Surfski Knowledge Base

Tom Swetish
04/27/19 #24745

Incredible wind - almost as much as champs last year. Don took an outside line to start. Ana led for the first few km and then diced with Greg for the next 4. Don snuck past them at Mitchell point. Wind mellowed at split rock. Andrew McEwan, marathon kayak stud, barreled by on the inside after having missed the start by over a minute. Don, Greg and Ana took a line very much to paddlers left and from my perspective almost paddled through swell city in search for some energy in the water. Don was ahead as they cut back across to the finish, but Greg was gaining fast. Andrew was also smoking on the straight line from wells. At the end Greg got past Don with Andrew close behind Don. The kid came in a bit behind them. And, thanks to Carter for a downwind double session on Friday, I was able to put what I learned to practice and managed to come in only a couple spots behind Ana.

The race was chill and low key, but professionally run. Food was excellent. Community was great. A 12 year old kid on a sup absolutely crushed it. Lodging at the Vortex is a no brianer. Two Drano runs on Friday for a primer.

Sorry to gush but this was a pretty great event. Tony and Dennis can attest.

Best of luck to all tomorrow. Wish we could join you.

Tom

Age - Just a number - Vortex Paddle Series Race 1. Greg / Ana
Carter Johnson
04/28/19 #24746

“Age. Just a number” Love this photo. Turning 60 this year, there is not human in the USA that has the skill and power per years on this earth as Greg Barton. @16 years old there not a human in the USA that has the surfing skills of Ana Swetish. For the first 5k of the Vortex Paddle Series Race 1, these two duked it out wave for wave in the Top 3 pack. For 30 mins they exchanged leads. Most exciting moment in racing I have been privileged to experience. age

Photo Carter Johnson/Vortex Events