Surfski Knowledge Base

Columbia Gorge Race Reports

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 19:54:24 +0000

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	* [[https://register.pacificmultisports.com/Events/Results/1270\|Results]]		* [[https://register.pacificmultisports.com/Events/Results/1270\|Results]]
	* [[https://www.jerichooutrigger.com/races2025/gorgedownwind.html\|Jericho Paddle Club Results Copy]]		* [[https://www.jerichooutrigger.com/races2025/gorgedownwind.html\|Jericho Paddle Club Results Copy]]
		+	* [[https://www.thepaddler.news/slider/collins-swetish-claim-wins-at-2025-gorge-downwind-championships/\|The Paddler Report]]
	* …		* …

Re: Larry, Where the heck is Rivers?

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:09:58 +0000

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2023 Trying to Get Wildside Going Again via Rumor

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:09:58 +0000

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	**This is how rumors get started..\\		**This is how rumors get started..\\
	Kevin Olney** \\		Kevin Olney** \\
-	06/19/23 #34013	+	06/19/23 #34013

	Wildside Relay, 7/9		Wildside Relay, 7/9

	allipp@aol.com \\		allipp@aol.com \\
-	06/20/23 #34014	+	06/20/23 #34014

	Let's do it!		Let's do it!

	Dan Mayhew \\		Dan Mayhew \\
-	06/20/23 #34015	+	06/20/23 #34015

	For us folks without any experience with the Wild side Relay, can you describe it?		For us folks without any experience with the Wild side Relay, can you describe it?

	Jodie Kur \\		Jodie Kur \\
-	06/20/23 #34016	+	06/20/23 #34016

	Two person team, 4 legs. Leg 1 starts in Stevenson and paddles to Home Valley for the relay exchange. Leg 2 is Home Valley to Drano Lake, another exchange. Leg 3 is Drano to the Hatchery and Leg 4 is the Hatchery to Bingen Marina. While one team member is completing each leg the other along with any support crew is driving to the next exchange point and prepping to go. I guess it would be a 4 person team if you ran a double. Kevin Olney might argue there is a place for a 6 person team paddling the Carbonology triple ski. Hope this helps\\		Two person team, 4 legs. Leg 1 starts in Stevenson and paddles to Home Valley for the relay exchange. Leg 2 is Home Valley to Drano Lake, another exchange. Leg 3 is Drano to the Hatchery and Leg 4 is the Hatchery to Bingen Marina. While one team member is completing each leg the other along with any support crew is driving to the next exchange point and prepping to go. I guess it would be a 4 person team if you ran a double. Kevin Olney might argue there is a place for a 6 person team paddling the Carbonology triple ski. Hope this helps\\
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	Az \\		Az \\
-	06/20/23 #34017	+	06/20/23 #34017

	I shuttled Kirk & Kevin my first year in the Gorge. It was Four legs, usually tag team with 2 racers. Kirk did legs 1 & 2, Stevenson-Home Valley and Drano-Hatchery. Kevin did legs 2 & 4, Hime Valley-Drano and Hatchery-Bingen.		I shuttled Kirk & Kevin my first year in the Gorge. It was Four legs, usually tag team with 2 racers. Kirk did legs 1 & 2, Stevenson-Home Valley and Drano-Hatchery. Kevin did legs 2 & 4, Hime Valley-Drano and Hatchery-Bingen.

-	Nice grassy spot to hang at the end. https://surfski.wiki/start?do=search&id=start&q=Wildside	+	Nice grassy spot to hang at the end. [[https://surfski.wiki/start?do=search&id=start&q=Wildside\|https://surfski.wiki/start?do=search&id=start&q=Wildside]]

	David Scherrer \\		David Scherrer \\
-	06/20/23 #34019	+	06/20/23 #34019

	Sending out the Barnacle Rallying cry!!		Sending out the Barnacle Rallying cry!!

	Waterman Larry \\		Waterman Larry \\
-	06/20/23 #34020	+	06/20/23 #34020

	I'm too new to have done a Wildside historical. But over the last 6 years, I have heard many a tale of those rugged, fun races. Thanks for the summary Brian K. Let's do it!		I'm too new to have done a Wildside historical. But over the last 6 years, I have heard many a tale of those rugged, fun races. Thanks for the summary Brian K. Let's do it!
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	Duncan Howat \\		Duncan Howat \\
-	06/21/23 #34021	+	06/21/23 #34021

-	One of JD's problems with the race was parking at the exchanges, although things moved along fairly quickly up the river. The Hatchery was the biggest problem.Then you had people like Reivers who couldn't find the exchange points, and just paddled on forever, no one knew where he was. Tough race to safety boat for .Mostly done by 2 man teams, although 4 wouldn't be bad and might use less cars. If it was casual, perhaps permits would,t be necessary. The exchanges were exciting, particularly the first one , Home Valley. JD did the best fear of ,you name it safety speech ever, and if you hadn't done the river "strongly" said to drop out.	+	One of JD's problems with the race was parking at the exchanges, although things moved along fairly quickly up the river. The Hatchery was the biggest problem.Then you had people like Reivers who couldn't find the exchange points, and just paddled on forever, no one knew where he was. Tough race to safety boat for .Mostly done by 2 man teams, although 4 wouldn't be bad and might use less cars. If it was casual, perhaps permits would,t be necessary. The exchanges were exciting, particularly the first one , Home Valley. JD did the best fear of ,you name it safety speech ever, and if you hadn't done the river "strongly" said to drop out.

	allipp@aol.com \\		allipp@aol.com \\
-	06/21/23 #34022	+	06/21/23 #34022

-	JD also checked everyone's leashes. He gave a good tug on suspect leashes, and some broke. He also chastised those of us with grass stuck in the velcro, showing how poorly the velcro held. I think he let us race, but we all had to clean out the grass and other detritus stuck in them!	+	JD also checked everyone's leashes. He gave a good tug on suspect leashes, and some broke. He also chastised those of us with grass stuck in the velcro, showing how poorly the velcro held. I think he let us race, but we all had to clean out the grass and other detritus stuck in them!

	Nicholas Cryder \\		Nicholas Cryder \\
-	06/21/23 #34023	+	06/21/23 #34023

	Kevin, this the best whatcom paddler subject line I've ever read. You could work in advertising with ease, not that I'd wish that on you.		Kevin, this the best whatcom paddler subject line I've ever read. You could work in advertising with ease, not that I'd wish that on you.
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	John Rybczyk \\		John Rybczyk \\
-	06/21/23 #34024	+	06/21/23 #34024

-	Yes, JD would really check those leashes and he did not like the grass stuck in the velcro. The worst part was that if you had a crappy, grass-clogged leash, he wouldn't yell at you, he would just be profoundly disappointed in you, which was way worse. Some things I recall about that race, it was before some of us Bellinghamsters had discovered or explored the Gorge. We would get down there a couple days before the race and, instead of doing shuttle runs, we would just do laps at the Hatch, like were in Bellingham! Most of us stayed at the Timberline Campground and we would get a little rowdy (some of the Barnacles weren't even Barnacles yet), often getting yelled at by the campground manager for violating quiet hours. One particular night got so bad (Bullit Whiskey being the cause), that Larry G. swore off drinking.	+	Yes, JD would really check those leashes and he did not like the grass stuck in the velcro. The worst part was that if you had a crappy, grass-clogged leash, he wouldn't yell at you, he would just be profoundly disappointed in you, which was way worse. Some things I recall about that race, it was before some of us Bellinghamsters had discovered or explored the Gorge. We would get down there a couple days before the race and, instead of doing shuttle runs, we would just do laps at the Hatch, like were in Bellingham! Most of us stayed at the Timberline Campground and we would get a little rowdy (some of the Barnacles weren't even Barnacles yet), often getting yelled at by the campground manager for violating quiet hours. One particular night got so bad (Bullit Whiskey being the cause), that Larry G. swore off drinking.

