Records Fall Like Dominoes At Winter Paddle Race That Feels Like Spring Paddle Race

A crisp, brisk, morning air greeted the fleet of anxious paddlers as they arrived for our second of the last race of the year. By race time however, the temps had soared to spring like levels with blue skies and and nary a zephyr of wind about. Now you know why we hold our races in the winter.

And if you haven’t heard us on the soap box before we’ll climb up there one more time because “Paddling is better in the winter!”. If you don’t believe us we have 60+ racers who will vouch for us. Video below is the start of the long course boats - those guys are fast!

The day started with an impassioned plea to make sure all your gear has your phone number and name on it. The US Coast Guard can wind up spending precious time and tax payer dollars looking for you when you simply dropped your paddle in the water. Writing your name helps them determine whether a real rescue needs to be undertaken. Following this advice may also help you get your stuff back when you lose it somewhere so please write your name and number on your stuff!

This is the second to last race in our winter series with our March 7^th race wrapping up our 8^th year of continuous racing so if you missed todays action sign up here for the next one. (pictured below the SUP fleet in pursuit of the boats)

While we do get some elite athletes here our racing is more about beating up on yourself. We call it PBR. No not that PBR but - Personal Best Racing. Just coming out being on the water and doing the best you can is the only measuring stick that matters. And yes we do enjoy a cold PBR after racing too. With that said we had quite a few records on the day with Jen Quinn and Jonathan Slushee setting the new Co-ed OC2 record on the long course. Jay Wild set a new benchmark on the OC1 and Jack Charlesworth setting the new SUP 12'6 Junior record on the short course. Dave Hook beat the OC1 Record for the masters on t short course while Mike McCoy set the masters record on the Surfski short course. Jasper Caddell also broke the record for juniors on the long course surfski and is now just 3 seconds short of Carter Johnson's overall record. And finally by a scant 3 second margin Johnny Eason set the record for the long course SUP Surf class.See those records here.

We were lucky to have Olympian Andy Toro (pictured below with the River Town Racers) on hand to sign copies of his new book detailing his defection from Hungary and subsequent Olympic Journey. Having the Rivertown kids here to be part of the celebration made for a special day for all. Interested in getting a copy of Andy's book "Chronicles of an Olymic Defector" you can grab a copy of Andy's book here. 

Special thanks to the San Rafael Police Boat and officer Mark Heedon for being on the water and watching everyone’s back.Mark also sprinted to our starting line to move a derelict houseboat that as blocking our starting line. Thanks Mark! Also a big thanks to Hint Water for all the great hydration. Hint has been with us from the beginning so if your going to drop $4 on a bottle of water at the airport make it HINT!!

Thanks to everyone who raced and we look forward to seeing you at the next one. Specifially that is March 7th here in San Rafael. 

Photo / Video Gallery Click Here 

Upcoming Events

Thursday Feb 13th - Free Seminar On Fins - More Information
Saturday Feb 15th - Free Crissy Field Group Paddle - More Information
Sunday Feb 16th - Wavechaser Race Fort Baker - More Information
Sunday Feb 23rd - Cow Patty Pageant - More Information
Thursday Feb 27th - Free Foiling SemiGnar with Cort Larned - More Information
Saturday Feb 29th - Learn To Surf Kayak - More Information
Saturday March 7th - Paddle Race San Rafael - More Information
Sunday March 8th - Crissy Field Group Paddle - More information
Thursday Mar 12th - Free Pain Free Paddling Seminar w/ Kelly Starrett - More Information
Saturday March 14th - Wavechaser Benicia Race - More Information
Thursday March 26th - Free Surfski Seminar - More Information
Sunday March 29th - Surfski Clinic San Rafael - More Information 
Sunday April 5th - Crissy Field Group Paddle - More Information
SANTA CRUZ PADDLEFEST - March 26-29 - More Information 
CALIFORNIA RIVER QUEST - Memorial Day Weekend  -More Information 

Complete Results