Hail Of A Time At San Rafael Paddle Race

Today’s race was our first to feature some seriously challenging weather in what has been largely a nearly ideal season. With grey clouds in the sky and the radar threatening some showers it was a hearty crew that took up the challenge.

Those showers on the radar turned out to be a significant weather cell. Winds kicked up to the low 20’s and 2 ft chop appeared out of thin air. As the racers struggled with the conditions mother nature had one more surprise. Hail, and lots of it. As BB size hail pelted the fleet many were probably cursing the race director. As quick as it came the weather cell passed and the conditions quickly turned back to more sedate paddling weather and everyone returned to the finish line under their own power.

A special thanks to our incredible sponsors. Hint Water and Kind Bars sat alongside the cornucopia of Fruit courtesy of the Fruit Guys. You can get the Fruit Guys to being fresh fruit to your office or home just hit them up on the web. After racing it was Mamie’s Pies and Three Twins ice cream putting the proverbial cherry on the day. These two local companies have supported us since the beginning. Please support the businesses that support our sport!

Paddle of the day goes to 12-year-old Ariel Bryant who won the short course outright and in doing so posted the fastest women’s ever time on the short course. Nice work Ariel! Honorable mention goes to the 4-person SUP Team of Michael Melville, Lori Drour, Jen Fuller, and Julie Stevens who paddled the long course on the Red Paddle Company Dragon Inflatable SUP Raceboard. The video below is 7 double surfski's lighting up the starting line. 

A special mention has to go out to Michael Hamilton who put on his rescue hat on to help a paddler in need. A paddler had a Surfski that would not stay upright in the rolling swell and Michael pulled his Epic V5 Surfski in to assist. He helped one cold paddler get back in the boat and back to safety. Thanks Michael.

Two other dates of note are our free swap meets. Our San Rafael Swap Meet is set for March 31^st

Thanks to everyone who paddled and braved the elements. We hope to see you at the next one – minus the hail of course.

Complete Photos & Starting Line Videos

Complete Results (Long - Doubles time as is, Boats minus 1 minutes, Sup minus 2 minutes. Short Course minus 7 minutes)