-	I had several relay partners over the years, but Roger Lamb most frequently. We would use his car, but he was very particular about it, spreading many, many towels around the interior so that I wouldn't mess it up too badly. Again, he wouldn't get mad if I messed up his car, he would just be dissapointed in me. He liked to do legs 1 and 3 and I liked 2 and 4, so that worked out well. Roger would almost always fall off the boat a couple of times during leg one, so we would spend the rest of the race catching back up to everyone. The 4th leg was the Hatch to Bingen run, which is not a run that we normally do nowadays. That leg would start out mixed up and crazy around the Hatch and then you had to worry about the bridge and crushing yourself on a stanchion. After that, the waves, if there were any, would line up nicely, but the last mile always seemed to be a flat grind, which I liked for some reason.	+	I had several relay partners over the years, but Roger Lamb most frequently. We would use his car, but he was very particular about it, spreading many, many towels around the interior so that I wouldn't mess it up too badly. Again, he wouldn't get mad if I messed up his car, he would just be dissapointed in me. He liked to do legs 1 and 3 and I liked 2 and 4, so that worked out well. Roger would almost always fall off the boat a couple of times during leg one, so we would spend the rest of the race catching back up to everyone. The 4th leg was the Hatch to Bingen run, which is not a run that we normally do nowadays. That leg would start out mixed up and crazy around the Hatch and then you had to worry about the bridge and crushing yourself on a stanchion. After that, the waves, if there were any, would line up nicely, but the last mile always seemed to be a flat grind, which I liked for some reason.

	After the race, we would all go to a Mexican restaurant in Bingen for a buffet dinner and awards ceremony, the race was small enough to do that.		After the race, we would all go to a Mexican restaurant in Bingen for a buffet dinner and awards ceremony, the race was small enough to do that.

	Paul Reavley \\		Paul Reavley \\
-	06/21/23 #34025 \\	+	06/21/23 #34025\\
	Nicholas - yours would definitely be a positive rumor!		Nicholas - yours would definitely be a positive rumor!

	Paul Reavley \\		Paul Reavley \\
-	06/21/23 #34026	+	06/21/23 #34026

-	I should probably wait a bit longer to see how current memories comply with past reports..., but here are some of the whatcom paddler threads from past Wildside Relays	+	I should probably wait a bit longer to see how current memories comply with past reports…, but here are some of the whatcom paddler threads from past Wildside Relays

-	Old Wildside Race Reports https://surfski.wiki/races/gorge_race_reports#wildside_relay_race	+	Old Wildside Race Reports [[https://surfski.wiki/races/gorge_race_reports#wildside_relay_race\|https://surfski.wiki/races/gorge_race_reports#wildside_relay_race]]

-	JD's Race Map https://surfski.wiki/_media/races/gorge/wildside.jpg	+	JD's Race Map [[https://surfski.wiki/_media/races/gorge/wildside.jpg\|https://surfski.wiki/_media/races/gorge/wildside.jpg]]

	Paul Reavley \\		Paul Reavley \\
-	06/21/23 #34027 \\	+	06/21/23 #34027\\
	And you have to watch out for the sturgeon		And you have to watch out for the sturgeon

-	https://www.facebook.com/groups/gorgewindsurfers/permalink/1420192098834087/	+	[[https://www.facebook.com/groups/gorgewindsurfers/permalink/1420192098834087/\|https://www.facebook.com/groups/gorgewindsurfers/permalink/1420192098834087/]]

	David Scherrer \\		David Scherrer \\
-	06/21/23 #34028 \\	+	06/21/23 #34028\\
	Sorry, I think the image is BS..Sturgeons are bottom feeders.		Sorry, I think the image is BS..Sturgeons are bottom feeders.

	Paul Reavley \\		Paul Reavley \\
-	06/21/23 #34029	+	06/21/23 #34029

	David - I'm not making any claims about the veracity of that photo, but I do know that bottom feeders do not necessarily spend all of their time on the bottom. Some sturgeon also are not just bottom feeders.		David - I'm not making any claims about the veracity of that photo, but I do know that bottom feeders do not necessarily spend all of their time on the bottom. Some sturgeon also are not just bottom feeders.
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	Reivers Dustin \\		Reivers Dustin \\
-	06/21/23 #34031 \\	+	06/21/23 #34031\\
-	As a wee lad working at the Reynolds Metals plant in Troutdale (now long gone) we would drive upriver. A favorite stop was the I-5 exit at Corbett. There was a smelly old tavern there. Lots of photo's of before any dams, and some after-dam shots of monster Sturgeon. There was one they had hauled out with a rigged-up tow truck. I was there in 80's and would guess the photo was maybe '50's. I guess there's always been trick-photography. But doughtful them old boys had access to it. They told stories of sturgeon breaching sometimes, but very unusual. t'm told they don't fight the hook like that and David knows a thing or two about fish. Some of those old beer drinkers looked like bottom feeders to me. (I kept listening carefully for banjo music.)	+	As a wee lad working at the Reynolds Metals plant in Troutdale (now long gone) we would drive upriver. A favorite stop was the I-5 exit at Corbett. There was a smelly old tavern there. Lots of photo's of before any dams, and some after-dam shots of monster Sturgeon. There was one they had hauled out with a rigged-up tow truck. I was there in 80's and would guess the photo was maybe '50's. I guess there's always been trick-photography. But doughtful them old boys had access to it. They told stories of sturgeon breaching sometimes, but very unusual. t'm told they don't fight the hook like that and David knows a thing or two about fish. Some of those old beer drinkers looked like bottom feeders to me. (I kept listening carefully for banjo music.)

-	Along the same line, there's a working dive school in Portland somewhere. My brother thought he could do that for some bucks. He hung out there for a bit checking it out. One of the jobs divers get is gate cleanout for some of those dams. I guess they like to talk about the big animals they bump into down there. It tends to weed out the less serious-minded potential divers. We knew about sturgeon when I was a kid. There was a fish farm up in Lacom, Or. They had a couple of pet sturgeon and one big old beast. But one Sunday morning the workers came in to find an empty pond. I guess it was too easy to back the old Dodge power wagon in there and haul that fish out. Folks in Linn County were pissed, but what can you do? \\	+	Along the same line, there's a working dive school in Portland somewhere. My brother thought he could do that for some bucks. He hung out there for a bit checking it out. One of the jobs divers get is gate cleanout for some of those dams. I guess they like to talk about the big animals they bump into down there. It tends to weed out the less serious-minded potential divers. We knew about sturgeon when I was a kid. There was a fish farm up in Lacom, Or. They had a couple of pet sturgeon and one big old beast. But one Sunday morning the workers came in to find an empty pond. I guess it was too easy to back the old Dodge power wagon in there and haul that fish out. Folks in Linn County were pissed, but what can you do?\\
	\\		\\
	John Rybczyk \\		John Rybczyk \\
-	06/21/23 #34032	+	06/21/23 #34032

-	Here's an interesting pict from the Stillaguamish delta (Port Susan) a few years back, the low tide, stranding a bunch of Sturgeon. I was told that these were from the Columbia River stock and they will come this far north on occasion to feed.	+	Here's an interesting pict from the Stillaguamish delta (Port Susan) a few years back, the low tide, stranding a bunch of Sturgeon. I was told that these were from the Columbia River stock and they will come this far north on occasion to feed.

-	{{:locales:camano:sturgeon.jpg?direct&400x224}}	+	{{:locales:camano:sturgeon.jpg?direct&400x224\|sturgeon.jpg}}

	James Schulz \\		James Schulz \\
-	06/21/23 #34034	+	06/21/23 #34034

	First run I ever did in the Gorge was the day before my first Wildside Relay. I ran into JD and Kim at Bob’s Beach and we did Bob’s to Home Valley. They took off like a shot. About halfway through the run a seven-foot Sturgeon surfaced parallel to my boat few feet away. I haven’t seen another one since.		First run I ever did in the Gorge was the day before my first Wildside Relay. I ran into JD and Kim at Bob’s Beach and we did Bob’s to Home Valley. They took off like a shot. About halfway through the run a seven-foot Sturgeon surfaced parallel to my boat few feet away. I haven’t seen another one since.
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	David Scherrer \\		David Scherrer \\
-	06/21/23 #34035	+	06/21/23 #34035

-	Ok I stand corrected (//Ed. Interestingly David reported seeing a sturgeon during a Gorge run not long after this...//)	+	Ok I stand corrected (//Ed. Interestingly David reported seeing a sturgeon during a Gorge run not long after this…//)
		+
		+	2025 Update: //JD Davies retired in 2024 and expressed a desire to revive the Wildside Relay. No firm plans heard of yet in early 2025//

Wildside Relay 2009

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:09:57 +0000

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-	==== Wildside Relay ====	+	==== Wildside Relay 2009 ====

	flypaddle \\		flypaddle \\
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	**Re: Wildside Relay..P. Marcus reporting..\\		**Re: Wildside Relay..P. Marcus reporting..\\
	Michael Gregory** \\		Michael Gregory** \\
-	08/11/09 #6831	+	08/11/09 #6831

	-Peter M's. new work on the Joy of the Wildside is "poetic" (NY Times), "elegant in it's simplicity" (SF Chronicle), "hilarious?" (Village Voice), "best yet" (Bellingham Roller Betties Journal).		-Peter M's. new work on the Joy of the Wildside is "poetic" (NY Times), "elegant in it's simplicity" (SF Chronicle), "hilarious?" (Village Voice), "best yet" (Bellingham Roller Betties Journal).

