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BBRWR 2012
Monster Race, awesomeawesomeawesome!
Reivers Dustin
03/03/12 #12151
I hear four rescues took place, quite a few unplanned hull-checks, some really wild out of control rowing action. The Bellingham Bay Rough Water Race (BBRWR) was fantastic. I put a photo of the bobble-head-surfskier that Paul C did for all competitors. As the kids say, “SICK!”. It was just at the edge of being too rough for the average paddler. Of course Sound Rowers & Paddlers people ate it up. Race Director Peter pulled in the first mark to take it down a notch. It was bigger on the first lap so the short course people got into the worst stuff right along with the long course warriors. The long outside leg was the genuine downwind deal: full tilt boogie. The return trip along shore was kinder because it was in the wave shadow. Still that was a grind against the steady 15mph breeze. So the race showcased each persons weak side and strong side. I can tell you there was some merry pranks out there. Some highly talented rowers were coming in so full of adrenaline and seawater. Micheal L. ruled the waves in his peddle-boat. I hear that he got great shots as usual, but also did rescue assist duty. After the race Tom P. kept saying, “that boat is FAST!”.
In keeping with my 'first liar wins' approach: I had a wide-world-of-sports race with Dan W. It was the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat from one leg of the race to the next. We pounded on each other for every foot of the entire race it seemed like. I finally eeked out a boat-length on him at that side-wash stretch from the outfall buoy in the final lap and then thought to myself, “ok cowboy, now you have to pull lead on the final upwind - was that such a great idea?” But somehow I made it stick. One way I know it was max effort is that when I pulled my socks on after the killer effort, the cramps locked me up. Thank goodness I was in my car backseat so it didn't scare all the nice people around there.
I wasn't expecting such a hella-good race, but gracious heavens what excellent conditions. That was really quite something. I have to mention, it was weird to not have 'the larrys' in the race. But great to have such a huge turnout in the intimidating weather. Great job Peter & crew. Thank you Sound Rowers for race infrastructure and support hardware. Wow, man I'm just pumped right now. THAT WAS GOOD!
rd
njcooksey@ymail.com
03/03/12 #12152
It was definitely a good intro for me stepping up to the hpk category. I bought Duncan's V10 sport just a few weeks so I decided to stick with the short course. Had a great time and managed to stay upright, barely. Great to meet a few of you and looking forward to more racing.
-Nick Cooksey
debbie natelson 03/03/12 #12153
Awesome race indeed, in spite if my most humbling swim and not-according-to-practice drills remount. Thank you so very much Peter & awesome crew for lining up so many helpful rescue boats!!! While I was hoping I would not need one, I was never so happy to see them.
I forgot to put out some if the new 2012 Sound Rowers Race Schedule posters & SR business cards (w schedule n website on back). They are printed on water-resistant Rte-in-the-Rain paper. So you can keep some in your pfd, hatch, glove box in the car ( for the car parked next to you with the nice set of racks).
I'm still in Bellingham. Can I drop some off at one of your house – leave on the front porch or someplace safe out of wind & rain?
Sorry in excitement of the day, I forgot to announce I had them.
Great race. Thanks all,
Debbie
Reivers Dustin 03/03/12 #12154
Well now. Some of the more interesting stories are coming out. Not that many folks know that you can paddle under the south end of the dry-dock and come out near the Marine Park end. A gentleman would never do such a thing, but a wiley old barnacle would if they thought they might not be seen as they let the thundering herd crowd up on the start line. Maybe next year we can arrange for homeland securities to be waiting over there for anybody having a senior moment. DJ no longer holds the “most creative start” award.
I'm hearing that wasn't the only place where a corner was cut. Anyhoo, it doesn't appear that any awards would be affected. Another story is that rowing is sometimes a contact sport. In the running swell, a backwards facing rower might bury the nose and broach quick as a blink. In a tight pack this would be like roller-derby blocking. In one case the OC-2's amma went vertical and the paddlers horizontal. Rowers have no rudder, just a skeg - so it can all go pear shaped with wings.
hehe. I seem to love the dirt as much as the water! Can we have another race just like this one next week?
rd
babyrebozo
03/03/12 #12155
Hey, great job on the race, Peter (and staff)
I even got in on some of the action when I pulled a guy out of the water who lost his boat. It seems his V10L blew away before he could get back on…..have I seen this before?
And to you Larry G…….while it was so good to see you up and around already, it seems in the short time you were away, you have forgotten the lofty position of status I command here amongst the Whatcom Paddling group. It's MISTER Bobblehead to you, buddy…..and don't you forget it.
Bubbles
kathleen petereit
03/03/12 #12156
Hey what was the pecking order for ladies and gents? Did Heather kick butt as usual ? Sounds like a great race.
Kathleen
Rick Lingbloom
03/03/12 #12159
Said rower hit more than one boat :) Can't imagine rowing in that stuff though. And then there are those SUP guys … impressive! Quite a race! Thanks Peter (and helpers).
Rick L
Michael Lee <mlee@…>
03/03/12 #12160
Unofficial Results are up:
