Category Archives: Paddleboard

Malibu Downwinder 2014

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malibu

Malibu Downwinder 2014 was an absolute blast.  Perhaps it was because it was my first PB race for the season or glad to be back on Herbie since the shoulder injury, but it was a great day.  10-12 knot winds, a sizable number of fast prone and SUP paddlers, and a killer after-party made this a great race.

My performance was a respectable 1:39 for just under 8 miles, but it was the battle with four other Stock and 14′ prone guys that really had me smiling.  For miles we surfed down bumps past one another, hooting encouragement when someone picked up a runner or came off their board, and laughed at dumb jokes when someone found a little energy to be a comedian.

The finish came down to a final gamble in the last mile — go outside and avoid the kelp or go inside and hope that you could pick your way around the speed- and energy-sapping beds of sea lettuce.  Neck and neck with the other misery sticks, I decided to follow a few SUPs inside, figuring that they had better visibility on the best line.  The choice paid off.  I was able to hold off the lone prone that followed me in and the other two guys just got netted and lost multiple minutes into the finish.  All-in-all, the shoulder held up pretty well, which was also a great feeling.

The racers enjoyed the rest of the afternoon eating good BBQ, enjoying a few beers, and picking up a few wins on the raffle (I won new set of shades and a nice shirt).  Thanks again to Gary Fortune for a great event, as well as all of the volunteers, sponsors, and participants who made it happen.  Definitely coming back next year!

Free Candy

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Not sure why it is so hard to not make a creepy Easter Bunny outfit, but, well, apparently it is.  A windy paddle to the sticks makes weird bunnies, crazy family get-togethers, and that extra slice of pie all go away.

MDR Harbor Clean Up Day

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It wasn’t a race, and we were the only “prone” paddlers in the event, but this weekends MDR Poker Paddle and harbor clean up was a really fun little event.  Took Daniel and his buddy Jack down to collect a poker hand at five different stations around the bay, along the way grabbing plastic crap that folks mindlessly toss into the water, and we had a blast.

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The course was a respectable 3.5 miles and we collected a fairly strong hand (a pair of Jacks and a pair of Queens, Ace high).  It was not to be, however, as someone came in holding four 8s.  We did manage to win “Best Family Effort,” as my day was mostly spent pushing the kids forward like a tug.  Lots of fun and good cause.  Can’t wait for the next one.

Island 2 Island Waterman Relay (Race Recap)

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1st Place, Unlimited.  Done.  Thank you.

Kidding.  This year’s I2I Waterman Challenge was picture perfect — teammates, race support, hospitality, weather…all of it, perfect.  We pushed hard, getting faster over the roughly six and a half hours on the water, and saw breakout performances from both Pete and Bernie (the latter who got sick at least two times right before jumping into the water for her next leg).

I had several epic 20-minute sections, wind at my back, blue water, racing down the face of waves and laughing the entire time.  Of course, the best part of the race was the finish, which was handled with aplomb by Bernie.  Taking the final leg to the finish, Bernie chose an inside ‘local’ line and hammered past a strong SUP team who was surprised to see us come out of nowhere (at one point we were almost 1.5 miles behind them).

In true I2I fashion, we celebrated late into the evening, rose early, and played the rest of the day with fellow paddlers and our Two Harbors friends.

Next year…well, next year we’ll find a way to do it again as it has become one of my favorite races.

Group Bern Out Picture

A special thanks to Mark Urkov, at Urkov Charters, for his expertise as a captain, his motivation, and his skills around a video camera.  Always above and beyond the call, Mark; your video recap of the race is perfect.

Team Bern-Out Collage

2013 I2I Map 2013 I2I Data

 

I2I Waterman Relay

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Island to Island Waterman Relay race time!  I’ve got an amazing and eclectic paddling team assembled (dubbed Team Bern-Out), calling in good weather for this painful 32-mile relay, and ready to get my luau on with friends and family.  Santa Barbara Island to Catalina Isthmus…let’s do this.  Race prep and photos to follow.

Team Bern-Out CollageEightIslands2

Edit: two quick details, because ‘inquiring minds want to know.’  The team name, “Team Bern-Out” showcases Bernadette Foote, who, being our youngest paddler, is going to carry us old guys through the rough moments (and sections) of the race.  As for the discrepancy in mileage on the image, ‘dirt creatures’ should know that it is actually 28 nautical miles, which translates into roughly 32 miles of deep, blue water.  Critter-country here we come!