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Deception Pass race report
Kevin Olney
12/09/19 #25720
This year’s race was hosted by Rob Casey of Salmon Bay Paddle. Entry was limited to 50 boats as Rob gets the logistics sorted out but he assured us the race would be open to 200+ contestants next year.
It was a pretty even mix of surfski, OC, kayaks and SUP, as well as Tyler P in a single rowing shell. I raced with Paul C in the double ski. We had a solid start and took the early lead ahead of Don K and Andrew McEwan (Portland/Hood River) and Tyler. We carved through the kelp beds as we rounded Deception Island. Don and Andrew snuck up along the island on a clear path while Paul and I kelp-hopped outside to catch some big rollers coming in from a passing boat. The gamble paid off and we surfed ahead towards the Pass. From there we settled into a rhythm and took conservative lines for the rest of the course.
It was a pretty calm day with only a few bumps on the exposed west side of Deception Island and the normal whirlpools under the bridge. The ebb built quickly so the slower craft had a challenge as they crossed under the bridge towards Strawberry I. but all except two boats completed the course.
Andrew M out-sprinted Don K for the first single finish and Kim/Beau were the first OC. Gavin Godfrey (Seattle) was the first OC-1 with Tony H (Vancouver) battling Peter M for 2nd and 3rd respectively. Vaughn B and Brian F had a solid races as well.
Overall it was a fun event without all the fanfare that turned a lot of folks off in recent years. The heart of this race is some devoted paddlers testing themselves against each other in a unique and challenging venue. I think Rob and his crew respected that and I look forward racing again next year.
KO
