Florida kicks off paddling season
The Sunshine State really delivered for the 36 entrants of OC1, OC2, Surfski 1 and 2 man as well as paddleboarders. It was a picture perfect day, 76 deg, sunshine, 10 to 15 knots of Northerly wind. Small shore break and beautiful bump to ride.
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This was the inaugural race of a new 5 race series that covers the East and West Coast of Florida and if the competition at this event is a sign of things to come, we have a fabulous series on our hands. There were many old faces, what was even more encouraging was the quantity of new faces on Surfskis and OC1 that really impressed. The format of a noon start allowed folks to travel across the state, race and be home again for dinner is definitely a concept that will work for everyone, there were quite a few car pools that were formed and that helps offset the expenses for all.
At 11:45 the majority of folks negotiated the shore break safely and then the start was off into the wind for a 2 mile upwind slog. Derick Bezuidenhout and Reid Hyle set a blistering pace in the Surfski division rounding the top mark neck and neck. Harry Mountain immediately jumped to a solid lead in the OC1 division. The rest of the fleets followed with individual races going on all over the course. The downwind leg was fun for all and maybe to much fun for a few (including myself) who sped off onto the distance shooting past the mark by about 2 miles before realizing the error, throwing 5 of us out of contention.... it was a great ride though :-)
However, those that paid more attention to the course continued the next upwind slog and then surfed to the finish for the last time completing the 8 mile race course in really great times. There were many outstanding efforts by various competitors. In the paddle board division JP Atherholt had a great race. Derick Bezuidenhout showed his surfing skills and won the Surfski race. Harry Mountain in the OC1 division smoked the fleet. Lewis and Linda Postman in the Mixed OC2 division did very well. Mike Holland and Scott Woodburn were spectacular as the veterans out on the race course, we all want to be like them when we grow up !!! Louise Vadala had a great race winning the women's Surfski while Jacque Albano had a great race winning the women OC1.
A big thank you to Bill Brannum for organizing this event, the food was great, the location at Coral Park, Jupiter spectacular. Please be sure to get the word out to your paddling buddy's and join us at Race 2 to be held in Miami on 10th February, details of all races will be e mailed, Tim Streeter plans on a down winder if conditions allow, please watch for details on this as Tim plans to make it very easy for all, you can also check out www.sflora.org for all details.
Race 2 Miami - 10 February Sat
Race 3 Clearwater - 25 February Sun (Sat there is a FCPA race in St Pete,
contact canoechamp@aol.com)
Race 4 Ft Lauderdale -24 March Sat
Race 5 St Pete - 6 April
It is clear that we have the momentum going in Florida to grow Surfski and Outrigger Ocean Paddling, we have quite a few folks selling canoes and skis which will help us introduce more folks, please support them and lets make this fabulous sport grow by leaps and bounds (details below). There are many used deals out there now for those with tighter budgets.
Bruce Gipson for all your Surfski requirements, many excellent models - vent929@aol.com
Jean Raas for Hurricane and Pegasus OC1 as well shortly Huki S1-X Surfski - jean@crazypaddlers.com
Eric McNett for Fuze and Fusion OC1 - wehuli@prexar.com
Tim Streeter for Hypr OC1 and OC2 - kanaluimiami@yahoo.com
If you are looking for used, one of these folks will also be able to help you. We have a good thing going here, lets keep it up.
Kind Regards
LEX
PositionCompetitor Time Class placDivision Class Comments
1 Derick Bezuidenhout 0:54:20 First SurfSki Open
2 Reid Hyle 0:55:32 Second SurfSki Open
3 Mike Jordan & James Bryant 0:56:20 First SurfSki Men
4 Bruce Gipson 1:01:32 First SurfSki Senior Masters
5 Rob Mirlenbrink 1:01:40 Third SurfSki Open
6 Harry Mountain 1:03:00 First OC1 Masters
7 Chris Crawford 1:03:45 First SurfSki Masters
8 Shawn Wilber 1:07:58 Fourth SurfSki Open
9 Peter Gimple 1:09:58 Second SurfSki Masters
10 Jaroe & Partner 1:11:00 First OC2 Men
11 Cliff 1:15:00 Third SurfSki Masters
12 Lewis & Linda Postman 1:17:30 First OC2 Mixed
13 Mike Zajac-Batell 1:20:00 First OC1 Senior Masters
14 Andy Bezanilla 1:21:07 First OC1 Open
15 Bill Bates 1:23:06 Second OC1 Masters
16 Jim Lewis 1:23:22 Second OC1 Open
17 Louise Vadala 1:23:40 First SurfSki Women
18 Jacque Albano 1:24;20 First OC1 Women
19 Mike Holland 1:28:52 First OC1 Veteran
20 Chris Streeter 1:28:53 Third OC1 Open
21 Lex Raas 1:32:16 Second OC1 Senior Masters Missed mark + 3 miles
22 Scott Woodburn 1:32:42 Second OC1 Veteran
23 Cortland Reilly 1:33:06 Third OC1 Masters Missed mark + 3 miles
1 JP Atherholt 0:50:00 First Paddleboard Men One round
2 David Bondreau 0:53:19 Second One round
Andy Gerber DNF SurfSki Senior Masters Retired after one round
Deven Anthony DNS OC1 Masters Broke canoe
Denis Galuzy DNS OC1 Men
Jack Hunsucker DNF OC1 Open Missed mark + 5 miles
Jean Raas DNF OC1 Open Missed mark + 5 miles
Tom Daly DNF SurfSki Masters One round
Drew Palavage DNF OC1 Open
Thierry Lirola DNF SurfSki Open
Zoe Vanschyndel DNF OC1 Masters
Posted by keizo on Sat, 02/03/2007 - 4:39pm