Snowy Mountains Frame Sun Dappled Skies At Paddle Race #3

With snow-capped East Bay mountains setting the backdrop it was one race that defined a person’s character just by showing up. Show up they did, and rewarded they were.(Pictured Kevin Finn bringing home first place on the short course)

The theme for 2019’s Paddle Race Season has been “Windows”. Weather windows that is and we were blessed once again with a fine one for Race #3. With snow literally just a few miles off in the distance we were lucky to have a small spot of sunlight warming us up at Westpoint Harbor.(pictured below Emily Mathews)

Sandwiched between storm clouds to the North and a building South Wind we were just able to get of racing in a near perfect little window. The Long Course race featured a bit of the aforementioned building winds on the outside legs of the course that are more exposed to San Francisco Bay. The incoming tide was a bit of a double-edged sword helping pull the paddlers home but also adding extra ‘texture’ to the wind chop. 

Once back, thought it once again flattened out and we saw some pretty fast times turned in. Matty Yonder took it upon himself to introduce the “medium” course and set a new course record doing it. What’s an extra buoy paddled amongst friends? Video below is of the SUP Start Video on Bike Cam. 

Today was National Pizza Day. No joke. So, Pizza it was for lunch with White Chocolate Chip Cookies chasers. Quinoa Salad for the healthier fare was matched up with some fruit. Have to say though the fruit was not nearly as good as the fruit we get from the Fruit Guys in our San Rafael races.

We let the group know about a couple special up coming events. As part of the Santa Cruz Paddlefest there will be the first ever SUP Film Festival. Monte Rio Theater in Santa Cruz on March 30th. Good times for a good cause. More Information on the Santa Cruz SUP Film Festival. 

Also, you only have 106 days left to get ready for the California River Quest. With 25, 50, 75, and 100-mile courses there is something for the adventurer in everyone. More information on the California River Quest. 

Special thanks to event Sponsors Hint Water and Kind Bars for once again providing the healthy hydration and the need protein to get every one on the water and ready for action. Thanks to everyone who raced. We are proud to have such gamers in our community that will take up the challenge mother nature can wield. Or you have a screw loose. Either way thanks!

We have 2 more races left in the season so make your plans now and we will see you on the water.

March 2nd San Rafael Paddle Race  

We also have a Surfski Clinic for both beginners and intermediates in San Rafael on March 3rd. 

Free Swap Meet San Rafael – Saturday April 6th.More Information

Photo Gallery and Link To Personal Finish Videos

Complete Results