January Paddle Racing No Ka Oi

Just another day proving the adage that the best paddling on San Francisco Bay is in the winter! While a stiff, and building, Nor-Easter did force a course change it was all about making lemonade from lemons.(The long course off the line - Ron Steinau photo)

With over 70 paddlers taking to the water it was a display of paddling diversity with Outrigger Canoe, Prone Paddleboards, Kayaks, Surfski’s, and Stand Up Paddleboards ready for the challenge. The previously mentioned wind forced our hand on the course and we changed up to a lap course that sent the long course paddlers out to the #6 piling and then back down the canal much to the delight of the gathered spectators. (Pictured below Haakon Hoyer-Nielsen leading Joe Naholowa'a to the finish line.)

After rounding the buoy in front of the San Rafael Yacht Club it was one more trip out the Bay, around piling 7, and then back to the finish 5.75 miles in all give or take. Short Course paddlers tackled the same old route we normally run.

Paddle of the day was a nip and tuck affair with the Molloy’s getting the better of the Mosbey’s – but only by the narrowest of margins. Madison Molloy took line honors in the SUP 12’6 Category with Mom Trisha doing likewise in the kayak division for the family podium.  The Mosbey Clan does take the consolation prize for cutest photo of the day! The two photos, above and below, pretty much sum up how we roll.(Pictured Team Mosbey - Photo Tom Nadzam)

All in all a fun day spent with friends on the water. Special thanks to Kind Bar, Hint Water, Fruit Guys, & Mamie’s Pies. Please support the businesses that support our sport!

Thanks to all who helped-out on the day. Without all the volunteers we simply could not do it. Thanks as well to all who raced.

Next Up
Saturday February 3rd – San Rafael Paddle Races - More Info

Photo Gallery #1 (Thanks to Ron Steinau)

Photo Gallery #2 (Thanks Andy Toro)

Results - Short Course Take 7 minutes off your times. Long Course SUP's take off one minute.