MEC Big Chop final race, September 11

Last evening’s bright sunshine and warm temperatures provided fantastic conditions to end off the 2008 MEC Big Chop Summer Paddling Series…especially when we think back to all those ‘early’ season races that were provided with such cold weather. Was so cool that the final race of the season was so well attended too…sounds like there were 98 Big & Little Choppers on the water for the race. This boost in paddler numbers included surfkiers: Dion (aka Dr. Tyrone) was out in his Legend just back from Halifax where he won a silver medal in the 1000m junior K1 at Canadian Nationals, Graham (now one of the kings of dragon boat and OC) found his kayak paddle and was out to shake things up in Jonathan’s V10L and Katja was out in her Legend to challenge the surfski gals.

At the start Dion hit the front with Jeff (Evo) on his right slip until we caught the escort boat’s wake at which time I dropped back. Graham was off to the right out in undisturbed water looking comfortable with the pace. Soon their paths would converge to form the lead ‘pack’. As this was going on Shane (V10) was getting his big diesel engine up to speed and was on the charge to the join the leaders. Bob (V10) and Jeff formed the next group with John (Millenium), Brian (Evo) and Daryl (Fit) close behind. Bob was doing a great job of setting a speedy pace…I was doing my best to stay out of his way while he powered us along. Tonight’s course had us make a left turn at the red marker then head off to round an orange flag off of Kits Beach out near the yacht club then head back keeping the red and green markers on our left and continuing on to counterclockwise round an orange buoy off Second Beach, from here we headed back to do a left turn at the green marker for the run back to the start/finish line. Bob kept the pace high for most of the first half of the race, I think he was trying to test me after I mentioned to him before the race that I didn’t have much speed these days due to all of our Length of the Lake training. I wasn’t disappointed when he eased off the pace and started to chat. Bob was telling me about John, the fella in the red Fenn Millenium ski, apparently he is an uber fit multisporter who rides his bike at 50 km/h then bolts up the Grind in the low 30′s then rides home again…yikes…so when he figures out how to better paddle his ski he’s gonna be tough to beat. After rounding the orange buoy Bob mentioned that John was getting close to us so Bob picked up the pace again for a couple minutes. On the final run in to the finish I was on Bob’s left slip when a red surfski came into my field of view…”hey Bob, here comes John”…”hey Bob, there goes John” as he continued on paddling right past us with his head down and a serious look of determination on his face. I promptly moved onto John’s right slip while Bob stayed on his own. After about 10 seconds of this we were getting close enough to the finish so I picked up my pace in preparation for the sprint…John didn’t seem to be able to respond to the pace which is not surprising after the work he must’ve done to catch us. Bob matched me stroke for stroke as we neared the line where fortunately I had another gear that allowed me to sprint my Evo’s bow just ahead of Bob’s V10 as we crossed the line.

Apparently at the front Dion came 1st followed by Graham then Shane. Me, Bob and John were followed by Brian then Daryl. In the women’s race Katja took 1st followed by Carolyn (S1X) and Leo (Evo). Other surfskiers in the race included Darrell (Evo), a fella I don’t know who was paddling a blue Robberg Express and the father daughter team of Matt and Olivia in double Mako XT.

After the race the festivities moved to the Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. for some fine pizza and tasty beer. Hey, anyone figure out why we can buy a pitcher of Russel Cream Ale for under $18 almost everywhere except the Raven who insist on charging $23 for the same beer? As promised there were heeps of great prizes given away…with the high/lowlight of the evening being Gary’s winning of an Accent wing paddle only to later have his name pulled again this time for the Think Evo surfski…unfortunately he could only win once…bummer man!

Next races…

Tuesday September 16, last Deep Cove TNR of the season (party being planned for October 3)

Saturday September 20, Length of the Lake (Vernon to Penticton) see September 3rd post for more info

Saturday September 27, Lake Samish Salmon Roe (Bellingham) see September 8th post for more info