-	-Next up, SF Bay Blues. Don't miss it!	+	-Next up, SF Bay Blues. Don't miss it!

	\\		\\
	**Wildside Relay Results\\		**Wildside Relay Results\\
-	JD Davies <jd@...>** \\	+	JD Davies <jd@…>** \\
-	08/12/09 #6835	+	08/12/09 #6835

	There were a record number of folks on the water with record times here in the Gorge.		There were a record number of folks on the water with record times here in the Gorge.
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	www.nwoutrigger.com		www.nwoutrigger.com

-	jd@...	+	jd@…

	\\		\\
	OVERALL		OVERALL

-	1) Dave & Carter.......2:39.24	+	1) Dave & Carter…….2:39.24

-	2) Chris & Craig..........2:40.44	+	2) Chris & Craig……….2:40.44

-	3) DJ & Kirk.................2:45.07	+	3) DJ & Kirk……………..2:45.07

-	4) Tracy & Jeff.............2:48.16...........1st Mixed Surfski	+	4) Tracy & Jeff………….2:48.16………..1st Mixed Surfski

-	5) Craig & Robert.........2:49.20	+	5) Craig & Robert………2:49.20

-	6) Brian & Steve...........2:50.28	+	6) Brian & Steve………..2:50.28

-	7) Kevin & Eric.............2:52.12	+	7) Kevin & Eric………….2:52.12

-	8) Peter & Joost...........2:53.55	+	8) Peter & Joost………..2:53.55

-	9) Pete & Laurence......3:01.06	+	9) Pete & Laurence……3:01.06

-	10) John & Eric..............3:02.01	+	10) John & Eric…………..3:02.01

-	11) Gordon & Lance.......3:06.32	+	11) Gordon & Lance…….3:06.32

-	12) Adrienne & Tim.........3:07.33............1st Mixed OC-1	+	12) Adrienne & Tim………3:07.33…………1st Mixed OC-1

-	13) Steve & Mulu.............3:09.45	+	13) Steve & Mulu………….3:09.45

-	14) Mark, Joel & Peter.....3:09.48	+	14) Mark, Joel & Peter…..3:09.48

-	15) Frank & Brady............3:12.33	+	15) Frank & Brady…………3:12.33

-	16) Michael & Mike..........3:13.48	+	16) Michael & Mike……….3:13.48

-	17) Hawk & Gus...............3:15.59	+	17) Hawk & Gus……………3:15.59

-	18) Travis & Jacob...........3:16.10	+	18) Travis & Jacob………..3:16.10

-	19) Ina & Mike..................3:18.22	+	19) Ina & Mike………………3:18.22

-	20) Jacque & Rocky........3:21.36...........2nd Mixed OC-1	+	20) Jacque & Rocky……..3:21.36………..2nd Mixed OC-1

-	21) Ernie & Ken...............3:28.35	+	21) Ernie & Ken……………3:28.35

-	22) Tamara & Mignon......3:39.02..........1st Woman's OC-1	+	22) Tamara & Mignon……3:39.02……….1st Woman's OC-1

-	23) Meg & Mike................3:39.10..........3rd Mixed OC-1	+	23) Meg & Mike…………….3:39.10……….3rd Mixed OC-1

-	24) Mike & Manny............3:48.00	+	24) Mike & Manny…………3:48.00

-	25) Troy & Jason..............DNF	+	25) Troy & Jason…………..DNF

-	\\	+	\\
	SURFSKI		SURFSKI

-	1) Dave & Carter.......2:39.24	+	1) Dave & Carter…….2:39.24

-	2) Chris & Craig.........2:40.44	+	2) Chris & Craig………2:40.44

-	3) DJ & Kirk................2:45.07	+	3) DJ & Kirk…………….2:45.07

-	4) Tracy & Jeff............2:48.16...........1st Mixed	+	4) Tracy & Jeff…………2:48.16………..1st Mixed

-	5) Craig & Robert........2:49.20	+	5) Craig & Robert……..2:49.20

-	6) Peter & Joost...........2:53.55	+	6) Peter & Joost………..2:53.55

-	7) Pete & Laurence......3:01.06	+	7) Pete & Laurence……3:01.06

-	8) John & Eric...............3:02.01	+	8) John & Eric……………3:02.01

	\\		\\
	OC-1		OC-1

-	1) Brian & Steve...........2:50.28	+	1) Brian & Steve………..2:50.28

-	2) Kevin & Eric.............2:52.12	+	2) Kevin & Eric………….2:52.12

-	3) Gordon & Lance.......3:06.32	+	3) Gordon & Lance…….3:06.32

-	4) Adrienne & Tim.........3:07.33............1st Mixed	+	4) Adrienne & Tim………3:07.33…………1st Mixed

-	5) Steve & Mulu.............3:09.45	+	5) Steve & Mulu………….3:09.45

-	6) Mark, Joel & Peter.....3:09.48	+	6) Mark, Joel & Peter…..3:09.48

-	7) Frank & Brady...........3:12.33	+	7) Frank & Brady………..3:12.33

-	8) Michael & Mike..........3:13.48	+	8) Michael & Mike……….3:13.48

-	9) Hawk & Gus...............3:15.59	+	9) Hawk & Gus……………3:15.59

-	10) Travis & Jacob..........3:16.10	+	10) Travis & Jacob……….3:16.10

-	11) Ina & Mike.................3:18.22	+	11) Ina & Mike……………..3:18.22

-	12) Jacque & Rocky........3:21.36...........2nd Mixed	+	12) Jacque & Rocky……..3:21.36………..2nd Mixed

-	13) Ernie & Ken...............3:28.35	+	13) Ernie & Ken……………3:28.35

-	14) Tamara & Mignon......3:39.02..........1st Womans	+	14) Tamara & Mignon……3:39.02……….1st Womans

-	15) Meg & Mike................3:39.10..........3rd Mixed	+	15) Meg & Mike…………….3:39.10……….3rd Mixed

-	16) Mike & Manny............3:48.00	+	16) Mike & Manny…………3:48.00

-	17) Troy & Jason..............DNF	+	17) Troy & Jason…………..DNF

Columbia Gorge Races

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Wed, 13 May 2026 14:06:56 +0000

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	* [[https://threeoceans.co/pages/the-gorge-race\|2026 Westerly Relay Race]] (more details to come as of May 2026) [[https://threeoceans.co/\|Three Oceans]] in the Gorge is organizing a new version of the old relay race, this time with 2 legs - Stevenson to Home Valley, and Home Valley to Drano. One interesting twist is there will be handicapping based on age. Raffle tickets for prizes, if you podium you will get more raffle tickets.		* [[https://threeoceans.co/pages/the-gorge-race\|2026 Westerly Relay Race]] (more details to come as of May 2026) [[https://threeoceans.co/\|Three Oceans]] in the Gorge is organizing a new version of the old relay race, this time with 2 legs - Stevenson to Home Valley, and Home Valley to Drano. One interesting twist is there will be handicapping based on age. Raffle tickets for prizes, if you podium you will get more raffle tickets.
	* Another interesting feature will be that either gender or boat type has to be mixed.		* Another interesting feature will be that either gender or boat type has to be mixed.
		+	* 5 MIXED categories will be contested
		+	* 1) W/M Surfski
		+	* 2) W/M OC1
		+	* 3) M/M Surfski/OC1
		+	* 4) W/W Surfski/OC1
		+	* 5) "The Big Mixer" W/M/Surfski/OC1
	* …		* …

Wildside 2011

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:09:58 +0000

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	08/01/11 #11086		08/01/11 #11086

-	Jeff…These were not ear to ear grins, they were Viagra grins. First leg of the race was some of the best surfing this side of the equator. Third leg started out slow, but got exceptionally wild in the last mile. Kudos to Kristen Jacobsen for becoming a hardcore big water paddler. The duo from WWU (Medler and Ryb#@$K) gained more skill in three days than I did in three years. Got a great video of Peter M. trying to take revenge behind the stern wheeler. He was notably angry because yours truly got ahead of him during the first leg, so he intentionally T-boned me on the last day of our trip. Luckily, I had my GoPro camera on him and recorded this crime. The video will be up within 24 hours and our lawyers will get aquainted. Bill Bounds was also a quick learner and appears to have future Wildsides marked in his calendar. Also want to nominate Deb Arthur for paddler of the year; nothing scares this woman. What I need to convey the most was that a weekend like this would have been on my bucket list, IF I knew it was possible to have such an awesome weekend.	+	Jeff…These were not ear to ear grins, they were Viagra grins. First leg of the race was some of the best surfing this side of the equator. Third leg started out slow, but got exceptionally wild in the last mile. Kudos to Kristen Jacobson for becoming a hardcore big water paddler. The duo from WWU (Medler and Ryb#@$K) gained more skill in three days than I did in three years. Got a great video of Peter M. trying to take revenge behind the stern wheeler. He was notably angry because yours truly got ahead of him during the first leg, so he intentionally T-boned me on the last day of our trip. Luckily, I had my GoPro camera on him and recorded this crime. The video will be up within 24 hours and our lawyers will get aquainted. Bill Bounds was also a quick learner and appears to have future Wildsides marked in his calendar. Also want to nominate Deb Arthur for paddler of the year; nothing scares this woman. What I need to convey the most was that a weekend like this would have been on my bucket list, IF I knew it was possible to have such an awesome weekend.

