Surfski Knowledge Base

Reivers Dustin
02/04/12 #11988

I had a terrible start. Along with most of the field. Current was ripping through the channel this year and it was a huge turnout. Lots of old dogs: Shane B., Duncan, David S., Joost, MG, Brian B. and lots of new young lions. There was at least one of everything out there. So the rowers spent the first mile or so looking for a clear path. The newer OC boats and surfskis probably didn't realize how those oars sweep out from the center of travel. The hot ski's started over on the right side and looked like they had clear lines compared to the middle and left side. In a way it was nice to be late because I didn't have to try to hold a spot - I could just work it and not stress about my placing.

But I pulled pretty well and caught up to the old barnacle pack: Dave S., Duncan, MG. In fact I got in front of 'em - just in time to snag a salad bowl of weeds on my rudder. I couldnt tell if it was David or Duncan that threw them weeds in front of me. There were no other weeds in the bay. Duncan almost ran over me when I finally stopped to back the weeds off. I was gassed for a while. But got a ride behind Brian and recovered. Then noticed he was picking better lines and reeling those guys in. Cool Beans. Typical La Conner. Just when you think you are dead, or maybe think you're king of the world, the mad prankster god of currents flips your world. I found a slot and pulled my way past Dan W. and David. They were in last year's fast lane, but this year's suck water. Then coming up the channel I saw were MG and another ski got headed. So I got closer. At the finish it was blood and guts between me MG and that other ski. The crowd was roaring (or maybe that was lack of blood to my head) but I don't think I got those two at the line.

I would like to know how Debbie A's race went. She picked the V-12 instead of the Swordfish for this race. Marc and Rick doubled up. Shawn and LG teamed in a double. Pete W and Eric W jumped in a new V-10 double and saw some lead pack action. The fast double was Peter Turcan and another big motor. Someone threw a stick of dynamite in a surfski and named it DJ. Kirk, Pete M., Dean? were any of you close enough to see lead pack carnage? What's the new pecking order: eric mole? erik borgnes? DJ? Joost? who else?

The food after was stellar again. Chile with a kick and real meat, rich creamy chowder, chicken & rice, and then things got exotic: minestrone and pumpkin & Beans for example (rockin good!) The brownies were like chocolate truffles, cookies were all home grown.

Must mention: Traci C. was the entire event timing team. With this big of a crowd she was double-clocking from the time registration opened till after I left - two or three hours later. This is hero's work and I'm sure SoundRowers will give her a big raise in that next paycheck. Michael L seemed to be packing a camera shaped like a cannon so there should be some good action shots.

a good day for me. results and photos will certainly show that I'm telling the whole truth.

rd

MARC ROBERTA WHITLOCK
02/04/12 #11989

Let me be the second liar with a suggestion for next year. Rick and I had a good paddle except for the start. We know we still would have been the 4th double ski, but a lot closer 4th if a double rowing shell could have kept a straight line at the start. It was obvious they were having great difficulty getting their craft headed in the right direction. We felt for them and accepted our fate. For their sake, particularly, and everyone's safety and performance in the future, we might consider adopting the start used at Lake Samish's Salmon Roe. The rowers leave 5min. earlier. LaConner is even tighter quarters at the start than there. It was great seeing everyone as this race gets us excited toward the fun to come. Missed LB, however, and look forward to his quick return.

Marc

David Scherrer
02/04/12 #11990

OK my turn.

I did notice the start was a bit hectic. After a few minutes, I could clearly hear ol Dean giving a couple of rowers a piece of his mind (after they took out a piece of boat).

So after the award ceremonies I strongly suggested to Craig G. that we have a staggered start. Give the rowers say a 2 min lead. He agreed so we will see this change for next year. And perhaps we won't see any HPK paddlers riding tandem rowers wakes………..

David S.

Michael Lampi
02/04/12 #11992

I'll be the third liar. Why did all of you folks start racing while my boat was pointed the opposite direction? Did you really need a 2+ minute head start?

So, anyway, by the time I managed to get my boat pointed the right way I got to the starting line just about the same time Rainer Straka got his boat ready to depart, and seeing the entire field disappear into the distance down the channel.

I took the opportunity to get some action shots of the rear of the field as I overtook them, getting Vadim, some guys in a big rowboat, a couple of paddle boarders and kayaks, and then reached the light for the turn westward. That was when the breeze turned into a light wind - which managed to knock the hat off my head.

Good thing it floats - so I put 'er in reverse and nearly backed over the paddle boarder trying to retrieve it.

Ok, back on track I began passing more of the field, catching shots of their sunnier sides.

Ahead the field looked like it was utter mayhem, with boats spread all over the place. Some boats almost looked like they were so afraid of the current at the turn buoy that they turned early - or maybe that was just because the safety boat was being surrounded - or my eyes were playing tricks on me again. I hate it when that happens.

Turning the boat required only another 1/8 mile or so, and I began reeling in the Epics surfskis: First boat was an Epic 8, a little while later there was an Epic 10, followed by an Epic 12. I swear, don't they make an Epic 9 or 11? Where did they go?

I managed to pick up Reivers weed wad with my propeller (thanks!), but it seemed to drop off after a few reverse cycles of the crank.

The turn back up the channel was as expected - a slog against the 1.7 mph current. I could see Shane hugging the shore, and another boat went between the pilings under the building just south of the finish line - which gave him a bit of a jump on the boats I was slowly catching.

I *almost* caught the double at the finish. If I had been closer to the east shore it would have been a photo finish.

The dock and ramp were a bit crazy. There was a spot near the building south of the finish line that looked promising for a take-out/put in, but the mud appeared problematic.

Glad to hear the soup and brownies (there were brownies?) and cookies (those too?) were good. All that was left when I made the scene was Vadim's soup (excellent) and chowder. Too bad I'm allergic to dairy; otherwise that looked yummy!

duncanhowat
02/04/12 #11994

Can't believe any of those older guys. Mike G had the stuff today,pulled the body parts replacement guys all the way. Of course, today was the first time I've done anything since San Francisco, in the new V13 or 12 I'm not sure. I don't understand how Rivers get's faster as the race goes along. All this yacking about the start, from motocrossing days, “when the green flag drops the bull sh't stops.” End of story. D

watersprite
02/05/12 #12000

Reivers is lying for me, so I don't have to…

I was hardly the entire timing team; without the primary team of Greg on the watch, Shannon recording times and numbers on paper, Susan spotting boat numbers, and Rose on the horn, it would have been chaos. Especially when Reivers and about twenty other boats came across the line at the same time. You guys didn't even have the decency to keep in place, but shifted position with every stroke. Sheesh, racing is easier than timing!

However, I'm impressed with the webscorer timing application, and will fine tune its use at the upcoming races. Thanks to all who pre-registered, that is a HUGE timesaver.

Traci C