I went to a race on Saturday . . .

[Bill Huson]

About 50 racers, no ambulance on site, which is understandable since max speed on these vessels is about 4 mph. It was a Stand Up Paddleboard race. PFD required to be on board, but actually wearing it was optional. 10K (2 laps) blasted off first followed shortly thereafter by the 5K (one lap) pack. The paddlers didn't eaxactly churn up the water of the Neuse river, and save for shouts of encouragement from the crowd of spectators they moved rather quietly. No porkers out there - apparently SUPers get a lot of exercise. All classes and divisions raced together. Surfboard class (Shorter boards), 12'6", 14', male & female. Entry fees: $40 for 5K and $50 for 10K. Kids raced a 1/4 mile sprint for free on identical loaner boards and paddles from the SUP shop in town.


Anyhow, it was a kinda fun day and my Darling Daughter Pam in her first event took 1st place female 14' class short course!

Photos: #1 short course start. #2 Pam moving thru the pack on the SUP I built for her - 3mm ply & epoxy. #3 Pam posing w/1st place awards. Note the poster of race sponsors . . .

[Check-book]

It figures...........

Congrats, Pam. I see you have your daddy's genes. Ist place rocks, no matter what the sport!

Pat

[ian]

You know, with an 80 on the back, those things would be much faster.

[Bill Huson]

Stitch one together and give it a go with an 80, Ian. CLC sez it will handle 280 lbs - you & 80 should make the cut. Board weighs 40 lbs. Yeah - FAST!

[Bill Huson]

Another interesting thing - timing and scoring was farmed out. Scoring crew arrived with digital clock etc etc. . . Way cool. Next year they are going to "chip" the boats for automatic timing trip.

[KURPS]

No Hydros?