	LG		LG

Trip Report: Great Cross Sound and Wild Side Relay......

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 19:40:31 +0000

1777246767		current
Line 109:		Line 109:
	MG		MG

-	</WRAP></WRAP>	+	</WRAP>

Wildside Relay......

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sat, 16 Aug 2025 19:02:57 +0000

1742782198		current
Line 4:		Line 4:
	07/28/12 #13041		07/28/12 #13041

-	A lot tamer today compared to yesterday - meaning that it was even harder to paddle upstream. A brief summary in the surfski division: Gabe Newton and Don Keisling first, Carter Johnson and Big wave Dave Jensen second, DJ and Austin the boy wonder in third. Duncan and Kim got the Kahuna award (over 60 year old), Reivers and I in second, WITH SHAUN AND PETE WELLS IN THIRD - BUT THEN, WHO'S COUNTING!\\	+	A lot tamer today compared to yesterday - meaning that it was even harder to paddle upstream. A brief summary in the surfski division: Gabe Newton and Don Kiesling first, Carter Johnson and Big wave Dave Jensen second, DJ and Austin the boy wonder in third. Duncan and Kim got the Kahuna award (over 60 year old), Reivers and I in second, WITH SHAUN AND PETE WELLS IN THIRD - BUT THEN, WHO'S COUNTING!\\
	LG		LG

Line 18:		Line 18:
	rd		rd

-	**Gorge, USSSC, and stuff......\\	+	**Gorge, USSSC, and stuff……\\
	Larry Goolsby** \\		Larry Goolsby** \\
-	07/31/12 #13047	+	07/31/12 #13047

	I'm sitting in a hotel room in Ashland, Or. on my way to the USSSC as I write this. JD did a great job of putting together the Wildside relay, and if you've never done this race, it should be on your bucket list. Did I get the finishing order of the Wildside correct? From Reivers post, it sounded like Austin came in right behind Gabe, giving him and DJ second place. My apologies if I messed up. I left the Gorge Sunday afternoon after doing loops up in swell city. This turned out to be an exercise in futility. At that time of day, on a Sunday afternoon, there are probably more windsurfers on the water than any other time of the week. In a place where you'd really like to keep your momentum moving forward, I was forced to alter my course or come to a complete stop as windsurfers fell right in front of me. Then I realized that I was on the side of the river and this was the turning point for all those windsurfers. I found that some of them can't turn, so they fall when they want to change directions. Kinda reminds me of Hegadus's early days of surfski paddling.		I'm sitting in a hotel room in Ashland, Or. on my way to the USSSC as I write this. JD did a great job of putting together the Wildside relay, and if you've never done this race, it should be on your bucket list. Did I get the finishing order of the Wildside correct? From Reivers post, it sounded like Austin came in right behind Gabe, giving him and DJ second place. My apologies if I messed up. I left the Gorge Sunday afternoon after doing loops up in swell city. This turned out to be an exercise in futility. At that time of day, on a Sunday afternoon, there are probably more windsurfers on the water than any other time of the week. In a place where you'd really like to keep your momentum moving forward, I was forced to alter my course or come to a complete stop as windsurfers fell right in front of me. Then I realized that I was on the side of the river and this was the turning point for all those windsurfers. I found that some of them can't turn, so they fall when they want to change directions. Kinda reminds me of Hegadus's early days of surfski paddling.

-	On the way south, I stopped in to visit Hunter in Eugene. She was doing great until I took her to see that animated movie "Brave". This is a scary movie for a little girl. The mother is turned into a bear and the father is a legendary bear killer. Hunter ran out of the theater crying with only ten minutes left before the credits. I had to drag her back inside to show her that the ending was hopefully going to be a good one. Thank you Pixar for messing up her head. Later that day she told me that she really missed Reivers, Hilde, Shaun, and that cheater guy. There are several Whatcom Paddlers that fit that last title, but I narrowed it down to Eric Gerstl, DJ, David Scherrer, or Morris.	+	On the way south, I stopped in to visit Hunter in Eugene. She was doing great until I took her to see that animated movie "Brave". This is a scary movie for a little girl. The mother is turned into a bear and the father is a legendary bear killer. Hunter ran out of the theater crying with only ten minutes left before the credits. I had to drag her back inside to show her that the ending was hopefully going to be a good one. Thank you Pixar for messing up her head. Later that day she told me that she really missed Reivers, Hilde, Shaun, and that cheater guy. There are several Whatcom Paddlers that fit that last title, but I narrowed it down to Eric Gerstl, DJ, David Scherrer, or Morris.

	Looks like I may get the opportunity to paddle Huki's new S1-XL in Saturday's race. This is a model of the S1-X Special that is an inch wider than the Special. I should be bringing home at least two of the 4 new Huki's introduced in the last two months (the Special and the S1-XL). Jude has already introduced his all new tandem and will announce another new model later this week. The new Huki's coming home with me are demo boats and probably won't be for sale. If I have room on the rack, I'm going to try and talk him into sending more back with me.\\		Looks like I may get the opportunity to paddle Huki's new S1-XL in Saturday's race. This is a model of the S1-X Special that is an inch wider than the Special. I should be bringing home at least two of the 4 new Huki's introduced in the last two months (the Special and the S1-XL). Jude has already introduced his all new tandem and will announce another new model later this week. The new Huki's coming home with me are demo boats and probably won't be for sale. If I have room on the rack, I'm going to try and talk him into sending more back with me.\\

Wildside results?

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:09:58 +0000

1590772784		current

Gorge Fun and Pre Wildside Runs 2014

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:09:35 +0000

1591916533		current

Velcro Reliability 7/6/2020

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 19:50:14 +0000

1670273194		current
Line 11:		Line 11:
	The theme of my trip was “check your gear” and “double check your gear”. On Friday afternoon I put in at Draino and paddled to the Hatchery. It was probably the best conditions of the whole weekend. About 1000 meters into the run I realized the clasp on my paddle was loose and I couldn’t tighten it enough to keep the angle and length from slipping. I could keep it pushed together and take tiny strokes so I spent the whole time trying to surf without paddling. It worked pretty well until Swell where it was just too big for me to fake it and I limped along the shore to the take out. A quick half turn of the lever screw and I was ready to go for another run. Unfortunately the wind backed off and the rides weren’t quite as sweet the next time.		The theme of my trip was “check your gear” and “double check your gear”. On Friday afternoon I put in at Draino and paddled to the Hatchery. It was probably the best conditions of the whole weekend. About 1000 meters into the run I realized the clasp on my paddle was loose and I couldn’t tighten it enough to keep the angle and length from slipping. I could keep it pushed together and take tiny strokes so I spent the whole time trying to surf without paddling. It worked pretty well until Swell where it was just too big for me to fake it and I limped along the shore to the take out. A quick half turn of the lever screw and I was ready to go for another run. Unfortunately the wind backed off and the rides weren’t quite as sweet the next time.

