Snow Row-Season Kicks Off!

This year’s Snow Row was rescheduled three weeks later due to the harsh winter we had in New England. Driving past Hingham Harbor most of us were wondering if the course would be open and free of ice. Thankfully it was, with only some residual ice blocks to navigate. Although it was snowing, the winds were absent making it a pleasant Snow Row for most racers. The start was also less chaotic at the start line.

Matt and Bob post race

Big boats lining up!

Our heat made up of single rowing shells, kayaks, and surf skis is always the last to go. Unlike most years where the gun goes off 90 seconds after the third wave, this year we had 3 minutes to line up. With no wind, we were able to line up as a group which is quite the contrast to most years. Also having a 3 minute gap, most of us did not catch all the row boats until the 1.5 mile island turn.

2015 Snow Row Results

I got off to a good start in my new 2015 Stellar SR that I reviewed on this site a month ago, however, this was my first race in it. Tim H lined up next to me and rode my wash for a few minutes before red lining, with Tim D positioned behind him. After a few minutes, Greg passed me as you can see in my Video below. For some reason my video did not capture the first few minutes of the race. I followed Greg’s line around the shallows of the island making sure I cleared the row boats close to me while not running aground. At some point around the island Tim D passed Tim H and that was the order of the race finish: Greg 1st, me 2nd, Tim D 3rd, Tim H 4th, Bob W 5th. The Rhode Island contingent did well taking places 2-5. A new surf skier joined our ranks, Hank from Maine so we hope to see Hank at more of the races.

Top three finishers

The was the first race of the SurfskiRacing.com Races series that consist of more races this year. I added Rose Island Race in Newport, RI and the New Jersey Downwind Race in Allenhurst, NJ. So this year we have 12 excellent races from flat water to open ocean, from 3.5 miles to 20 miles. You must participate in 7 of the 12 races to qualify for the series which is sponsored by Stellar Kayaks and Surf Skis.

New Stellar SR. Stellar is new sponsor for this series including the top races in North America.

Last year top places went to Borys, Greg, Andrius, myself, and Eric Costanzo in that order. Click on the Series Tab at the top of the page to see all the past results. With Borys moving to Hawaii, this will leave the top spot wide open. The next race is 10.5 mile flat water race, the Narrow River Race on April 4th. The race season is finally here and that means warmer weather will be arriving soon. Yahoo!