such as the Sooke Park and Ride or parking at Gillespie and Highway 14.
Camp and Tournament Rules
All children must be supervised at all times while on camp property, as the site is in the
wilderness with some potential hazards.
This camp is a dry venue, so NO ALCOHOL OR OTHER INTOXICANTS are allowed on the premises. The 17 Mile Pub is nearby within driving distance, but it is strongly encouraged to remain at camp and enjoy the getaway!
Please be aware that Camp Thunderbird is a wilderness camp, so ensure you dispose of all garbage properly and do not leave food or garbage laying around and NO FOOD in cabins to reduce attracting wildlife. It is advised to travel in groups of 2 or more and carry a light at night for wildlife safety.
There will be first aid on-site and an emergency plan for any medical or other needs. There will also be a lifeguard on duty for the duration of the tournament!
Contact us islandcup@viwps.ca or Island Cup (Facebook Event)
Please download and read the following documents containing further details:
Memo 1 dated 2025 03 05