-	Saturday I had a far more serious incident. We were doing laps at the Hatchery and had a good session in medium conditions. I was really finding my Zen and getting more and more comfortable hopping from one wave crest to the next. I was just about to head in for the day and turned to look over my shoulder to see where the rest of the group was at. I wasn’t paying attention and a wave pushed my stern around and over I went. Not a big deal except I was on the downwind side of the boat and my leg leash was wrapped around it one time. I figured I’d just duck under the boat and flip it once and be set to remount from the upwind side. Well as I made my move a wave hit me pretty good and I lost my grip on the boat. When I saw the leg end of my leash floating away from me I knew I was in trouble.	+	Saturday I had a far more serious incident. We were doing laps at the Hatchery and had a good session in medium conditions. I was really finding my Zen and getting more and more comfortable hopping from one wave crest to the next. I was just about to head in for the day and turned to look over my shoulder to see where the rest of the group was at. I wasn’t paying attention and a wave pushed my stern around and over I went. Not a big deal except I was on the downwind side of the boat and my leg leash was wrapped around it one time. I figured I’d just duck under the boat and flip it once and be set to remount from the upwind side. Well as I made my move a wave hit me pretty good and I lost my grip on the boat. When I saw the leg end of my leash floating away from me I knew I was in trouble.

	Velcro gets filled with dirt and debris and wears out over time. I think that leash is about 5 years old and, while I do clean out the Velcro periodically, I never really tested it. I check the boat connection all the time and the swivel to make sure it’s not corroded. The attachment to the body is just as important and mine failed. Of course I tried frantically to swim after the boat knowing full well it was wasted effort. I gave up pretty quick and focused on getting the attention of my paddling partners. Kim C and Egor K were (luckily) only about 30 meters away. I yelled and waved my paddle to get their attention but to no avail. I blew my whistle but it was full of water and just made a gurgling sound. By this time they had seen my boat rolling over the waves on its way to The Dalles and realized I wasn’t with it. Kim paddled to my boat and held onto it with a paddle in the water to anchor into the current. Egor paddled to me and I hung onto his stern as he drug me towards Kim and my boat. It took about 5 minutes of hard paddling to close the distance between us which was probably only 50 meters. Once reunited with by boat I hopped in without incident and paddled back to shore. I am so grateful to have received help immediately and I owe those guys big time.		Velcro gets filled with dirt and debris and wears out over time. I think that leash is about 5 years old and, while I do clean out the Velcro periodically, I never really tested it. I check the boat connection all the time and the swivel to make sure it’s not corroded. The attachment to the body is just as important and mine failed. Of course I tried frantically to swim after the boat knowing full well it was wasted effort. I gave up pretty quick and focused on getting the attention of my paddling partners. Kim C and Egor K were (luckily) only about 30 meters away. I yelled and waved my paddle to get their attention but to no avail. I blew my whistle but it was full of water and just made a gurgling sound. By this time they had seen my boat rolling over the waves on its way to The Dalles and realized I wasn’t with it. Kim paddled to my boat and held onto it with a paddle in the water to anchor into the current. Egor paddled to me and I hung onto his stern as he drug me towards Kim and my boat. It took about 5 minutes of hard paddling to close the distance between us which was probably only 50 meters. Once reunited with by boat I hopped in without incident and paddled back to shore. I am so grateful to have received help immediately and I owe those guys big time.

Wildside Relay 2014

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:09:58 +0000

1591840192		current

Gorge Championships 2015

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:09:07 +0000

1595013545		current

Gorge Race 2018 (and future registration policy?)

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:09:07 +0000

1597877078		current

Gorge Race 2018 (and future registration policy?)

