Surfski Knowledge Base

Reivers Dustin
07/15/17 #21676

It rocked. Wind direction was a little different than I've seen, but probably the biggest. In the past although smaller, the waves tended to organize. Today there was mixed chop, but if you could keep boat speed the rides were there. Several of us had underwhelming start out to the hot spot turn buoy. Huge turnout made for trash water back of the line. Also, some boat chop, south swell and stiff wind. People were hooting and hollering after the turn downwind. With some of the off side chop there were several paddlers doing a swimming leg. Steve and Abby were on fire. Also Heather. Both were best in division. Really strong women in many divisions. Seemed like all the women went past me several times. And I was having a good day.

Dennis had rudder problems that took a while to sort out mid-race. LG had to check his rudder for barnacles. Lots of folks took a bad line somewhere during the race. It was different. I did really well wide left until the big angle turn. Then found myself fighting river current with chop messing me up. That was a tad bit ticklish. But I got second wind and hammered well after the big angle and up the inlet. Racing up the inlet I was looking at the rabbits in front of me and noticed Anna S. dueling like crazy with another gal. That was a huge mad sprint to witness.

Big dogs: Sean repeated first place, Austin smoked in a fourth place. Results:

https://www.webscorer.com/race?raceid=106697

The same old barnacles climbed the podium as last time I did this race. Slight change of order: Dean first, me second and LB third in Golden Master div. Awards were fun, schwag was great, food arrived rather late. Great to see so many friends from past races. Missed seeing Kathleen and Gareth.

I was skeptical but this race delivered. It's worthy: bring your rough water skills. And don't think there is a 'best route' for this venue. It don't play the same each time. word.

rd

David Scherrer
07/15/17 #21678

What happened to Hank? Wasn't he supposed to race?

Dennis Mowry
07/16/17 #21680

I heard from Bob he had a something I. His chest that was bothering him,, virus?
I hope he was just saving himself for the Gorge.
:D'

Dean Bumstead

07/16/17 #21681

Apparently he got really sick the night before.
Dean

Dennis Mowry
07/16/17 #21685

Great paddling everyone, all your hard effort and years of experience shows.
It was a privilege to race with you and be a part of this fun and inspirational community.
The Birthday Boy Nicolas was also on the podium but left before awards. Happy Birthday Nicolas

I bet everyone declared their awards at the Border.
:D'

Dennis Mowry

Nicholas Cryder

07/16/17 #21687

Thanks Dennis, Funny to realize it was exactly five years ago to the day that I paddled my first surfski (maybe swam with my first surfski is more accurate). I think I heard you had you had a rudder mechanical? Bummer, I think you were well suited for the course which was just a blast in those conditions.

Also want to thank Bob for putting on a terrific race. So impressed with the attention to detail, low key vibe and super friendly crew… AND they somehow managed to start a bit ahead of schedule. It's really important we don't take events like this for granted and do our best to support them. The rising tide lifts all boats.