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Vortex #3 Results
beau whitehead
Jun 21 #29473
Hot, flat, 2 lap triangle course. 7.5 miles.
Big thanks to Carter, the Castleberrys, Tom and Mimi S, and Brian F and Marc Blake for all the logistics and timing.
I'm sure there will be many stories of the chaotic start & the mayhem at the first turn.
Denise Weeks
Jun 21 #29474
Internet is not super fast where I am, so I can't share video from the non-race on Saturday when wind conditions were in the 98th percentile, according to locals. But here's a shot that captures the relaxed (and shade-seeking) vibe on Sunday. The Bellingham crew represents once again.
Larry Bussinger
Jun 21 #29475
Denise’s ability to handle those conditions is inspiring. Amazing!
Larry Bussinger
Dennis Mowry
Jun 21 #29476
The Non Race conditions were absolutely epic. The river rockin' from Stevenson. The race started with a two person boat carry at Viento, with the climax at White Samon.
There was a gusty section, 48 mph, before entering Swell City where I was tentative to paddle but thanks for the breaking waves behind me to push me into the wave ahead then the wind pushing into the next one.
At White Salon the waves are so huge and steep you needed power to catch the waves to survive. The waves were so steep if you went straight down I think you would pitch pole the boat. I caught a couple, one so huge I was surfing sideways, broached, at about a 45 degree angle downward. I was looking at the wall next to me and the trough below figuring I'm going to roll when I hit the bottom. I was so surprised and stoked when at the bottom the Flex just ran out and caught the next one.
Passed the green bouy, got my not so pretty photo, then needed to cut right to cross the river to Hood River to get my van and Max. I considered bailing at White Salmon to get a ride but went for it, quite challenging. Finally making it to the Marina, crossing the sand bar. I was wondering how others were going to make that section. Others were coming in saying they saw and skipped the green can.
Then I see Denise and Paul coming, asked them if they skipped, they say no, they went thru it. You had to go by the green can to get the photo.
Amazing conditions and amazing we survived, I heard there were swimmers.
Definitely waves to remember.
:Dennis