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 19:49:03 +0000

1600307392	current
Line 1:	Line 1:
	+	===== Gorge Race 2018 (and future registration policy?) =====
	+
	+	**Gorge Results\\
	+	lori & beau whitehead** \\
	+	07/20/18 #23480
	+
	+	[[https://raceday.enmotive.com/#/events/gorge-downwind-champs/results\|https://raceday.enmotive.com/#/events/gorge-downwind-champs/results]]
	+
	+	Reivers Dustin \\
	+	07/20/18 #23478
	+
	+	whoa. a few folks got their eye poked out. some were seen walking the freeway alongside the river with no boat and paddle in hand. there were quite a few who signed up, dressed up, registered, sat through pre-race safety meeting walked their boats and boards down to the river, looked at it, turned around and walked their gear back to their car and drove away.
	+
	+	Of the hardy (or lower IQ) who did the race there were many who swam. There is at least one boat (w/o paddler) rolling up river towards the next dam. There might be some boats abandoned alongside the river waiting for their paddler to come back from their hiking leg. Some very notary paddlers went swimming. Rumor is that Simon "pitch-poled", then did a jesus-re-entry. Witnesses said he didn't actually get any water on his clothes. My roomie down here is Richard Spork who is to be kind, "seasoned". He's a great roomie and paddler from Hawaii. Also did a brief swimming leg. Old Barnacles are trying to adopt him into the club, but he's howling and objecting that he's much too good looking. We've tried to tease some of the big dogs who swam, but they appear to mean it, "anyone can take a header". I guess especially when they are pushing the limits. Although I notice a sparkle in their eye when they look at the other big dog who swam.
	+
	+	A couple stories: Seth Putnam saved some guy's flyiing boat at the start. Leash snap rolled out of the attachment just the way LB likes to show people. The guy, with Seth's help, got back in form just as the race was starting. Anna S. was 3rd fastest woman, just 20 seconds behind second woman. The Scoggins fambly found out that daughter's bodies weighing less than 80 pounds don't stay put when the wind is that big. They bailed at Draino, so actually no harm. DJ and Jonas E. can levitate a double surfski. These two surprised quite a few paddlers. For example OC legion was about as many as surfski tribe. Including Bartlett's and other OC legends. I will have dreams for months of how those OC paddlers flew by me reading waves like sorcerers. Kai's mom and dad paddled OC-2 and that must have been something to watch. In fact Kathleen P wrangled a ride on a safety boat or was talked into it. When I talked to her post-race, she was buzzed about being able to witness the skills on display from a good perspective. Carter had many safety boats and they stayed busy.
	+
	+	Too much to post in one shot. Except in Old Barnacle dog-pile, Dmow was top. Except notice that LB and David took unfair advantage of their old age and cunning and squeeked by Duncan and me at the finish.
	+
	+	Timing had problems so it will be a day or so before official results. So we are going to be telling some big lies until then.
	+
	+	rd
	+
	+	Larry Bussinger \\
	+	07/21/18 #23481
	+
	+	Alas, LB didn’t beat RD. Alas i went over. Twice. In breaking waves. In 18” of water!? I did have my remount nailed though; I stood up and sat down on the boat.
	+
	+	Larry Bussinger
	+
	+	Reivers Dustin
	+
	+	07/22/18 #23483
	+
	+	Drove back yesterday (Sat) and thank you for all the phone calls and hand waves. Except it turns out I was NOT a celebrity. One of my boat racks slid from the high wind and the boat looked funny on my truck. People all up and down I-5 corridor were trying to tell me to check my load. I finally got it.
	+
	+	But for a time I was feeling real special. "They love me! .. They really love me!"
	+
	+	rd
	+
	+	Duncan Howat \\
	+	07/22/18 #23491
	+
	+	Sooo I think the old guys got 10 runs in, none better than race day. Carter put one heck of a week together, and deserves great praise from all of us. Six days of wind helps too. That entry fee (at least this year) was the paddle bargain of the decade.One thing worries me though, those approx 300 people who decided to not go on thurs, will now probably go home and re think their approach to the game, knowing competitive paddlers ,train in real waves when they can, and come back next year un daunted ,loaded for bear, and make it really tough on those who cruised through this year. On other notes, rumor has it that a local counselor actually pitched forward out of his boat, but had presence of mind to do a front flip and stuck it and was back in the boat before it slowed down.. True story. First time we ever lost a boat off the trailer, turning a corner in the parking lot, just after getting off of 84, and only a little scratch. The BBQ's the theoretical paddle technique, but surfing got the most attention, and rightfully so . Lastly this time of year it always best to go home the back way , and stop and buy fresh picked Maryhill peaches. After that week , now what? Big Wave
	+
	+	Duncan Howat \\
	+	07/23/18 #23492
	+
	+	Something to think about. This next years race could sell out in a day. Be ready if you want to do it. More thoughts coming about why this week is so worth while on so many levels. D
	+
	+	michaelwood \\
	+	07/23/18 #23493
	+
	+	What's next? Over here in Strait of Juan de Fuca are fabulous downwind conditions for the next 2 months. Mike Mauch and I have been running the Freshwater Bay to Port Angeles route the last month, 13 miles. There's also Cresent Bay 4 mi west to add distance or for a shorter run. Also Dungeness Landing to Port Townsend.
	+
	+	Conditions can be sporty or mellow depending on strength of West ,NWwind,ocean swell,and whether flood or ebb ,and tide range.\\
	+	There's good camping at Salt Creek Park which puts you right there for the PA runs.
	+
	+	15+W wind is good, 20-25 excellent,25-30 very sporty and fun. Especially fast with a flood. For those who found Gorge race day fun you'll like it. From a safety standpoint, bailouts are limited as you're paddling along a coastline far from a road. So usual precautions and good skills appropriate.
	+
	+	However, doing out/backs from Freshwater is good for all levels as there's a nice small bump that wraps around into FB to play on. And it's an easy beach launch protected from surf breaks.
	+
	+	FB also has boat ramp should anyone want chase or photo boat.
	+
	+	The 3 lonely ski and one man paddlers over here will be doing runs in the next 10 days if conditions allow and will give a report..\\
	+	As for next year's sign up, I would hope Carter gives first preference to those of us who have been going every year . Or at least hold spots with a deadline for sign up.
	+
	+	Duncan Howat \\
	+	07/23/18 #23494
	+
	+	As far as a guaranteed entry goes, like the Head of The Charles in Boston, which has 5000 rowers, you must finish within 5% of the winning time in your age group. Or coming from a lower age group to a older one same thing applies for your time. Then there are draws, and your either lucky or not. A bit of number work, but then they have a year round staff. Hopefully thats where the gorge is headed . Carter has got to pay at least himself. 5% on times ranging from one hour 20 to two hours fifteen is quite a bit of time to be inclusive of most serious people, but then the draw opens it up for newbie"s. I've seen it happen back there where some one is so fast that only that person qualifies. Well thats the way it goes. D
	+
	+	Tyler Irwin \\
	+	07/23/18 #23495
	+
	+	I hope that's not the way it goes. I have taken part in the DW champs (two years ago), and it was a hell of a lot of fun. However, this event needs to maintain the 'first come, first serve' registration mentality for racers, regardless if you're amateur or pro, have blazing-saddle speed or you're just in it for the surf.
	+
	+	-Tyler
	+
	+	Duncan Howat \\
	+	07/23/18 #23496
	+
	+	Nope, that does not build the outstanding reputation of the race. It’s not a casual event any more.
	+
	+	Tyler Irwin \\
	+	07/23/18 #23497
	+
	+	This year's results are a good argument against having some sort of "preferred" startlist. There was a huge handful of extremely talented and capable paddlers that didn't have their best race day on Thursday. To move to a entry system based on past-year's results would move those paddlers to the outskirts, hoping for a lottery pick.
	+
	+	Unless I am completely mis-understanding the system you've described, I don't think this would sit well with anyone.
	+
	+	Yes, there has to be a level of big-water competency to race the Gorge, but to move it to invitation-only is completely unnecessary.
	+
	+	-Tyler
	+
	+	michaelwood \\
	+	07/23/18 #23498
	+
	+	Being in the Kapuna divisions does have benefits if Carter goes to qualifiers! Another good motivation to keep improving as we grow older.
	+
	+	Michael Medler \\
	+	07/23/18 #23499
	+
	+	I think it might be good to separate registration for the week-long festival from the registration for the race. Plenty of folks seemed to be more than happy enough just downwinding. I also think that if we get the chips figured out, we could just do 50-person seeded starts right off the beach with color coded numbers. That way the 60+ crowd could all tell who they were really racing against.\\
	+	MM
	+
	+	njcooksey@ymail.com \\
	+	07/23/18 #23500
	+
	+	Yes, that's how triathlon starts are done, Elite wave then age groups in waves with coded number so you know who to chase down later in the race.
	+
	+	Reivers Dustin \\
	+	07/23/18 #23501
	+
	+	Tyler,\\
	+	I'm sometimes too "motherly", you know sort of, "it's all fun and games until someone gets their eye poked out". Here's my thing: I saw so many folks just way over their head. Two couples paid the bucks, drove up from Lake Havasu and got in some shuttle runs. But they were no way safe out their on race day. I heard shuttle drivers talking about all the folks they saw during the week walking out because they couldn't finish the run (not on race day, but when it was "calmer"). Here's a metric: 290 people that paid, dressed up, got their chip, sat through pre-race orientation and walked their boat to the river decided after looking to walk their boat back to their car and drive away. This is silly, almost 1/3 of registrants. Especially silly when so many from Hawaii, Austrailia, etc. wanted badly to come and race, but were closed out.
	+
	+	Carter gives high cred to those folks who walked away. And I agree. It's a hard thing to step off. Not just the personal factors, but if someone really gets hurt it may take the event off the calendar. A lot of folks have ideas. But if you are race director and you see what goes down (as Carter did) you know in your bones it is a damn thin line between you and ghostbuster bad. Or how about when JD was running Wildside? He personally inspected every boat and paddler. Many were ejected. He refused me at first until I came up with a better leash on my initial Wildside. And no, that's not an option for 750 racers. However you vet (qualify) a racer has to be built in.
	+
	+	At some point this can't be like Soundrowers who takes all comers. The Gorge is a test against harsh reality. It's not as much a test against others. Being first to pay the fee don't seem right for this event. It's just too gnar.\\
	+	rd
	+
	+	Michael Gregory \\
	+	07/23/18 #23502
	+
	+	Seems as though I recall, years ago, race officials required recent racing history to qualify for entry to the race. MG
	+
	+	Steve Scoggins \\
	+	07/23/18 #23503
	+
	+	I have a "sixth sense" feeling that Carter will do whatever he wants.
	+
	+	While we are at it, The Western Hemisphere Flat Water Surfski/Outrigger Championships is coming up soon at Lake Samish. Aka Salmon Row. Registration is open and will be capped at 1000, winky smile. Feel free to send me your racing credentials for your seeded start. I'm joking. Don't do that. But please do register.\\
	+	[[https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=125511\|https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=125511]]
	+
	+	Steve
	+
	+	**Gorge 2018\\
	+	Waterman Larry** \\
	+	07/23/18 #23504
	+
	+	I'm glad to hear you folks talk about the difficulty of this race. It was my first and I only got launched once. I don't think I would have been allowed to register in a qualification situation as I hadn't paddled a racing surfski until a few days before the race. I just hope we have conditions like that every year as some of the surf rides were truly unbelievable. I was hooting and hollering at the others on the waves but they just kept their heads down and pushed on. What fun! I took a good minute relaxing in the water before the remount and watched several competitors fly by. My My, you guys take this stuff seriously.
	+
	+	Oh yeah, I think I was the only paddler with a helmet. And I was glad to have it through the middle section which was as big hydraulically as I have seen. I plan to avoid that line in the future in winds over 35.
	+
	+	At start time, Viento was average 34 miles per hour. Some of the gusts in the narrows were pushing 45.
	+
	+	Could any of you fast guys tell me what was the best line that day? I think I hugged the Oregon side too much.
	+
	+	Thanks to Reivers and the other Whatcom paddlers who let me paddle with them a couple of evenings prior to the race. Without your encouragement, I would have left my entrance in the short course. After doing my first group paddle with you guys, I changed my registration to the long course. It was awesome!
	+
	+	Thanks again to Kirk C for providing me with a proper racing ski just in time for the event. I am still not used to it, but getting less tippy every day. (Huki S1-X)
	+
	+	Larry Goodson\\
	+	\\
	+	John Rybczyk \\
	+	07/23/18 #23507
	+
	+	More telling, last year when conditions were calm, 100 registrants still chose not to race (396 did race). I'm no mathematician, but that's about 20%. Therefore, if race slots are truly the limiting factor, then it might make sense to have race, no-race option at registration to accommodate more paddlers. Also, I acknowledge that it's very easy for me to pontificate from afar when I don't actually lift a finger with regards to putting on the race. Although I had a hoot doing the race this year, if for no other reason than to provide Beau with a free "gong show," I'm really more interested in the week-long shuttle/festival experience. I think the price is a bargain either way, race or no. Great job by Carter and crew.
	+
	+	Johnr\\
	+	\\
	+	allipp@… \\
	+	07/23/18 #23508
	+
	+	Somehow the numbers don't add up. Or actually they add up to too many! 481 paddlers (or teams) are shown to have finished the race, add another 290 that are supposed to have backed out on race day, and that adds up to 771. Presumably at least another hundred or more paddlers that had already signed up didn't show.. that comes out to nearly 900. I thought the race was capped at 750?
	+
	+	Paul Reavley \\
	+	07/23/18 #23509
	+
	+	Here's another vote for allowing separate festival and race entry. And the provision of serious beach anchors for the vendor tents.
	+
	+	\\
	+	**Gorge 2018 Video\\
	+	lori & beau whitehead** \\
	+	07/21/18 #23482\\
	+	Edited 07/23/18
	+
	+	Rolled back into Bellingham around midnight last night, thoroughly satisfied & wiped out after 48 miles of downwinding in 3 days. The Gorge really delivered (except for the 6 mans) this year. I've had better races for sure, and there's a lot of room to improve, but like Romo says; "nothing ruins a good downwinder like turning it into a race." Hard to believe after all of Carters warnings of big conditions, the absolute gong show I paddled through when we started catching the back of the skis. I think I asked 3 swimmers if they were ok. Maybe it was a language barrier. Utterly amazed, (but not really surprised) At Ana's 3rd place against the best in the world. That's my kids babysitter! Dang.
	+
	+	Took the GoPro out on Friday when we ran the whole course again in the morning… Swell City was massive (at least by my standards) but that dang lens makes it look kinda Rated PG. Hope everyone makes it back safe & sound.
	+
	+	[[https://vimeo.com/281090936\|https://vimeo.com/281090936]]
	+
	+	**Gorge Recovery\\
	+	Dennis Mowry** \\
	+	07/25/18 #23532
	+
	+	It was a great week. I guess I wore myself out at the Gorge, slept a bunch two days afterwards.
	+
	+	Maybe I also wore out a few of the others with the tight quarters, all the exciting runs, competitive spirit and being over caffeinated.\\
	+	I think it would be great to be able to find a place where we could all stay in or around the same place rather than be spread out all over the place. I know it would be tough to get more in the van. Maybe a few larger evening gatherings?
	+
	+	Looking forward to next year,\\
	+	:D'
	+

