Windy Day Blows No One Away At San Rafael Paddle Race

The hardest thing we do at our races is choose the course. Every day is a different and with a safety first mantra the weather is what keeps us up at night. (pictured the long course start)

As the day dawned the situation was near ideal with warmer than normal temperatures and nary a zephyr blowing over the water. The forecast however was for a 10-20mph building NorWester so it was with trepidation we made the call to send them on our long course to the Marin Islands. Of course as soon as they peeled off the starting line the wind kicked up and so did our anxiety levels. (The Stand Up Paddleboard fleet takes off from the starting line)

Lucky for us it was a hearty crew that showed up to race and actually impressed the heck out of us with their perseverance. Given the conditions no records were set on the day but some close calls were had. The race of the day was the battle between Lizzie Polgreen and Kasen Taylor. The two surfski paddlers were battling to the end with Kasen taking the line honors but the nose of his Epic Surf Ski. (the video below is the start of the long course)

The paddle of the day has to go to Team Staninec (pictured below). Seasoned paddler Mike Staninec had 2 kids racing with him. And when we say kids we mean it. 9 years old and paddling surfski already. Nice. What makes Mike's effort all the more impressive is these kids sit behind him where he can't even see them! If anything captures the spirit we are trying to build on at our races this is it.

Thanks to everyone who raced and we hope to see you at the next one. 

Upcoming Races

Sat Jan 18th - Lake Natoma Sacramento Bob Hanna Classic - More Information

Sat Jan 25th - Wave Chaser Half Moon Bay - More Information

Sat February 11th - 101 Surf Sports Paddle Race San Rafael - More Information

March 28th - Santa Cruz Paddlefest - More Information

PHOTO & VIDEO GALLERY

Complete Results. (Long Course SUP Minus 1 minute from your time, Short Course Minus 6 minutes)