Surfski Knowledge Base

Think International Challenge. Results after round 1. US leads but not by much

John Rybczyk
05/01/19 #24774

First, proceeds from the Dan Harris Challenge raised $1004.00 for the community boating center this year. When now-retired Steve Walker was the director of the boating center, he told me that the donations from the race were used, among other things, to fund the purchase of, and maintain the Bellingham Bay web cam. So, what comes around goes around I guess!

Now, to the Think International Surf Ski Championship. After the first round (the Dan Harris Challenge) the US leads Canada 91 to 135 (low score is better). Folks, this is close! The home team has the huge advantage because of the number of participants, but Team Canada came with a lot of paddlers, their full complement of doubles (which is HUGE) and many fast women. I’m going to say right now that it’s going to be very difficult for the US to defend the trophy. Not impossible, but it’s a very narrow buffer right now. The second and last leg of the challenge is the Board the Fjord race, May 11, up in Deep in Cove. If you’ve never been, it’s a beautiful venue and a fun race.

See you on the water, johnr

Bob Putnam
05/02/19 #24776

Thanks John, Yes. This looks close. My memory is fuzzy at best, but I recall US giving us a big sha-lacking in previous years at the DHC. Usually because we didn't have our act together and get the appropriate number of doubles, women etc. i'm not hopeful for the US of A, as we should have our island guys participating, which will give us more depth. But lets hope you don't go down without a fight.

The International Challenge is a pretty special thing. There are probably not many communities that can boast such a cross border rivalry.

(…)

Denise Weeks

05/05/19 #24807

If I would contribute anything to TEAM U.S. by volunteering to be in a double at Board the Fjord next Saturday, I’ll do it! Any distance! But if you need someone who’ll take the podium . . . it better be with a fast partner.

Last I looked, none of you Whatcom people are registered? Except Reivers. I’d also be happy to go in my own boat, but company would be nice.

Denise

Saturday race in Canada
josh dyck
05/07/19 #24821

Bob, we’re coming for you!

My American friends, who is paddling a double ski in the race on Saturday? A little strategy may gain us a few fewer points! Big picture, should Jamie K and Josh D paddle a double or would we be better off as singles? Who loves crunching the numbers?

Josh

Emma McCoy <emmammccoy@…>
05/07/19 #24822

I’m going double with Brandon!
Emma

Bob Putnam
05/08/19 #24823

Hi Josh
It looking like USA has thrown in the towel, waving the white flag. I checked the reservations this morning. We have 100 paddlers register. Looks like USA’s hope are resting on the broad shoulders of Jonas E, and Reivers. Your brightest and best looking! Better start mobilizing!

Bob Putnam
05/08/19 #24824

https://www.webscorer.com/register?raceid=175494

Reivers Dustin
05/08/19 #24825

Uh, guys. I can't go. No paddle for RD. Out for another week or so. I bbq'd a rib. roasted a rib? strained, pulled, tweaked, ripped. did something rong to me rib. Just gonna save myself for Ski-to-Sea. Gotta beat Josh.

Bob Putnam
05/08/19 #24826

Well there goes your Brightest…..

Dennis Mowry
05/08/19 #24827

RD,
You spelt wrong rong. Just in case anybuddy missed it. :D'

Reivers Dustin

05/08/19 #24829

my eror.

Board The Fjord Recap
Bob Putnam
05/12/19 #24851

It was a great day of flatwater racing and the event went off without a hitch….at least I haven't heard of any hitches. The weather was spectacular and the event was well attended with 125 competitors. A big Thanks to all our Washington friends who made the trip to Deep Cove. I hope you had a great day.

The start was furious and with sprinters from all sides off the pack charging to the front. There were several strong double teams, Brandon/Emma, Steve/Dary, Seth/Finn. With singles, Jonas E, Greg R, Jamie K. and Egor(?) I don't know this last person but earlier I had stated, “With a name like Egor, he's gotta be fast” He was!! So its only taken a year of Herr-Cryder not paddling and a really good spring for me, that I could stay the Nicholas. Wes Hammer had spilled his race strategy to me prior to the race start. “Go out hard, then fade due to my lack of fitness, then fall back to the next group”. I managed to catch Shane and sure-to-plan eventually Wes worked his way back to us. But once that happened Wes got bored and started messing with Shane. At the 1/2 way mark they shook me off.

I have a problem where, once somebody behind me and out of my peripheral vision, I believe I have crushed them andI figure they are done and gone and this rarely proves to be the case. Little did I know, lurking behind me was Warren, The Mexican, Bruce, Sally, The crusher of male ego, Wallick. Josh, my arch-rival, Dyck and Daryl, The Hammer“ Remmler and Kelsey, Monkey Arms, McEwen. As we hit the 1/2 mark. Monkey Arms and My Arch Rival showed their cards and we changed lead several times. We crossed the tombolo between Hamber Island and the mainland with less than a foot of water and as we rounded 1/4 mark at Boulder Island Monkey Arms popped and was gone. I figured I'd make my move and chase some small waves while crossing the channel to Gray Rocks I. This was a repeat of my 2018 failed attempt to drop the train (slow learner), where Dean Jordaan and Monkey Arms plus many other blew by me at the finish. After catching a few small waves and reaching Gray Rock I did a shoulder check to see the train firmly attached to my stern. #$5@!! With 2 km to go, My Arch Rival Dyck pull up along side and we paced each other until a voice behind us yelled out, “Josh, you are surrounded by Canadians!!!” Well this must of thrown a few shovels of coal onto Dyck's fire. I'm sure I heard him grunt, “AMERICA!!” He started his march to the finish with a savage attack. The Crusher of Male Ego, hung with him for a bit, but was no match to Dyck's national pride. As we approached the line I could hear The Mexican attacking. I managed to hold off The Bruce and he was followed by Remmler who's utterance it was that spurred on Josh Dyck. Thanks Daryl!!.

USA's numbers were a bit light, but they had a quality team with Brandon/Emma putting in the fastest time and place 3 solo paddlers in the top 7, Klein, Ecker and Egor. Board The Fjord Race Results

Thanks to John, The keeper of the secret rules, Rybzyck, for compiling results in a timely manner.

As many of you may know the Think International Challenge Trophy has gone missing. Greg Redman of PaddleLab and the Kelowna Paddling Centre has offered to pay for a new trophy. In consultation with Daryl Remmler of Think Kayak, going forward we have agreed to call this unique event The PaddleLab International Surfski Challenge.

If you don't know PaddleLab.ca is a periodized training program for paddlers. It an easy to follow on-water training program for part-time weekend warrior athletes. Summer on-water session and winter weight room training. For a mere $15/mth Canadian$$ you can get access to a year round training program designed so you will peak for Canadian Downwind Champs and The Gorge. All profits go to local surfski races and clubs and last year PaddleLab gave $4000 to various clubs including a generous donation to The Salmon Roe.

josh dyck
05/12/19 #24852

Bob, great recap! After Daryl said “you are surrounded by Canadians” he said, “your country rests on your shoulders.” Well, that was the coal which helped me to kick it up a few notches.

Thanks to everyone for a great race!

Josh