Re: pfd - Astral-V-Eight & Mocke

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 19:48:23 +0000

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-	==== Re: pfd - Astral-Eigtht & Mocke ====	+	==== Re: pfd - Astral-V-Eight & Mocke ====

	Brandon Nelson \\		Brandon Nelson \\
-	09/12/13 #14862	+	09/12/13 #14862

	Hi David,		Hi David,
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	I got it just before we left for the Wildside relay. I admit to feeling “validated” when Greg Barton showed up in the exact same PFD.		I got it just before we left for the Wildside relay. I admit to feeling “validated” when Greg Barton showed up in the exact same PFD.

-	Heather bought a Mocke recently, and those are quality as well. The biggest obvious differences are that the Mocke is a pull-over vest, and the Astral is a front zip. Also, the Mocke has a big front and bigger back center pocket. The Astral has a smaller front side pocket that would hold a smaller VHF, and an even smaller upper front pocket that’s for things like chapstick, a whistle, etc. I don’t have an accurate enough scale to weigh them, but I would estimate the Astral is 25-40% lighter than the Mocke. This is just my estimate by picking them up.	+	Heather bought a Mocke recently, and those are quality as well. The biggest obvious differences are that the Mocke is a pull-over vest, and the Astral is a front zip. Also, the Mocke has a big front and bigger back center pocket. The Astral has a smaller front side pocket that would hold a smaller VHF, and an even smaller upper front pocket that’s for things like chapstick, a whistle, etc. I don’t have an accurate enough scale to weigh them, but I would estimate the Astral is 25-40% lighter than the Mocke. This is just my estimate by picking them up.

	I used the Astral on the 24 hour paddle and had zero chafe – something that’s been hard for me to achieve over the years. It also save my bacon 2 or 3 times when I went for a swim. J They’re $105 through REI, so with your membership discount you’re under $100.		I used the Astral on the 24 hour paddle and had zero chafe – something that’s been hard for me to achieve over the years. It also save my bacon 2 or 3 times when I went for a swim. J They’re $105 through REI, so with your membership discount you’re under $100.

Gorge OC6 And Small Boat Race 2014

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:09:08 +0000

1591834620		current

races:gorge:race10

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:34:31 +0000

	current
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	+	{{:races:gorge:wildside.jpg?direct&550x334}}
	+
	+	~~NOCACHE~~
	+

PFD's again?

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 19:51:08 +0000

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	I’m sure there are those that do not know of Bellingham Bay’s surfski history, but November 15, 2007 was a heartbreaker and a claxon about risk assessments. The questikns asked by LG still apply today.\\		I’m sure there are those that do not know of Bellingham Bay’s surfski history, but November 15, 2007 was a heartbreaker and a claxon about risk assessments. The questikns asked by LG still apply today.\\
-	[[https://westcoastpaddler.com/community/threads/surf-ski-paddler-death-bellingham-wa.1635/#post-31813\|https://westcoastpaddler.com/community/threads/surf-ski-paddler-death-bellingham-wa.1635/#post-31813]]	+	[[https://westcoastpaddler.com/community/threads/surf-ski-paddler-death-bellingham-wa.1635/#post-31812\|https://westcoastpaddler.com/community/threads/surf-ski-paddler-death-bellingham-wa.1635/#post-31812]]

	Wave Surfer \\		Wave Surfer \\

Gorge Report

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:09:08 +0000

1590773241		current

Scuppers and Bullets: Question

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 19:49:54 +0000

	current
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	+	==== Scuppers and Bullets: Question ====
	+
	+	Pmarcus \\
	+	01/10/11 #9890
	+
	+	Hey All,
	+
	+	From a drag factor, it seems most scuppers are right around the bottom of the pedals…..not being a marine engineer, if the scuppers are moved towards the stern by about 4 to 6 inches, could this have a negative effect on boat speed or not much change???? What says you????
	+
	+	Peter
	+
	+	**Re: Scuppers and Bullets: Question\\
	+	Erik Borgnes** \\
	+	01/10/11 #9891
	+
	+	Theoretically, drag should drop if you move the scuppers astern but realistically, there won't be any difference in boat speed. Remember that flow along the hull is laminar (smooth and low drag) along the first third of the hull, then somewhere about 1/3 to 1/2 the way back flow becomes more turbulent and higher drag. If you moved the scupper forwards into the laminar flow, then drag would increase. Moving it back towards the stern would have a negligent effect because the water hitting the scupper where it already is is turbulent anyway - I think.
	+
	+	Along the same line of thought, if you put a bungee around your hull to increase drag, you'll notice a larger difference if you wrap it around the bow as opposed to if you wrap it around the rear deck.
	+
	+	Erik
	+
	+	**Re: Scuppers and Bullets: Question\\
	+	Reivers Dustin** \\
	+	01/11/11 #9892
	+
	+	The physics can be fascinating, but in practice trend negligable. I believe a textured surface was applied to the local super-deluxe Epic V-10. This is an engineered surface intended to hold laminar flow further along the hull. If I remember correctly that surface is 'orange peel' type of profile. The discussion gets more fun when you factor in waves.
	+
	+	Any irregular surface structure triggers non-laminar flow at speed. Any 'blunt body' in liquid flow generates vortexes and thus vibration. (Ask LB for his weed guard story.) For flat surface I think the physical constant used for calculating the transition is called the 'Reynolds number'. (Add liquid density, viscosity, velocity variable, …)
	+
	+	The arguement about optimal boat weight has more meaning for me. I think a boat over 30 pounds is too heavy. Under 20 is too light. Maybe this is related to my own body weight or configuration.
	+
	+	Of course the motive power is the limiting factor in my case. So all the fine points are best considered with humor.
	+
	+	rd
	+
	+	**Re: Scuppers and Bullets: Question\\
	+	Larry <lbussing@…>** \\
	+	01/11/11 #9893
	+
	+	A scientist published an article awhile back that said the laminar flow only extended back a foot and a half at most. He had done several water flow experiments while in grad school. So while I lack that kind of labratory experience, I guess I have go with his results. Moving the scupper won't have any effect. Removing the scupper would. Thats why they changed the style of scupper on the V-12. For flat water, you can raise the scupper and reduce the resistance. Thats also why I think one scupper is better than two. Larry B.
	+
	+	**Re: Scuppers and Bullets: Question\\
	+	gabe newton** \\
	+	01/11/11 #9898
	+
	+	Seems like adding bullets (whether small or large) would have a much greater effect on drag reduction. I fashioned one out of acrylic for my V10L, and the boat was dry at slower speeds, but it did not drain quite as fast, so I removed it before the Wildside (destroying it in the process.) How much it reduced drag is anyone's guess, but I would guess that the drag reduction was (almost!) measurable. (I did not try doing any comparative time trials.) You've probably all seen this link on bullets and fluid dynamics, but here it is again:
	+
	+	(//Editor: link is defunct//)
	+
	+	Gabe
	+

Surfskier Death Due to Failed Leg Leash

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 15:28:52 +0000

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	I am writing all of you to let you know that a surfskier died in Minnesota on Friday. I was one of the four people that was paddling with him that day. I am attaching the description (follows below) of the days events that I previously wrote up as an announcement to the Minnesota community. Most paddlers here are marathon canoe racers, so the description is written to them rather than to experienced surf ski paddlers. The bottom line is that he died because the velcro wrap that attaches the leg leash to the ankle failed, and he was left in big seas without a boat. He had an expert paddler next to him at the time, but the nature of our gear is such that in big waves we are not able to help each other effectively.		I am writing all of you to let you know that a surfskier died in Minnesota on Friday. I was one of the four people that was paddling with him that day. I am attaching the description (follows below) of the days events that I previously wrote up as an announcement to the Minnesota community. Most paddlers here are marathon canoe racers, so the description is written to them rather than to experienced surf ski paddlers. The bottom line is that he died because the velcro wrap that attaches the leg leash to the ankle failed, and he was left in big seas without a boat. He had an expert paddler next to him at the time, but the nature of our gear is such that in big waves we are not able to help each other effectively.

