Surfski Knowledge Base

Kevin Olney
12/15/14 #16674

Sunday morning was crisp and clear in the Pass; a cool NE wind prevailed as the race began. 138 paddlers lurched forward at the start.

Though the seas were calm the tides were still strong. The surfskiers, lead by Greg Barton, furiously chased the lead boat, an open water rowing shell. It was a clean break through the pass with some turbulent water around Strawberry I.

Greg and the rowers fought it out, with Peter Hirtle and his accomplice coming out ahead. Jamie Klein, of Bellingham, finished third. Chris Dobrovleny was fourth, followed by myself, then Nicholas Cryder and Alan Lipp, and Jim Schulz. Also representing the 'ham was Brian Smart on the SUP, and Kristian Tollefson and his gal in FSK

The Outdoors Adventure crew provided a pretty awesome set-up. There was a full on pre-race dinner the night before, coffee and cookies the day of, a bunch of safety boats, lots of schwag from the raffle, and a delicious post-race meal. Top three boats won special prizes too.

Kevin O