acing Waters Productions Inc and APTN announced today that the brand new documentary series Racing Waters, directed by Asia Youngman (I’m Just Here for The Riot), has been renewed for a second season ahead of the series’ debut. The nine episode 22 minute series begins airing weekly on APTN (in English) and streaming on APTN+ starting on September 13, 2026. The series is presented in English and will also be released in Hul'q'umi'num on APTN Languages at a later date.
Racing Waters takes viewers into the exhilarating world of Indigenous war canoe and outrigger racing through the eyes of the paddlers of the Island Brave Canoe Club from the Snuneymuxw First Nation, while also following the many Indigenous canoe clubs that make up the Pacific Northwest racing circuit. More than a sports series, it is an intimate portrait of a community where every stroke carries generations of history, responsibility, and pride. Led by respected Chief Mike Wyse Sr., the series follows the paddlers as they compete in the fiercely competitive Pacific Northwest war canoe circuit while pursuing opportunities in outrigger racing on the international stage. From first-time racers to seasoned champions, athletes battle for seats, overcome personal setbacks, and support one another through triumph and loss, discovering that success is measured by more than crossing the finish line.
“That Season 2 of Racing Waters is already in production speaks volumes about the appeal of this new adrenaline-fueled series,” says Adam Garnet Jones, Director of TV Content and Special Events at APTN. “An intimate look inside the fiercely competitive world of Indigenous war canoe racing, this docuseries runs the gamut of human emotion, from the thrill of victory, to the sting of defeat and the deep pride of representing one’s Nation. It delivers at every turn, suspense, resilience and heart.”
Season Two expands the story by following even more clubs across the Pacific Northwest, including Vikki Lynn Canoe Club and Rikkole Cree Canoe Club, as the series explores new communities, rivalries, and journeys both on and off the water.
Season one was shot across British Columbia, with locations including Agassiz, Cultus Lake, Comox, Musqueam, Saanich, North Vancouver, Cowichan Bay, Nanaimo and Cumberland featured. Other shooting locations include Rio De Janeiro & Niteroi, Brazil, Calgary, Alberta and Lummi, Washington. For Season Two, which has gone to camera, additional shooting locations include Victoria, Oregon, Washington, Oahu & Molokai, Hawaii, Singapore and Fort Langley.
Racing Waters is directed by Asia Youngman, produced by Mike Wavrecan (Moosemeat & Marmalade) and contemporary Coast Salish master carver Luke Marston, with Carey Newman (Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun) and Patti Poskitt (Kokum & Dot) as executive producers. The director of photography for the series is Luke Connor (Aitamaako’tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun), editors are John Roney (Ocean Warriors) and Jovan Harmuth (Highway Thru Hell), and the composer is Jason Burnstick (Red River Gold).
Racing Waters was produced in Association with APTN, developed and produced with the participation of Canada Media Fund and produced with the participation of Rogers Series Fund, Creative BC and the Province of British Columbia Film Incentive BC., and the Government of Canada – Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit Program (APTN, CMF, Rogers Series Fund, BC & Federal Tax Credits).
