Stand Up Paddle Board Racing On Marin County's San Rafael Canal - Race #2 Full Report

We sure do try hard to pack in the fun down here at 101 Surf Sports and this past weekend was no exception. With our second paddling race set up for Saturday, the He'e Nalu Outrigger Canoe club moving in Sunday morning, and the official grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony with San Rafael Mayor Gary Phillips and Chamber of Commerce President Rick Wells on Sunday evening it was good times all around.

First up on Saturday was paddling race number two; Cinco de Mayo Style. With new sponsor Hint Waters onboard and Extreme Pizza San Rafael once again dialing us in to some tasty pies it was a race for the books. As the fleet rolled in to registration they were greeted by one of the lowest low tides of the year - a 'super moon' low tide. With a near vertical gangway the prudent move was to delay the action a bit and change up the course to match. After a quick skippers meeting the decision was made to run the piling 1 course for the long fleet as water levels would not be high enough to allow for the normal Marin Islands course.

As the bevy of Stand Up Paddleboards, Prone Boards, and a kayak (more kayaks racers needed!) racers took the water they were met with glorious blue skies, butter flat water, and 80 degree temperatures. Ahhhhhhh San Rafael! With a stiff 30 second over early penalty the running start seemed to be the way to go. As the starting signal fired off the 26 racers put paddles to the water as they made their way out San Rafael creek to the turning marks.

As the dust settled it was Charlie Banfield (pictured at left) surging to the front with Fred AndersEn in hot pursuit. AndersEn was putting in one of his best paddles of the year and despite being on a shorter 12'6" to Banfield's 14ft Stand Up Paddleboard he maintained striking distance as they neared the first mark. Over in the short course it was Ian Moody storming to the front. With a strong flood tide working against the racers on the way out it was going to take some extra effort to setrecords on the day. Bruce Albhom had his 12'6' Jimmy Lewis Slice dialed in to a nice rhythm and never lost contact with Moody putting up a 33.29 only a scant 24 seconds off Moody's race winning 33:05. Perhaps the most impressive performance of the day however was turned in by first time racer Kevin Katerndahl. Katerndahl is a product of the 101 Surf Sports Frequent Renter Program and looks to have paddling in the blood. His third place finish is a testament to what a little training will do. Karen Crockett took top honors for the women on the short course with a 40 minute and 20 second time with Marisa Wertheimer taking second not far behind. Arline Thomas took third in a time of 44:42.

Team Bluerush simply dominated the action on the short course for the Junior Racers with Shan Rathle bookending his race one win with yet another victory for the boys while Daphne James also of Team Bluerush winning the day for the girls.  Awesome paddling from the kids who had a few adults trailing in their wake!

Over in the long course action it was Banfield bringing it home in 1 hr and 25 seconds for a new course record and top position in the fleet. AndersEn's (pictured at left) paddle on the day was epic as evidenced by a 1 hour 1 minute and 8 second time also a new record for the 12'6" class.

Jen Fuller (pictured at right) won it for the ladies in an impressive display of what as bit of technique and training will do. Fuller was only 26 seconds behind the second place mens finisher. How? Like I said training and Jen can make you faster too! Fuller's SUP Training classes are legendary for improving performance. Her zone based approach to managing heart rate and tailoring the program to each individual student is producing some stellar results. More Information on that training here. Janet Walp took second for ladies on the long course.

The star of the day however was diversity. With Prone Paddleboards, Stand Paddle Race Boards, Stand Up Paddle Surf Boards, and even the Kayak of Bob Cooper on the line it was quite a spectacle to see the fleet racing down the canal.   

On the SUP Surfboard side of things we have to back up to Arline Thomas' and her third place overall on the short course impressing as she pushed her 10'10" Naish Alana at near race board pace. Perhaps even more impressive however was the effort turned in by Debbie Davis in winning the sub 10ft SUP Surfboard class - nice work Debbie! (pictured at left is Debbie Davis collecting her loot)

Thanks to all who paddled with some special thanks for event sponsors Hint Water and Extreme Pizza San Rafael. Remember to support the businesses that support our sport!

NEXT RACE - Saturday July 28th - 9:30am Start - Right here at 101 Surf Sports.

Complete Stand Up Paddleboard Results Click Here

Photo Gallery Click Here (Special Thanks to Jen Fuller for the Awards Photos) 

We'll get the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening article up soon!