The sun shone brightly for our Flat Water race day and we were joined by 6 keen competitors from Canberra, who really showed their talents throughout the races. Over 25 keen paddlers turned up ready to race the short course, the long course, technical grudge match – using inflatable race boards loaned to the club by Hobie, and a paddling clinic run by Mel from Jervis Bay Stand up Paddle.
Race results were:
Short course –
Mens: 1st Jon Bell, 2nd Lincoln Gibson, 3rd, Greg Cockerill (All the Canberians!)
Womens: 1st Lisa Cross, 2nd Maddy Rayner, 3rd Helen Mills
Long course –
Mens: 1st Lincoln Gibson, 2nd Greg Cockerill, 3rd Jon Bell
Womens: 1st Lisa Cross (2nd overall), 2nd Rhonda Federuci, 3rd Helen Mills
It was surprising the Canberra guys managed to come in 1st, 2nd and 3rd as they were all distracted by playful dolphins at the turn around point (something they don’t usually see on Lake Burley Griffin)!
Technical Grudge Match;
Mens: 1st Nathan Cross, who managed to hold off Club President Jason McManus in 2nd place and 3rd Jon Bell. A big thank you to Gordon and the team at Hobie for loaning the Club 5 inflatable race boards to use on the day. Most club members had not stood on an inflatable board before, but performed admirably when racing on one!
Womens: 1st Mel McManus, 2nd Lisa Cross, 3rd Toni Smith
Melissa McManus from Jervis Bay Stand Up Paddle then gave a very interesting and informative clinic on paddling technique and I’m sure we will see members spending time on the water just trying to work on some of the great tips given by Mel. Thanks very much Mel!
Special mentions to senior club member, Hans for completing the long course (over 3km!) before he heads off on his travels and to the girls Rhonda and Ora for also completing the long course and having a go in every event (after their “almost” encounter with a humpback whale at Plantation Point the week before). The Cross family had 3 members racing on the day, the Betts family 2 and finally Boothie got to an event! The club also welcomed two new members. Thanks to the guys from Canberra for participating – and taking home most of the prizes.
A big thanks to Gordon and the team at Hobie and also to Melissa.