-	There are many things that need to change about our equipment. Our lives depend on a wrap of velcro around our leg. That is insanely stupid but we all do it. There is a paddler here in Minnesota that wears two leg leashes going to the same leg. That is not paranoid; that is smart. Most boats have no way to attach a tow line, and none of us carry tow lines. That means that if someone loses their boat, you might be able to paddle after it but you'll never be able to bring it back to them. I plan to do end pours on my v12 and drill holes to attach a tow rope. I am going to modify a sea kayak tow rope so that it will have an industrial strength suction cup on the end in place of the carabiner. That way I will be able to tow any boat, even if there is no tie down point on the bow. I never used to carry flares or a strobe light on me, but that will change. I used to keep my marine radio and cell phone on my boat rather than in my PFD. That has to change too.	+	There are many things that need to change about our equipment. Our lives depend on a [[:safety_leashes#velcro\|wrap of velcro]] around our leg. That is insanely stupid but we all do it. There is a paddler here in Minnesota that wears two leg leashes going to the same leg. That is not paranoid; that is smart. Most boats have no way to attach a tow line, and none of us carry tow lines. That means that if someone loses their boat, you might be able to paddle after it but you'll never be able to bring it back to them. I plan to do end pours on my v12 and drill holes to attach a tow rope. I am going to modify a sea kayak tow rope so that it will have an industrial strength suction cup on the end in place of the carabiner. That way I will be able to tow any boat, even if there is no tie down point on the bow. I never used to carry flares or a strobe light on me, but that will change. I used to keep my marine radio and cell phone on my boat rather than in my PFD. That has to change too.

	To appreciate the story I should explain to you [[:mille_lacs_lake\|]]. It is a lake in central Minnesota that is essentially a circle 15 miles across. It is a surf skiers dream. A road goes around the lake, so whatever direction the wind is blowing there is a perfect 15 mile downwinder to do. On windy days 8 foot waves are common.		To appreciate the story I should explain to you [[:mille_lacs_lake\|]]. It is a lake in central Minnesota that is essentially a circle 15 miles across. It is a surf skiers dream. A road goes around the lake, so whatever direction the wind is blowing there is a perfect 15 mile downwinder to do. On windy days 8 foot waves are common.

Wildside Relay 2005

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:09:57 +0000

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	+	==== Wildside Relay 2005 ====
	+
	+	**Downwind Baptism at the Columbia Gorge\\
	+	hilburnjjcl** \\
	+	08/29/05 #525
	+
	+	Don Kiesling and I competed as a team on Sunday on the Columbia River in a unique 22 mile relay format. Being of sounder mind and flabbier \\
	+	body than my Bellingham counterparts I decided this race would be more fun than paddling for hours...and hours... in the San Juan \\
	+	Challenge. Larry Goolsby graciously let me borrow his V-10, so I was anxious to test the new hot boat in downwind conditions. The race was \\
	+	broken into four legs, with my two legs only equaling about 10 miles. Well...the Columbia River Gorge holds unique surprises for flatwater \\
	+	surfskiers like myself. Bellingham Bay locals have their own unit of measurement when judging the height of waves. I'm only guessing here, \\
	+	but I think the algorithm we use is we divide the length of our boat by the wave height in inches and add our waist measurement. Which \\
	+	means any time the wind is blowing 10 to 15 mph, we get 2 to 3 foot waves in the bay. I'm a bit skeptical of the algorithm now. I asked \\
	+	Don(Tsunami Ranger and Molokai racer)how big the waves were yesterday and he thought 3 feet with the occasional set of 4 footers. \\
	+	A few of the highlights of my day included: hearing waves cresting behind me; being knocked off the boat by a wave hitting me from \\
	+	behind; watching Larry's V-10 roll in circles away from me; and finding out how tippy a surfski is when perched on the top of a wave \\
	+	crest.
	+
	+	\\
	+	Now to the important stuff;how did the V-10 perform? It is a much stabler boat the Fenn Mako I usually paddle. The seat is very \\
	+	comfortable in that I usually get friction burns on my lower back unless I consciously lean forward in my Fenn Mako. I really liked the \\
	+	foot plate. I usually don't get that much leg drive in my boat. Top overall speed for me was 11.2 while Don hit 12.6! The first leg I \\
	+	raced was 40 minutes in length and I had NO stability issues riding what Erik Borgnes calls "type 1" waves. I just pointed the boat \\
	+	downwind and cranked away with the occasional attempt to ride at a 45 degree angle. I got sideways a couple of times, but again no \\
	+	stability issues. Top speed was 10.8 on this leg.
	+
	+	The second leg was when I paddled in the "type 2" waves and I learned that the Goolsby wave height algorithm is a bit off. Oops..it slipped \\
	+	out Larry. Don's first leg was also very successful (we were in the lead)until about mile 4 when a foot pedal grommet popped and he lost \\
	+	the ability to use the rudder. He paddled on just the right side for 30 minutes leaning as he went. Don's response to the foot pedal \\
	+	design was obviously not very complimentary. Leg 2 for me was when reality struck. I flipped about 3 minutes into the paddle when I got \\
	+	perched on top of a wave crest and immediately felt unstable. So much so I think I even pulled my feet out right before I hit the water. No \\
	+	troubles remounting the first time since my adrenalin was pumping and I wasn't tired yet. I then carried on in an attempt to ride type 2 \\
	+	waves that were moving pretty fast and were pretty steep. I found when I pointed the V-10 into the trough at a 45 degree angle that I \\
	+	would almost immediately get washed out sideways and then get swamped. I must have tried the 45 degree angle on the type 2 waves a \\
	+	dozen times before I gave up trying to restart with 5 gallons of water in my lap. So, I reverted back to the mentality of "paddle \\
	+	harder to catch the stuff." One probably needs to get boat speed up to the mid 8 range before even being in a position to sprint to catch \\
	+	one of these over the top. Mid 8 doesn't sound that fast unless you figure the 2 mph current your facing paddling upstream. I asked Don \\
	+	and Traci Landboe, who was also in a V-10, if they were able to catch these type 2 waves and they weren't very successful either. Don \\
	+	thinks the boat needs a bigger rudder. When I was able to catch a type 2 wave I wasn't able to turn quick enough not to bury the V-10's \\
	+	bow into the next wave. The bow buries quite smoothly in fact and quickly rises again to the surface in a gentle manner. Needless to \\
	+	say, I was a bit tired after my second leg. It took me 3 minutes longer to paddle this section than the first, even though it was over \\
	+	a 1/2 mile shorter. In all, I capsized twice.
	+
	+	In summary, the V-10 needs a bigger rudder in 3 foot seas, one needs lots of practice paddling type 2 waves to be efficient and the \\
	+	Columbia River Gorge is a completely different ball game than Bellingham Bay. Hats off to anyone that has paddled the big stuff \\
	+	successfully. Kirk's Tasmania adventure frequently flashed in my mind. But, on a high note someone witnessed a lot of salmon \\
	+	chasing me with my 4 inch "rooster tail" vibrating weed guard/lure.
	+
	+	Jeff Hilburn
	+

Local Race Fees

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:09:21 +0000

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2016 Gorge Report

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:09:07 +0000

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races:poetic_wildside_37

anonymous@undisclosed.example.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 23 Mar 2025 22:09:34 +0000

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