Surfski Knowledge Base

1st liar - La Connor
Reivers Dustin
Feb 6 #28571

La Connor is usually harsh, just because it's first race for me. But the short course (North up & back) just humiliates me. We go flying up to the turn at 7 to 8 mph, then struggle with a tough turn in traffic and now it's a crawl back at 4 to 5mph. Last year was worse for current, this year the wind was more of a problem. But like Groundhog day, I step in the same puddle every time. So the electronics and logistics were next level. Never been in a race so well staged up. They probably have race times up already. But I'm not looking. Davie and LB and some other stout lads were in my starting heat (4B) and I watched those guys smoke the course.

I have to say I was a bit skeptical about having 80 racers starting in what, 10 different heats at two minutes spacing. It was amazing. Timing chip rocked. The way they selected the heats was genius. The fast boats and the rowers were well separated from those of us in the “valiant effort” category. In past years the start line has been a disaster for me. I hope covid goes away quickly, but this new format is fantastic. Hope this race director team does more like this.

Also, excellent job of Covid awareness. I got gently reminded to put my mask on when I had it off at the back of my car to dress down and was on my way to the front to get it and put it on. People carried masks on them when they paddled so they had them on for launch and take-out. The packet handout and the soup hand-off were super efficient with no groups standing around. Kevin and Mark put together a tight crew that wired this thing so there were no bottlenecks.

this is not your grandad's race management.

Jan
Feb 6 #28572

What was/is the timing system?!

tahalsted
Feb 6 #28574

Ditto what Reivers said. Except for the bit about flying along at 7-8 for me.
I really appreciate all the great work that Kevin, Marc, and all the volunteers did to make this pandemic paddle adventure work really well!

Kevin Olney
Feb 6 #28575

Thank you for the kind words Reivers. We put some work into setting it up but it was all the racers that made the event happen. I want to thank everyone who participated and all the volunteers today. We had to adapt to some new systems and I think we did a decent job. Results will be available soon but I want to recognize a few top finishes:
Dave Deschenes: 1st overall
Jonas Ecker: 1st HPK
Beau Whitehead: 1st OC-1
Ana Swetish: 1st female
Amazing races all around! It’s tough to be fast in February and it’s ok to be slow. There is a lot is season ahead of us so let’s keep looking forward.

Marc Blake
Feb 7 #28578

Great job Kevin!

Full Results and tracking replay can be found here:

https://pacificmultisports.com/results/soundrowerslaconner2021/

Best,
Marc

Marc Blake

Feb 7 #28580

Hi Jan,

We used the active track boxes from RaceResult for this event. You can find out more here:

https://www.raceresult.com/en-us/solutions/tracking.php

Best,
Marc

Marc Blake
​
​pacificmultisports.com

Michael Lampi
Feb 7 #28582

I checked out my track (#83), and it had me just motoring up the channel, passing dozens of other boats – which (unfortunately) definitely didn't happen, much as I would have wanted.

Any idea as to why that would be the case, Marc?

Also, I was having camera troubles. Out of the 1800+ photos I took only 440 or so were worth keeping. More research and testing is needed…

http://www.soundrowers.org/racePhotos/2021/LaConner/index.html

Michael Lampi

Reivers Dustin
Feb 7 #28583

mebbe the ancient peoples are right: a photo captures the soul of the person, so that means you were “spirit paddling” and passed everyone.

Az
Feb 7 #28584

440 pictures seems sufficient. Thanks, Michael Lampi!!

Kevin Olney
Feb 7 #28585

Thanks Michael for all the great shots!
Also thanks to Marc and Brooke for the timing, Adrienne and Deb B for the cooking, Kim R for compliance, Brian F for covering all the bases and all the other racers who helped out along the way.
I have a couple lost & found items that are still looking for a home. A cup and a cradle. Anyone recognize these:
Image.jpeg
Image.jpeg

Kimberly Reeves
Feb 8 #28587

That’s my cup… put in Pedro’s truck to give to Julie on Wednesday!
Kim

David Scherrer
Feb 8 #28590

Peter Marcus….8 seconds Peter..thats it, just eight seconds. Watch out.
D

beau whitehead
Feb 8 #28591

David, now imagine if you were dragging a training wheel (ama) and only had half your paddle (-:

Reivers Dustin
Feb 8 #28596

I think highly of the guys dealing with age related enthusiasm. David and LB absolutely take honors. Big respect to Shane B - nobody can keep that old boy down. Duncan, Michael W., some other of the old school.

That race was a fantastic “old guy rodeo”. Only thing better? Denise W., Traci C., probably some other ladies of substance out there against all odds. Somehow our women competitors take it from a “ruthless competitor” mode to “do your best on the course” then see each other's respect mode. I know I'm not the only guy saying it. So blessed to have our women paddlers involved. Adrienne,, Deb B., Amber, so many others …. respect.

David Scherrer
Feb 8 #28597

Ah yes I see how you “drag” that ama Beau….Besides you dudes are sitting on what, 14 inch beam?
Not taking away any respect, no man. Good race.

paul clement
Feb 8 #28599

Shots fired.

beau whitehead

Feb 8 #28600

15 7/8“ beam David… pretty chubby (-: