Surfski Knowledge Base

Too Big? …Re: Rough Water Race
Reivers Dustin
03/14/15 #17031

I feel some tension about this so I'm going to pull the trigger first: how rough is too rough.

1) At the regular start time in my opinion the regular course was too rough for a normal regular open to the public type race.

2) At the actual start time (IMHO) it was not too rough. The weather gods can be pretty ironic.

3) I like it really rough.

*SO?* - Well. As my kids would say, “Sew a button on your nose!”

What can we do different? There were many folks today who travelled far and would have loved the monster conditions. A few even withdrew from the race event and went out and got some. Some did the race and then stuck their nose in the mess. On the other hand, a few rather seasoned paddlers didn't even want to stick the boat in the water. For most races we don't have this situation. But here we have the serious risk factor for an open event.

Ideas? Maybe try for bunny slope course and black diamond course. How about saying, “invitation only event” meaning race director ruthlessly picks who gets to race. How about assigning grades to racers based on their curriculum vitea (resume). “A Division” is Carter, Kirk, Nick, Greg B., Oscar?. “B Division” is …

My thought is that it might be worth having the discussion, the only way is the way Peter called it today. But I'm open to ideas.

Today really spiked the reputation of this race. Yay!

rd

allipp01
03/14/15 #17032

Knowing we would have nukin' conditions today, I was trying to put the concept in Peter's ear of having 2 courses. One inside for those not experienced, and one outside for those who are!

Ohh well, great race anyway, and a big thanks Peter for putting up with us, making the hard decision and sticking with it.

bill
03/14/15 #17033

For those of us who were hoping to race but for a number of reasons couldn't… Can someone give a mini rundown on what happened?

Bill

allipp01

03/14/15 #17034

It was blowing real hard in the morning, beyond the comfort level of many paddlers, but within it for others.

After a delay, Peter decided to run the course on the inside protected area. Good move from a safety standpoint.

Personally, I would have preferred to have raced on the outside, which by the time we started had mellowed out considerably.

John Rybczyk
03/14/15 #17035

The wind was howling this morning with a strong eastern component, which can be troublesome. I was the only one not quaking in my booties and likely the only one who could have handled the conditions. Many took one look at the bay and didn't even get out of their cars. I was like, “Carter, Don, Heather, come on, let's do this thing!” and they were all like, “For the love of God John, we have people back home who still love us!” The only folks with me were the Canadians and that's likely because any scenario, no matter how bleak, was preferable to those afternoon, northbound border crossings. Finally, Peter gave into the quivering masses and set up a course in the more protected waters. Much fun was had by all. That's how I saw it anyway. Later, I let Scoggins talk me into a fun little upwinder.

Michael Lee
03/14/15 #17036

The race director made the right call. I was talking with folks today about the time Thom Prichard had to call the Ski to Sea canoe leg due to high water. If someone dumps in big water and gets into trouble, the race director takes the fall. If the race is called due to conditions, the race director takes the heat. It's a no win. That's why I have so much respect for Peter and Thom and others who oversee these events.

Based on conditions, the director determines the course he/she feels comfortable running (or in extreme cases, cancels the event). If the participants want to paddle the course, terrific, the rescue boats will be in position and awards will be given for the fastest boats on said course. If you want to do your own downwind run, have fun.

Paddlers with years of experience still get in trouble on the bay. But when you go it alone, you take responsibility for what happens on the water. When you're a part of an organized event, the race director shoulders the responsibility for the boats on the water (regardless of what it says on the waiver). That's the difference.

So decide if you want to be a part of an organized event, and live by the rules set for that event. If the race director does it right, some will feel cheated out of good surfing. If he does it wrong, the stakes are much higher.

duncanhowat

03/14/15 #17037

What I like about Peter is that when there is a issue (too much wind, not enough, the soup is too cold) he listens carefully to a range of suggestions and then makes what I think is the correct decision. Like today, the best call for the most people in the long run. Now to verify that, several of us after the race, headed down to larrabee for a quick downwind run before reporting over to Kristen and DJ's house to help them move. Went out about a mile from the cove, or more, it was turning westerly, with waves very mixed and the tide turning to a strong ebb. Several things happened along the way, went to shore, got a text that everything was ok,and kept going to post point with a west wind that had to be 35+. Was fun, but quite challenging to get to the park. By this time it was big and really messy. Not a place for a some paddlers. So – as quick as things can get good (ok) they can go to completely very difficult. And thats what a race director is confronted with. Personal responsibility should be the name of the game in our sport. What a memorable day. D

Brandon Nelson
03/14/15 #17038

Regarding today on the Bay, Peter's decision to race at 10, or 11, or what course to take, etc., completely notwithstanding, I was ONCE AGAIN blown away by the awesome turn-out, the awesome collection of quality, quality people, the world class volunteers, buoy setters, cooks, bakers, servers, money takers, number givers, rescue boaters, racers, spectators, up-and-coming-kids, near-nonagenarians sporting the biggest smiles of the day, ALLLLLLL because a man named Peter Marcus took action on an idea and followed through with it.

Peter, you're a freaking hero. You have my utmost respect and admiration X 1000 because you gathered what intel you could, and you made a call. That's leadership. That's being a race director. Everyone – EVERYONE – should absolutely try it.

To say it's humbling is the understatement of the decade. ;)
BN
PS… Lake Whatcom Classic….coming soon to a Lake Whatcom near you!!! And you're ALLLLLLL invited!

jeff.hegedus@…

03/15/15 #17049

It was just a beautiful day on the water, wish they were all that luscious, and a great race. Thanks to everyone who worked it, and to everyone who travelled from out of town, nice to see you in Bellingham.

Re: Too Big? …Re: Rough Water Race…Thanks for Racing!!
Pmarcus
03/14/15 #17039

Thanks to all the help today by all volunteers, it was a super effort! …Killer soup and goodies!

I really liked Alan's idea of two course(s) but the lack of rescue/safety boats for TWO course(s) shot that down, I wanted all Three for one course…maybe in the future? Thanks for all the info and input from paddlers and non paddlers alike…bummer about not getting people into the bigger water to race. Awesome turnout despite the delay, change of plans by some, and the altered course…

So…less then one hour after the finish the wind switched dramatically to the West and blew steady forty mph plus, which basically would have wiped out the race course…then the wind collapsed…go figure…crazy day.

As much as I, the Race Director would have liked the original course, (after all, the buoy's were set for it) I have to side on the mass of paddlers. I would love to see the experts “letting it rip” in the bigger stuff but the safety and FUN for the majority have to out weigh the smaller percentage who can really excel in those conditions…after all the water is still 50 degrees and not Gorge Like!“ Maybe soon the way Climate Change is going :) Thanks for racing see you next year!!

Cheers, Peter