Surfski Knowledge Base

PGP: What REALLY happened out there…
Brandon Nelson <brandon@…>
08/28/11 #11260

Like any new event of this size, we had a handful of hiccups. First one was the starting line. We knew, with wind and waves pushing, we’d be doing a drifting start. These are always somewhat chaotic and “unfair” to anyone who’s not right up on the line; (call it the “DJ zone”). Our starting sequence was pretty simple: Plan on a 10:10 a.m. start right in front of Woods Coffee; listen for 3 short horn blasts to indicate 3 minutes ‘til the race start, then one long blast to start. For 90% of the racers, it appeared to work perfectly; they were ready to go, drifting north at about 2/3 of full race pace (while starting to yell to me to “Start!!! Start!!!”), and then took off like banshees upon the long blast – which sounded at exactly 10:10 a.m.

At the horn, there were another 10% or so of the racers stretched out anywhere between the back of the pack and practically tucked inside the glassy waters off the Ferry Terminal. Those guys yelled as they passed by, too, only it was more in the line of “WTF?” Sorry, guys. Next year I will put much, MUCH more emphasis on the importance of being ready to start, staying in the general vicinity of the starting area, and letting out-of-towners know exactly where Woods Coffee is.

Next hiccup: The weather. Before the end of the 1st lap, we realized that because of the strengthening winds and waves, it would likely be dinner time before some slower boats and SUPs were off the water. We decided on the fly to shorten the SUP’s race to 3 laps, while everyone else would do all 4. As SUPs passed the finish area, we’d bullhorn out to them, “SUP RACER – you’re only doing 3 laps. All other boats do all four!!!” Without exception, every SUP’er shouted gratitude and shot their fist in the air! Headwinds and SUPs aren’t exactly a match made in heaven.

Forgetting how rumors spread amongst the WhatcomPaddlers crowd, I failed to anticipate the on-water, racer-to-racer conveyance of the story, and that be the time it reached none other than Reivers, Mike Gregory and Duncan, it would have morphed into: “Sixty-and-over surfskiers only have to do 3 laps!!!”

The rest of the finish-line crew and I scratched our heads as we watched Reivers floating alone, legs out, reclined like he was waiting for Pete Wells to paddle up with a free beer, and figuring he was injured somehow. I finally shouted out to him, “Reivers, do you need help getting out?” Sometime in the next minute, one of us finally figured out that he must’ve thought he was done, and in less time than you can say, “I’ve been bamboozled!” he was stroking like Mocke back onto the course.

NOTHING even remotely this obvious happened to Gregory or Duncan. They were in mid-course, going into the final lap, when they apparently just decided to start surfing. Totally understandable.

Reivers OFFICIALLY finished the whole course and – I’m sorry guys, if we had age groups – which we will next year – would’ve been on the podium!!! (Gregory and Duncan, not so much.)

Hiccups are inevitable on race day. So it total AWESOMENESS!!! We had both at the PGP!

B

Pmarcus

08/28/11 #11262

Hey Brandon……No worries from this back in the pack starter…..I think a lot of us heard the initial three blast but from up wind it totally sounded like a single, pay attention blast, so we just took our time getting back to the line anticipating the starting sequence horn…I had to yell at Eric G. to turn around as he didn't hear it very well either…….liked the course though, which ever way you decide to go!

Cheers, Peter

Brandon Nelson <brandon@…>

08/28/11 #11263

Peter, you were a ROCKSTAR yesterday and it’s much appreciated! Meeting me at 7 a.m. sharp to set the course buoys, taking over grill duty and just generally owning a lot of responsibility at key times. AND making it to the podium!

Thanks again and again, bro.

Brandon

2011 Gran Prix…….
Larry Goolsby
08/27/11 #11254

I remember at the beginning of the week, Brandon was near tears because only 5 paddlers had registered online for this year's Gran Prix. I knew better. Almost everyone I spoke to said they'd be there. Sure enough, I think we ended up with 85+ entrants, probably double of last year's race. One of the big improvements was opening the race for all human powered watercraft. I have to wonder how busy the Cross Sound race was this morning.
Today's race also had a special purpose; all the funds taken in were to go to Marshall to help with his expences. This was quite noble of Brandon and Heather to do this, and their generosity cultivated many people to give even more. Don't know how much was raised, but as Brandon said during the auction, it was probably pushing $4K.

I was in charge of purchasing the food and realized that I had not prepared for this size of a crowd. The purchases were not paid for using any money from the entrance fees. You the paddlers paid for a good part of what was handed out today. I had bought 80 Hempler Brats and 16 veggie burgers, and we still ran out. Some of us didn't eat for two reasons; there were more paddlers than expected, and the brats had 37 grams of fat each. Those of you that ate one will probably be dialing 911 before the night is out.

We had one unscrupoulus character on the course today. Duncan wanted me to mention this since he can't type. I verified this story with several witnesses, so here goes:

MG, Duncan, and Reivers were maintaining a tight pack around lap #3. Before reaching the end of that lap, Reivers told Duncan and Mike that this was the final lap. Of course, after crossing the phony finish line, Reivers instructs Mike and Duncan to paddle on into shore to collect their trophies, while he would hang out on the water and wait for the losers to roll in. Next thing they knew, Reivers takes off and does the fourth and final lap without them. This is a new tactic that Reivers has not used before. In relay races, he's been known to 'forget' where the hand-off is and finished the race single handed. But the idea of convincing your closet competitors that the race is over is ingenius. Now, thanks to this post, he won't get a chance to use this trick again. Keep an eye on him.

Great job to everyone that helped out. Also a big thank you to the sponsors for your high priced contributions that made for a fun and profitable auction.

Oh, and another big thank you to the paddlers for making this a special day for Marshall.
LG

Larrys absolutely true story
duncanhowat
08/27/11 #11256

Thanks Marshal for getting well. You made for a great day for everyone. And a grandchild. Thats what life is all about. Larry, it's not that I can't type, it's that I was never taught to spell, so bear with me when I add my two-bits worth. You would think at my age I've been tricked in every way there is. But nooo, today, that no good snake in the grass (water) Rivers gets me to stop on the 3rd lap,while I might add I was leading him, (but not by much).Then Mike stopped too. We went to get our trophys, and Brandon, the chief and guiding light' said we had to do another lap, well by then those nice waves out in the bay were a calling, so Mike and I went up towards the red can and had a very nice run back down. We were planning a downwinder from wildcat cove tommorow, but right now it looks like 83 degrees and only someNW wind. Oh well, tues is looking like some wind—stay tuned. 3 laps and out. D

Reivers Dustin
08/28/11 #11259

I, er, I got seaweed in my ears? um, wait, on that disclaimer form: it did NOT say that you had to be able to count to four.

mea culpa.

otherwise - pretty good day.