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BBay Rough Water 2014
race report
Reivers Dustin
03/15/14 #15464
B'ham bay did it's thing: sweet and innocent at race start, then raging bull 40min later. Some folks (wisely) short coursed. Some folks started long course, then weanied out 1/2 way through the second lap. Others (masochistic?) did the full ride. I like getting slapped around by wind/waves. The second lap run from outfall buoy to GP turn became an epic battle between forces. The mixed big waves made it a bit ticklish, but the wind gusts on the right hand side made it horrible for right-hand-feathered kayakers. After having me swear to secrecy, Bob Putnam told me his feather angle (very low angle) so that's his trick. He laughed at those wind gusts. (For a beer I'll tell you.) It would be great to have some drone footage of that OC-4 beast running with the bulls. Probably drone couldn't have dealt with those 35mph gusts.
Soundrower races are normally very safe. I like having at least one race that's really pushing the envelope. Peter race director says he never gets any sleep the night before. I can see why. Excellent safety crew on the water (and they were put to work). Excellent snacks (no big soup kitchen or anything), great indoor post race awards, really neato sculpture handed out. Another great 'war story' race.
rd
allipp01
03/16/14 #15465
No drone, but hopefully Jeff Hilburn got some good shots with Sean Stimac's Gopro!
We outsurfed everyone on the “beast” in the straight downwind run, but gave up a bit to DJ in the side stuff, only to reel him in again on the upwind. Or maybe he let us catch him so he could draft us and outsprint us to the line.
photos
Reivers Dustin
03/16/14 #15466
Michael L's snapshots:
The forecast was partially correct; i.e., it as flat at the start, and got progressively rougher as the race went on.
I initially intended to do the long course, but the wind was blowing so hard by the end of the first lap I decided to bail and switch to the short course.
Photos can be found here:
http://lampi.us/SoundRowers/RacePhotos/2014/Bellingham%20Bay%202014/index.html
Michael Lampi
B-Bay Rough Water
Bob Putnam
03/16/14 #15470
Wow! What a great race. Best downwind I've had in a race for a while. Thanks to Peter for organizing. I thoroughly enjoyed myself. It's great to hang out with you B'ham folks. The wood stove in the boat yard work shed was a classic touch. Now that I have a Nexus pass, (yes I trick Homeland into giving me one) its makes the crossing the border a lot easier. We'll see you at the Whatcom Classic and Dan Harris Challenge. Don't forget to add Tour De Indian Arm, May 11, and Round Bowen Challenge, June 15, to your race calendar. Canadian Surfski Champs August 23. http://www.CanadianSurfskiChamps.com Please like the Facebook Page too.
