Many of the Northeast’s best surf ski paddlers gathered in Rochester, NY for an exciting race hosted by Baycreek Paddling Center. We had 24 finishers in the long (10 mile) race and 10 in the shorter (3 mile) event. One thing that didn’t cooperate was the weather. While the Great Lakes generally have some wave action and the potential for excellent downwind runs on windy days race day saw the flattest water that the local paddlers had experienced all year. With light offshore winds the wave height was less than 10” (25 cm). Still it was a good day for paddling with overcast skies and pleasant temperature in the low 70’s (22 C).

 

We started off with a 1000m triangular course for the Hot Spot. Off the start it was Jason Quagliata and myself in the lead with Joe Glickman and Ed Joy trailing. I pulled ahead just before the first buoy then extended the lead by a few boat lengths after 1000 meters.

 

After the hot spot I eased up and formed a pack with Jason Quagliata and Joe Glickman. The lead power boat put up some wakes which I initially used to surf ahead before stopping and waiting for Jason. I didn’t want to paddle the race surfing the lead boat. Joe Glickman held the lead for 10-15 minutes until I made a push to catch him at the half way turn.

 

As luck would have it the wind began to increase on our return creating a steady headwind from the right (shore) side. Joe & I paddled together then I made my final break about 4 km from the finish.

 

Nicole Mallory one of the top Jr. K-1 paddlers won the women’s division paddling an ICF K-1. The conditions were flat enough that she had no problem completing the course in a K-1.

 

The event was well run with a great group of paddlers. I look forward to seeing it grow over the coming years. Results and information can be found here.

 

On the other side of the globe congratulations to Hank McGregor on his victory in the Durban World Cup.