This week’s episode of Amazing Race Canada kicks off with so many hopes and dreams as the remaining 10 contestants travel from Victoria to Tolfino, B.C., a “world class surfing destination.” After landing in first place last week, Natalie and Meaghan are first to leave. “We’ve had a little bit of down time since the Olympics,” Meaghan said. “I know I’ve been missing the competition.” “Lets get this,” they exclaim. “Lets get ‘er done!”
A determination that was tested shortly into their first Detour, where they were asked to choose between a task involving “sharp knives” or “sharp eyes.” Most teams chose sharp eyes which found the contestants sorting 1,000 pounds of five very similar looking species of fish over the alternative, flawlessly cutting 30 pounds of rockfish fillets. Laura and Jackie, who started off in fifth place, chose “sharp knives” which found the vegetarian couple adorably grossed out by the seafood. OF COURSE THEY ARE. Their gag-reflexes and inability to then sort fish put them in second to last place after the Detour as they headed into the second challenge of the race.
With the teams reeking of fish, they were sent off to find the Surf Shack. One person from each team was challenged to stand upright on a surfboard while “riding a wave” for at least three seconds while their partner recorded it. Not nearly as easy as it sounds. Rex, touting himself as one of Canada’s premiere ballet dancers said, “Having been a dancer, it’s all about balance.” Turns out, supposed balance and skillful pirouettes translate to horrible coordination on a surfboard. After he and Bob took turns wiping out, they decided to take the first of TWO penalties in the episode. That deficit was nothing compared to what Shawn of Team Shawn and Jen had to endure.
A team that started in last place and had finally made up some ground, Shawn dislocated his shoulder while paddling on his surfboard. “If I can just get it back in, we can keep racing,” he explains. I repeat, he tried to pop his dislocated shoulder back in by himself so he and Jen could finish the race. I mean, get this man an award for determination! It was excruciating to watch his arm dangling unnaturally while Jen screamed into the camera for a medic.
In the least shocking moments of the episode, the “surfer guys” Mickey and Pete nail the challenge and Olympian Meaghan realized, “As it turns out, I can surf a little bit.” Along with the bionic Olympians and team long hair, don’t care, the rest of the teams make it to the final roadblock unscathed.
The final Roadblock was like watching one member of each team assemble a piece of Ikea furniture, having to assemble a traditional beach chair out of fishing net and driftwood. Taking their second penalty after giving up, Bob and Rex had to sit on the sidelines for 6 hours watching the rest of the teams cross the finish line. Fortunately for them, and unfortunately for Shawn’s shoulder, host Jon Montgomery revealed that they would move on because Jen and Shawn withdrew from the competition.
Finishing in first once again were Natalie and Meaghan, followed closely by the couple that deftly bickers their way through challenges, Alain and Audrey, and Mickey and Pete jumped up to third place. Because fish, Laura and Jackie slipped into the 8th position.
Next week, for the first time ever, Amazing Race Canada will be taking on the world as the teams are sent off to China. It should be interesting to see what happens to the ladies, seeing that they were put off by gutting fish, next week they’ll come face to face with local delicacies, which look to include snakes. Eating snakes, I think they’re going to eat snakes! Not sure how they’ll feel about it, but as for me, I’m fairly sure it’s my worst nightmare and I will watch the episode from the comfort of my blanket cave. Stay tuned!
