CHEAKAMUS PINBALL RACE, BRITISH COLUMBIA, SEPTEMBER 2026
Photography: Scott Paterson
On Saturday, 5th September 2026, the 9th annual Cheakamus Pinball “IV The Outhouse Christening” took place. Running from 5 pm to 5 am, this concentration of chaos featured 82 racers, 27 decorated exercise balls, 7 DJs, 3 swims, and 1 mid-race lightning storm. The goal of the event, as inspired by the Kaituna Pinball Race in New Zealand, is for a team of three to get themselves, their kayaking gear, and an exercise ball to the takeout, “House Rock” parking lot. Sabotage is highly encouraged.
Photography: Amy Hamilton
The race starts with the balls getting dropped off a swing bridge directly above the hardest and tightest rapid of the run, “Triple Drop.” This is well known as the most difficult spot to get through upright and with all your teeth, so most spectators come here to watch. An interesting phenomenon you can observe there is that if you get enough boats into a small, steep channel, the approaching kayaker is forced to go over, under, or sometimes through the slower kayaker. This year, because the water levels were slightly lower than usual, this phenomenon was in full force.
«Sabotage is highly encouraged.»
The race continues for two miles, leaving the participants exhausted and having seen a side of themselves that only comes out during the race. After a chaotic but fun experience on the water, participants and their friends are treated to a DJ lineup of mostly kayakers, including James “Shimmy” Shimizu, who blessed the decks once again, as they boogie with their friends till the sun comes up. If this sounds like your jam, come join in 2027!
Words: Archer McLeay
