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races:la_conner_2009

Carnage at La Conner

Michael Gregory
02/08/09 #5792

-Despite exemplary race organization, this years La Conner race had a start that was a big fat mess. I've not seen tidal flow near that strong at previous La Conner races. Put me in mind of the debacle that was the start of the Mayors Cup race in New York last fall, complete with a barge, ask Kirk about that. -Some very skilled paddlers had problems controlling their boats on the starting line in the rushing water. Soon as the gun went off the carnage began, not just banging paddles, but really busted boats with big leaking holes.-Factors contributing to the carnage; stronger that expected tidal flow, over-amped crews jockeying for a draft, and the unfortunate seating arrangement of our rowing colleagues that leaves them kinda trajectory challenged at times.-The Sound Rower Race Series offers great races on stunningly beautiful courses. Diverse types of craft have the good fortune to race together. We as competitors have the opportunity to nurture this unique racing series. I suggest that Race starts need to managed carefully to accommodate our diverse boats. We build a race ethic based on respectful competition over aggressive “paddle and boat banging” type of racing that may not build our racing fields, safety, or good will on the race course. Oh, and don't forget to have fun too!Regards, Mike.


Re: Carnage at La Conner
Dale McKinnon

02/08/09 #5793

Mike makes an excellent point regarding race starts: Conditions should require adjustments which require backup plans. Not only does the SR Race Series offer “great races on stunningly beautiful courses” the races are also on very diverse courses with diverse topography/flow characteristics at the starts. This is one of their great draws… different courses throughout the Puget Sound. As the founder and former race director of the Dan Harris Challenge (not a Sound Rowers event), the first and foremost criteria for the DHC is, and always will be, safety. If there are ANY tidal or weather conditions that warrant adjustments, delays, or cancellation, changes will be immediately made to the DHC to reduce risk of accidents or injuries. Not only do weather and tide dictate adjustments, but participant numbers and equipment.

The point of getting out and racing with the 'water tribe' is to celebrate being alive on the water. And anyone can easily point out the First Rule of Survival: If you don't like the conditions, don't participate. However, racing events… particularly annual racing events, carry an implied presumption of the reduction of risk factors for the race course. This is why all events must have safety boats and cooperation with EMTs and rescue organizations.

I attended one La Conner race (six years ago) and immediately saw a major bottleneck at the start. There was no swing room for rowers because all boats must fit into the channel width. Breaking a carbon fiber oar, or smacking a paddler with the blade on my oar was not something I wanted to experience. I'm grateful that I didn't encounter a current like yesterday's. Rowing shells require a minimum of 19 feet lateral swing room (oar tip to oar tip), whereas paddlers take up less than three feet. To not stagger the starts yesterday is not just hindsight, it shows a lack of foresight.. and possibly a lack of what's called “situational awareness” by race organizers regarding the current.

We are fortunate to live in an area with the support of a cohesive water tribe. And, paddling/rowing events up here are growing populations (events of 100 or more boats are not uncommon). The line between fun and risk is getting narrower as event organizers get somewhat overwhelmed with event organization, fail to implement alternative plans for starts, event safety and/or finishes. That line can get fattened by eliminating congestion at the starts with staggered starts (or heats or waves… or whatever you want to call it). You can do it by who's fastest, by boat type, by boat number… whatever (open to discussion). It makes NO difference to the event except make it 1/4-1/2 an hour longer. The safety boats are already out on the course, the timing crew is in their chairs, the soup will stay hot… The only thing that will substantially increase will be the safety margin of the event. It simply requires the ability to switch to an alternative plan for the event when conditions warrant.

races/la_conner_2009.txt · Last modified: 2022/12/05 17:45 (external edit)