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Texan in the Gorge
sulrich.tx@…
07/24/18 #23524
Long-time listener, first time caller.
I thought I'd drop a “quick” note to y'all. My wife and I have vacationed in Bellingham several times, watched a Wednesday night race or two, and have fallen in love with your fine town. What a place to live if you love the outdoors. I've learned so much following your group over the years about surfski paddling and safety.
This past week we made it to the Gorge for Carter's party. What an eye opener and a blast. I can easily say that not including Monday, each day was progressively the biggest conditions I have ever paddled. After hearing Carter's Fear-of-God safety talk/pre-race meeting, I nearly dropped out. Considering that each of the previous days' outings I had paddle with nary a huli, I decided to line up (after a dozen trips to the loo). I'm glad I did. While I was way back in the pack, I completed the long course. My crappy, way-too-conservative line is my biggest regret but I DID complete the course (without a huli). That day recalibrated my skillset and my confidence.
Throughout the week I ran into some of the Bellingham crew and each time they were quite friendly. Not surprised. It was fun putting faces to names I see daily in print (Duncan H, Tom and Sara Swetish, Dan Mayhew, Nicholas Cryder).
Looking forward to next year's event and/or my next trip to Bellingham.
Steve Ulrich (tall skinny dude with the big mustache)
Nelo 550
Houston, Tx
PS: I understand the liability issues of having an open registration but without it, there is no way I could have attended. Perhaps a festival approach with race reserved for “elites”.
Larry Bussinger
07/25/18 #23526
Its fun to see what our larger audience is and that we have an impact on safety and the sport. I look forward to meeting you.
Larry Bussinger
Dan Mayhew
07/25/18 #23527
Steve, it was good meeting you. Let's go for a paddle next time you are in B'ham!
