Stellar Paddle Racing for Whole Foods Market Series Race 4
It was so nice it was worrisome. That's really the only way to describe the incredible paddling weather this dry, sunny, and warm January has brought us. With that said you could not really have asked for a better day to throw a race then what was set up this January 19th at installment #4 of the Whole Foods Market Paddle Race Series.
The day featured a gaggle of OC1s, Surfski's. Kayaks, Prone Paddleboards, and Stand Up Paddleboards ready to tackle their choice of 2 or 6 mile courses. But first up the paddlers had to navigate the cornucopia of goodies on the Whole Foods Market Engine 2 Breakfast Table. What's Engine 2 you ask? Come and find out at this Thursday's Free Movie Showing of Forks over Knives. Food and a movie? Find out more just click here. RSVP Required.
As the group hydrated on the bottomless cooler of Hint Water (Thanks Hint!) it was a motivated crew to get back to the finish line fast. Cold Marin Brewing Company beer and Whole Foods Market Burritos will do that to you. After a quick skippers meeting it was go time and the fleet made their way down to the starting area just off the San Rafael Yacht Club.(photo at right shows the fleet headed for the Marin Islands by Josh Luria)
Over on the 2 mile short course there were some stand out paddling efforts turned in by the fleets youngest participants. Junior Shane Rathle not only won the Junior division he was first to finish overall! Hannah Gruender took the win for the Junior Girls. Paddle tour operator Drew Testuide won the Kayak with dog division. A well earned swim at the finish line as Niko dismounts. Paddle Tours??? Yep - Check out Barbary Ghost Paddle tours here.
It was paddle record time on the long course with the fastest ever paddle powered rounding of the Marin Islands turned in by the Double Surfski of Elaine Baden and Heidi Scobel - 49.52. Nice!
Thanks again to our Sponsors Whole Foods Market San Rafael, Marin Brewing Company, and Hint Water. A special thanks to all the volunteers who pitched in to help. A big shout out to the San Rafael Police Department for keeping the water safe. Hey did you like the photos above? Well be sure to thank Ron Steinau for them - Thanks Ron!
COMPLETE RACE RESULTS CLICK HERE
