Surfski Knowledge Base

Reivers Dustin
09/24/16 #19985

the wind was wrong. the sun was in my ears. there was … well. “reivers-mortis” set in before I got my rhythm going.

There. got my excuses out of the way. I had my usual slow start, but that's fine for a longer race. I could see several wolf-packs forming up. I thought about trying to jump ahead, but found myself red-lined too hard. I tucked in behind a couple fast guys from across the border (John G. and didn't get the other guys name). Those two pounded on each other pretty hard going back and forth. I thought I was game hanging on. Looked over and here's Duncan right beside me. The four of us thundered hard to the first turn and sure enough that tight turn raised hell with wash rides. John smoked a couple of waves ahead of the other three and I burnt hard and caught back up. I was sure that would be the last of Duncan and the other Canadian guy. Wrong again buckaroo. Us four horsemen regrouped right around the second turn only we had caught fragments of the pack ahead of us. People were sagging. There was a little traffic here as we crawled past some doubles. We became five when a younger guy jumped in the mix pounding our way up to the bridge. The bridge got crowded as packs broke up and reformed. I noticed that the guy Duncan was sticking to was edging past my guy.

That can be my excuse. I picked the wrong draft. Actually that's not much better than dog eating homework. I had a really good race. I didn't have any sprint left at the end and I noticed Duncan did. He raced smart and was stronger today. Also, I talked to John George and he said him and that other guy go back and forth a lot. I love those battles within the race - even if I'm not king kong at the end. Felt good to burn everything I had. I liked everything about the race. Separate starts handled beautifully make it possible for boats that are a little bit incompatible to throw down in the same race. Probably there was trouble for certain fast paddlers in traffic with slower rowers. Still, it worked for most. Great weather, great food, super schwag, lots of ribbons, good peeps.

Steve S is getting serious chops as race director. Lets do it again in a year. Thanks everyone who showed up and threw down.

rd

Samish race
John Rybczyk
09/25/16 #19986

A quick perusal of the posted results for all Sound Rower races, dating back to 1978 (which was the Round Shaw Island Race with one boat participating), I'm fairly certain that yesterday's Salmon Roe smashed all Sound Rower records with regards to boats and participants, topping even the 2006 Great Cross Sound Race when it hosted the North American Open Water Rowing Championships. Many thanks to Steve Scoggins and his crew of volunteers and sponsors. As an added bonus, this year's second biggest Sound Rowers Race was Heather and Brandon's Lake Whatcom Classic. Wow. To steal a phrase from the Hawaiians, lucky we live Bellingham.

Samish race (from the back of the pack)
jackie@…
09/25/16 #19988

As the “TsuMommy” half of the women's OC2 team “TsuNami and TsuMommy” who raced at Lake Samish yesterday, I wanted to chime in to thank Steve for running an awesome race, and for his thoughtful and kind words in an email he sent to the racing community. My daughter Naomi (who goes by the nickname Nami, hence our team name) had a wonderful, wonderful time in her first paddling race. Her goal was to finish and hopefully pass one boat. We did manage to accomplish all of that, even after stopping for a few minutes to check on a boat that had flipped (which was another good lesson for Naomi–you always make sure others are safe before worrying about your own race). Nami had a terrific time and was immensely proud of herself. And yes, we did place pretty darned close to last overall, but that was good for third among women's OC2s.

Although she was saddened by the fact that we didn't get to stand on the podium, Steve's email to the paddlers this morning, apologizing and celebrating her accomplishment, quite simply made her day.

So thank you Steve, for running a wonderful race for both the fast paddlers, and the paddlers who are simply proud to cross the line. And many more thanks for thinking of Naomi in your email this morning, and making feel recognized and worthwhile. That was truly above and beyond.

aloha,

Jackie

duncanhowat
09/25/16 #19991

That was one heck of a event. Its really gotten beyond just a “race” with everything thats going on. Yes its generaly flat, but that makes it possible for so many different human powered boats, and such a diverse crowd,, with makes it so interesting. Steve has almost outdone Carter in terms of promoting and organization, I counted up over 200 people on the water, and i believe 300 people ate lunch, which looking at that plate of salmon in Michaels photo, was as good a race meal we've ever had. We're lucky to have such a perfect venue , and hard working race crew. I do believe the race to the bridge adds to the excitement for everyone,especially the rowers. May have to cap the event to around 200, as parking etc, seems to be getting at capacity. The parent volunteers need a spacial thanks. Now as I understand it, I won my pizza from Abby(Steve and Sharon's daughter) and her partner, but I just don't understand this . As I get older,I“m getting slower, as they are getting older there getting a lot faster, so I guess you best enjoy all your days , from start to finish. And that was one great day to enjoy. Next year I swear I'll train. Dean watch out at the hot spot.