San Quentin Breakout Marin Brewco Style

The first annual Marin BrewCo Escape from San Quentin was in a word Brewtal! (photo's courtesy Ron Steinau)

With winds forecasted for some 30-40 knots it was only the heartiest of souls who showed up for this paddle adventure. The race however is a special one. Forget about your normal buoy course this was a one way 6.5 mile adventure paddle set to feature challenging obstacles all along the way. 30 paddlers were up for the challenge and they were well hydrated and well fueled right off the starting line courtesy Hint Water and some tasty Clif Mint Mini Bars. With the promise of Marin Brewco San Quentin Breakout Stout (the genesis for the race idea) Extreme Pizza, and delicious Whole Foods Salads at the races finish line it was a well-motivated fleet indeed.

On a day like this Safety is paramount and we were blessed to have both the San Rafael Police Boat skipperd by our good friend Mark Heedon, Marin County Sheriff boat and the Barbary Ghost providing on the water support. Speaking of adventure if you are looking for a unique paddle experience consider a SUP boat tour for your next outing and the Barbary Ghost has been custom outfitted to do just that – click here for more info on SUP Boat Tours Ghost Style.

The aforementioned wind forecast was also a bit of anomaly in terms of its direction featuring a bit more North than normal. This meant that leaving the San Quentin starting line was going to be heading straight in to the wind. Pictured at left is John Becker leading Jean Rathle and Brian Szymanski past the prison watch toweres.

Make sure to check out Rathle's GPS tracks at the bottom of the article. In addition the racers would be fighting straight in to the oncoming flood tide – can you say workout! Due to the wind the Marin Islands were taken out of the course for the day in an effort to avoid going head to wind on both legs. The wind however had other ideas and as the paddlers emerged from under the bridge it was a short downwind jaunt that quickly turned in to another on the nose wind push-fest. The current however was now a helper pushing the fleet toward their goal – beer and pizza!

Despite the adversity on the day this was a group that was up for the challenge. With only 3 paddlers getting "busted". It was testament to sheer will power and determination to make it to the finish line. Paddle of the day honors have to go to Brian Thomas. Brian paddled the course prone and what did he do upon reaching the course's finish line? Turn around and paddle back! And that's not all. On his return trip Brian encountered a kiteboarder in distress. Doing what any good water man would do he headed on over to the kiteboarder and rendered assistance. Brian even had his GoPro running as you can see from the photo below. Putting two people on a prone paddleboard is no easy task but that's just what he did.

Thomas then drew the attention of the passing San Rafael Police Boat turning what could have been an ugly ending in to a happy story. Thanks Brian. Honrable mention has to go to Marissa Muller who donned prison garb and over 3 hours of on the water time. Think thats rough? Marissa was entered in a triathalon the next day. Sore Monday 'on tap' for Marissa!

Special thanks to our volunteers on the day. Arline Thomas, Liz Larned, Emily Wells, and Haile Wells we couldn't do it without you! And remember paddlers to support the businesses who support your sport. So the next time you need a tall cold one make Marin Brewco your spot of choice. Picking up the phone to order that pie for delivery go Extreme – Extreme Pizza San Rafael that is. Also we can verify that nothing washes down the energy laden Clif Bar better than a sugar free hint water. And where would this paddling season be without the support of Whole Foods Market San Rafael. Enjoying the photos? Well thanks to Captain Ron Steinau for all the behind the lens efforts – it's very appreciated by all.

Next up is our Cinco de Mayo blow out race on Sunday May 5th. Mariachi and Margaritas! Make sure to register early to save $ and we are capping participation at 101 paddlers. Feeling like you need some race prep than consider attending our May 4th SUP Race Clinic.

PHOTO GALLERY – courtesy Ron Steinau.