Surfski Knowledge Base

Kevin Olney
08/14/18 #23638

Race 3 of 5

The course will be three 1-mile laps out of Marine Park. There will be a mandatory remount between each lap. At the finish there will be an optional swim leg (less than 100’) available for bonus points. Remounts and swim will be close to shore and safety crews will be on hand to provide assistance if necessary. All paddle craft welcome!

Registration at 5:00
Race starts at 6:00

$5

HOT 5 Week 3 Recap
Kevin Olney
08/17/18 #23648

I am truly impressed by everyone who raced last night. 15 intrepid paddlers took the plunge, many reaching well outside their comfort zone, to create an entertaining and educational event. You guys are awesome!

While there were gutsy performances all around it was Heather Nelson who won the day. She was fast upwind and down but it was her lightning-quick remounts that separated her from the pack. Peter followed in second place and Wilson continued his strong season with a third place finish.

John Rybczyk made the strategic decision to opt out of the Swim leg (and the 5 bonus points) but was unable to catch the leaders. The swim was slightly longer than advertised, around 200 feet, and I made everyone wear their PFD.

I hope it was a positive experience. I wanted the race to be a reminder of how important a solid remount is and how much more difficult it becomes when you’re tired or the conditions are rough. There wasn’t huge wind but enough that a few folks did some unplanned remount practice. Huge thanks to Mike Hammer and Safety Boat Chris for keeping an eye on everyone!

I also want to thank Amy and Neil for doing all the timing and registration, and thanks to Mike Medler for helping me shepherd boats at the finish.

Next week will be Team Boats. Anyone who races in a team boat (double, triple, 4-man, 6-man, 12-man??) will earn +5 points towards your series total. Start organizing your team and get ready for another week of epic racing!

KO

David Hooper
08/17/18 #23649

Thanks for keeping it fun and educational, Kevin! You've effectively convinced me that I never want to have to swim for shore. Not trying to do so quickly, anyhow.

Dave

Duncan Howat

08/17/18 #23650

I'd like to point out to John R that big crime does not pay as in trying to going for the unimaginable glory of the over all win. He misses a 5 point pick up. So Kevin, as I understand it, only your best 4 nights will be totaled for the grand prizes of air fare to Hawaii etc for all age divisions, correct? D

Michael Gregory

08/17/18 #23651

Hey Kevin,

Brilliant idea for the race last eve. Kinda brought home the importance of an efficient remount to us. But, the swim at the end was plain diabolical:(

See you in the water;(

Mike G

John Rybczyk

08/17/18 #23652

It is true, when I saw all those in front of me swimming (and I use that term loosely) to the finish in that 58 degree, eelgrass infested, ship-yard tainted water, I made the decision to go for the win. Alas, Heather, Peter and Wilson were too far ahead and not only did I not win, I didn't even podium. Damn you Sirens of fame and fortune, tempting me with you songs of victory only to be dashed, once again, against the sharp and bitter reefs of defeat.

Fun race though, thanks Kevin et al.,

johnr

Paul Reavley
08/17/18 #23653

Echoing others - remounts and swims are worthwhile practice - and thanks to Kevin and everyone who helps.

John - funny post. For some of us at the other end of the pack it is other kinds of sirens that we may be contemplating.

David Hooper
08/17/18 #23654

Few people know that John R’s title at WWU is Huki (also spelled “Hookey”) Professor of Environmental Poetry and Abstruse Rumination.

MARC ROBERTA WHITLOCK

08/17/18 #23655

I think Heather needs to give us a clinic on remounts ; she did informally in the race. She was out of the water faster than she got in it…go figure. I was truly impressed as the V-11 is not a stable platform for most.

Marc

surfskilady
08/17/18 #23657

That was so fun!!! Marc… happy to do some remount sessions together! Thanks Kevin for reminding us how important strong swimming and efficient remounts are. And PFD’s… I heard a few racers who wished they had those baby leg straps to keep their PFD’s from going over their ears in the swim! Super fun race..: love the variety! Thanks for keeping us on our toes Kevin! See ya next week for doubles week!

Denise Weeks
08/18/18 #23659

From my 10-point perch in the middle of the Hot-5 standings, I am reaching out to those above or below me to take me into a team boat! I am available for practice this week. I have demonstrated my remount ability (never mind why I was in the water in the first place :)

Any patient, teacherly types out there who want a partner? I’d be happy to blend into the background of an OC-6, too.