As dozens of paddlers in myriad costumes and safety equipment geared up to hit the water to start the annual Paddle for Health, one man prepared to finish a yearlong 750-kilometre journey.

Oscar Casiro took up SUP (stand up paddle boarding) after trying kayaking and other activities. Finding it his most favourable sport, he started taking courses, learning navigating and paddle techniques and eventually became an instructor as his passion grew.

The retired pediatrician figured if he was going to paddle anyway, it may as well be for a cause. As he turned 75, Casiro set himself a challenge to paddle 750 kilometres over the year to raise funds for the Island Kids Cancer Association.

“Children with cancer frequently require complex care at BC Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, posing signifi

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