What started out as an easy training paddle with my goal to keep my HR around 130 ended up being quite different.  The Beavertail conditions were simply perfect for winter paddling, no wind, visibility 10 miles, and temps in the upper 30’s. With a known penchant for buying skis, especially ones at a great bargain, I launched my newly purchased 21 pound carbon Evo at Bay Voyage Inn.  The mile and half down to House on the Rocks was at a steady pace but nothing out of the ordinary.  As I passed a few fisherman headed toward the Beavertail Can, I noticed with 2 miles to go, my pace was picking up considerably without too much effort.  Then as I increased the tempo,  I was ZOOMING!!  My last 2 miles to the Beavertail Can was the fastest I have ever paddled in the ocean for that span of time and paddling only at 75% heart rate.  So what gives?  I caught the last of the outgoing tide on a full moon and a lunar eclipse.   My GPS track shows my route out to the can.  I did the 5.06 mile in 39.07 minutes with the last mile at a whopping 8.7 mph.  Winter paddling, you got to love it!!

 

http://connect.garmin.com/activity/134011689#.TuURyDDM_m0.email

My Bargain Evo

 

 

Newport Bridge