Nahant Race by Wesley Echols

Hard to believe there could be three articles on a nine mile flat water ocean race.However, everyone is racing someone whether you are up front, mid pack or bringing up the rear. Greg gave you the upfront version, below is my mid pack version, and Tim wrote about his rookie experience.  About five years ago, I was soundly in the mid pack at most races, then through training, and proper boat selection for my skill level, namely the SES’s and SEL’s, I moved up a few spots putting me solidly in the top 10 for almost any race in New England. This year with more paddlers joining the surf ski ranks, and those who increased their training load this year like Greg, Ken, and Matt, I have fell back a few positions finding myself in the upper mid pack. Not a place, I tend to stay in for next year. I already have sketched out my training plan have begun to try some new boats trying to find an edge.

Nahant Bay facing Boston

Nahant Bay, Egg Rock in background

Andruis in his 560 Nelo ski

 So I was very excited to go to the Nahant Race not only to race, but to also try the Uno Max. Not sure what excited me more, racing or the possibility of a new ski. I have been lusting after an Uno Max since it came out a few years ago. Chris Laughlin  of www.northcoastkayaks.com arranged with Bruce Deltorchio to pick up the Max and bring it to the race. I tried it for a few minutes before the race and knew after one minute, I was going to take it home. We know that training, technique, and stability are the key to success. However, boat selection is important taking into account stability, weight, and FIT. It probably matter less for me since my balance in top end skis has dramatically improved over the years with some serious bucket time.  Nevertheless, I enjoy a wide selection of skis.  So for next year I am contemplating  the Hawx that I plan on racing at the L2L, my proven fleet of Stellars or my newly purchased Uno Max to propel forward on the leader board.  All fine choices of skis, however, the real key will be weight loss, and a more comprehensive off season training plan beginning in October.  So for this race, I had my SES Ultra weighing in at 22lbs, and me at 179lbs, to heavy for optimal racing.

Wesley with Uno Max and Eric Constanzo asking “Does Wesley Need another ski?”

At the start, I found myself behind Tim in his V14 that he was giving a go for the first time in a race. He was locked on to Beata, who was locked on to Francisco. We maintained the train until we rounded the can at mile four. At this point the train derailed and we were all on different lines. Tim was far to the left trailing Francisco by a few boat lenghts while I lost about 20 seconds coming of the train. I manage to catch Beata and pass her while trying to maintain contact with Tim. I was staying reasonably close until the WEED monster of Nahant Bay reached out and grabbed me. He has grabbed me and others often over the years. There is a weed bed just to the right of Egg Rock that is always waiting for us at this race, always!! I was protected by a weed guard but had to stop forward momentum and back up to shed the weeds. I knew then I lost contact with Tim and Francisco and would not be able to gain it back.  Tim made up some ground on Francisco despite turning his v14 90 degrees to avoid the waves of a fishing boat that Francisco timed beautifully to pass just in front of, leaving Tim, headed in the wrong direction. Tim put the power down and was again hot on the heels of Francisco in his trustworthy Steller SE that I sold him four years ago. 

Greg,Borys, Eric M.(top 3)

I failed to mention that Matt Drayer was ahead of me by twenty yards from the turn can to the finish. Matt must have sensed I needed him to spot me a minute so he capsized for no apparent reason other than looking behind to see who was approaching.  I passed him at this moment, while Beata asked him if he was okay.  What lead I had on Matt I gave back to him once the Weed Monster grabbed me.  Beata was not having her best race and was always behind me, sometimes close, sometimes not so close. I knew not to let up with Beata behind me. She is a fearless finisher, so I increased my pace from the second rock turn at mile 8 hoping Matt would fade but that was wishful thinking. I did take a wide berth of the rocks headed toward the final stretch remembering last year when I was literally ejected from my boat.

Francisco, Greg,Tim,Wesley

Once I was 20 yards from the beach, I unhooked both my paddle leash and my hydro clip wanting a clean exit from my ski to run the 15 yards up the beach to the finish line. I did exit cleanly but perhaps a few yards prematurely since I was in knee high water. It did not seem to matter. Jan was waiting for me on the beach, deciding to take a break before crossing the finish line. I can remember distinctly saying, if he is going to wait, great for me, has does not know I once clocked a 5.09 mile back in the day. I guess Jan was a pretty good runner back in the day also,because with Usain Bolt explosiveness, he matched me stride for stride until we crossed in a photo finish tie. I guess Jan just needed some comradarie after a frustrating day with the Weed Monster of Nahant Bay.  

Race is ON!! Photo G.Rockett

Eric C. making the trip from NJ

Thanks to Carol and Mike McDonough for another great race. They even had my favorite foods among a wide assortment for everyone’s taste, turkey sandwich, coke, and cookies. That’s all I need to cap off a fun day racing and thinking about yet another ski on the the roof of my car to put through the paces.  

Mike McDonough at Finish

After  a blistering race schedule, I am ready for a few weeks of training and non racing, before the HUGE L2L race on Saturday, September 7th. See everyone there!!!!!!

PS: I paddled the V14 for a few minutes today(Sunday Aug 25) while Tim paddled my Uno Max for the same few minutes. My reviews are coming on the Uno Max, Huki S1-XL and an update on my lighter version of the Hawx.