July 15 Deep Cove TNR
Posted by bckcrainbow on July 16, 2008
Another beautiful evening in Vancouver’s summer paradise…the sunny weather attracted a big crowd at this evening’s Tuesday Night Race. The course was a bit of a snoozer…round Hamber, Boulder and Grey Rocks…not sure how many times we’ve done this short 5.0 km route this season, seems like alot…but the many surfskis on hand made for fun and challenging racing. Off the start Rene/Brian launched their double Millenium into the lead with Gareth (Robberg Express) working hard to stay on their left slip. Jeff (Mako XT) just missed out on the ride…my muscles tied up just before I could settle on Gareth’s left slip, so I rest a few moments and dropped back onto the left slip of Chris’ Evo…he is really liking his new lightweight kevlar Evo. Just behind there was a big pack of racers who looked to be strung out in 2 long lines. There was little wind or current tonight and only the odd motorboat wake to shake things up a bit. Recovering after the start Chris and I tried to work together to close the gap on the leading boats but despite our effort neither of us could raise the pace enough to make much gains. Our efforts did help open a small gap to our pursuers…but that was only temporary. After passing through the narrow channel beside Hamber we proceeded to round Boulder…the leading trio had settled into a comfortable pace staying about 50 m ahead of us. After rounding Boulder Chris wanted to make another push to try to catch the leaders…my tired body wouldn’t respond when it was my turn to pull. We rounded Grey Rocks, taking care to avoid running over the open water swimmer, still behind the leaders and there was some new excitement brewing in behind. As we re-entered the main channel that would take us back to the cove a quick glance behind indicated the K2 crew of Kiran/Katja was coming on strong for the finish. Just after rounding the white 5 knot buoy at the cove’s entrance Kiran/Katja (Sagitta K2) pulled alongside Chris and myself. We were now heading directly into the sun making visibility a challenge so I could not see what happened at the front but apparently Gareth finished first ahead of Rene/Brian. Gareth always worries about the ethics of a single ski drafting a double ski for the entire race then challenging for line honours…I tell him to treat the double like any other boat…it is up to them to ‘let’ you draft them and take their chances at the finish…if they are not able to drop you off their wash then they should save enough energy to outsprint the single ski at the line…it’s all fun racing. In the final stretch there was a long sprint to the line by our pack of 3 boats with Kiran/Katja just edging out Chris. We were followed by a large group of skis that included: John (Millenium), Daryl (Legend), Martin (V10), Sean (V10 Sport) and a few others. There also looked to have been a close race between Jodi (V10) and Lina (Mako XT), these gals are continuing to get better and better at surfski racing.
On another note there were at least 2 surfskis, 2 double sea kayaks and 1 OC-1 with pfd-less paddlers at tonight’s race…would be nice if the TNR race organizers would clarify whether it is a requirement or a recommendation that race participants wear a PFD at these races. If it is only a recommendation I’m sure there are others of us who would welcome the freedom to make this choice for ourselves. If it is a rule put in for reasons of importance then perhaps it is time for the race organizers to stop turning a blind eye to those who break the rule…otherwise it sends a bad message to those of us who do comply with the wishes of the race organizers.
Note, the Robberg Express that won tonight’s race and the Mako XT that came in 5th are both for sale if anyone is interested.
The SurfskiBC Race Series standings have been updated to include the results from last weekend’s races at Gibsons. Here are the current series points leaders.
|
Overall Championship leaders |
Long Course Championship leaders |
Short Course Championship leaders |
| 1. Jeff 109 | 1. Jeff 55 | 1. Shane 82 |
| 2. Shane 92 | 2. John 52 | 2. Jonas 67 |
| 3. Ian 75 | 3. Ian 50 | 3. Jeff 54 |
| 4. John 73 | 4. Larry 49 | 4. Mike 36 |
| 5. Mike 70 | 5. Katja 45 | 5. Gareth 30 |
| 6. Jonas 67 | 5. Don K. 45 | 6. Ian 25 |
| 7. Katja 66 | 6. Ben 37 | 6. Paul 25 |
| 8. Larry 60 | 7. Mike 34 | 7. Bob 23 |
| 9. Paul 50 | 8. Shaun 28 | 8. Chris 22 |
| 10. Ben 46 | 9. Morris 27 | 8. Don C. 22 |
Bob said
I welcome any suggestions on course layout. Lately I have been receiving that some of the course are too long. The long course / short course option is OK, but novice paddlers like to compare themselves to some of the more experienced paddlers.
PFD: I think experienced paddlers should wear PFD’s all the time. I would like to see all participants in TNR wear PFD’s. Those choosing not to do so are setting bad examples. I will continue to pressure the offenders into wearing their jackets. I don’t think people should say,”because those guys aren’t wearing their jackets, I’m not wearing mine.”
Wearing a PFD should be habit. You will need your PFD when you least expect it and will be glad you have it.
You, should be wearing your jacket for the right reason. Shockingly, the people who were not wearing their jackets have been involved in serious close and more than close calls.
Bob
jodi said
All racers race together for a period of time, so there is always an oportunity to compare. I personaly like a variety each week. sometimes long sometimes short. It is two different races really, one is a sprint the other endurance. Both sculpt an all around racer in the end. I like sprint distances (under 5km), and I like to draw it out sometimes to see how long I can hold a steady strong effort. I think you are doing a great job Bob, and any all around athlete will like what you do also! Thanks so much for providing a great TNR!
Thanks also for the clairety on The PFD’S. We just need to know the rules! Perhaps a mention on proper drafting tactics would be good, like (“its OK to bump the boat you are drafting off of”)!! Sorry to anyone who is offended by that, but we are racing arn’t we?? fair enough to zig zag to try and drop someone, but is really about getting a scratch on your boat? I’m still learning here, and would love to know what is apropiate.
Jodi
Sean said
Bob,
I liked the course. I barely kept my lunch down.
Sean
gareth said
Wow,the Robberg Express is for sale…..and it won the race on tues!mmmm sounds like a good deal.
Hey jeff, I want to book a ride on your double for next years Bowen race – and I promise not to challenge you at the end!
surfskibc said
Hey, Gareth…deal…but only if you promise to challenge us at the end…if you dare!!!