galeforceevents - RACE REPORTS

HOME

DOWNWIND DASH

RACE REPORTS

2008-11-12

Wind SE 40km/hr
Swell= Small
Tide=Low

Paddlers=19

So after all the noise that the SE wind was make it almost disappeared in Table Bay for a few critical hours. The surf had been blown flat. The sea was pelted flat by the rain and all that was left were 19 paddlers standing on the beach wondering what went wrong.

3 PB's were still posted. Two being out of towner's, Steve and Christie and then our local gal Bianca.

The single start went off without a hitch. Only two paddlers picked up that I had no ski on the beach yet was all dressed for success. I opted instead for an early foaming Jamaican refreshment at the finish.

"Dances with Waves" was handed to out of towner Christie who's "high side" goof looked like he was diving off his ski trying to catch a penguin.

Mark Gevers being the competitive man he is opted for the Small Bay portage as he swears its much quicker than going around but was pipped by Marais who followed him blindly not having been at the race briefing.

2008-11-06

Wind W 5km/hr
Swell= Small
Tide= Medium

Paddlers=27

Distance 6.9km

Last nights DWD took place at Big Bay due to a lack of SE wind. A very light Westerly was blowing which left the sea quite lumpy once past the rocks.

2008-11-06

The route was similar to last week but a little shorter so more time could be spend around the braai while enjoying various golden coloured liquid refreshments as the fireworks shattered the peace and send cats and poodles alike running for fear of their lives.

I digress...

The normally punctual start was a little delayed while we waited for a very late Dominique to sprint down the beach and join the line up. At the start whistle Nic showed us all how to start a ski race. On a spec ski he put a boat length on everyone in the first few seconds and held it till the rocks.

Once past the rocks, heading West, the sea was very choppy. Ski's rising up and getting airborne, then slamming down and nose diving through the next crest. This was done for about 15 minutes before turning around the Duck.

Tallon & Graeme (25:06) were first to the Duck in a double. The downwind leg was sweet. Chop to work with from the left and right and the swell from behind the run into the surf mark at the start was over far to quickly.

From the surf mark it was around Carmers rocks – then Bird Island and back to surf mark. Those that were brave/stupid enough cut all the corners to gain those few seconds advantage. The final legs was through Small Bay and around the outside rocks and into Big Bay to the finish. With the tide being about mid way and coming to neaps there was not a lot of water which made the short cuts just that more interesting.

Prize throwing was held outside around the heat of the braai. “Dances with Waves” was given to Nic for his “hop out” at the rocks after his stylish start.

Thanks to Quiver who gave us a few prizes and gave us a demonstration of their new PFD.