The Essex River Race is one of the best attended races in the Northeast because of the distance of 5.72 mile is doable by the casual paddler as well as the experienced racer. All classes were filled out from the rowers, to the stand up paddle boards, to the surf ski class with the exception of the SS20 plus class put in place a few years ago to accommodate more paddlers.
Surfskis
While the course is virtually a flat water course, the third flat water course in the SurfskiRacing.com Series, tactics and the weather are not to be taken for granted. I planned on racing my Mohican which I have done before but at the last moment I switched it out to another ski thinking if the forecast picked up, the chop would be more manageable in one of my other skis. Turns out, it was FLAT! Nevertheless, most of us were FLAT out racing against another very competitive field. I looked back at my previous times and this was my 3rd fastest time so with no wind and an outgoing tide it was a pretty fast course today.
Beata and Chris warming up.
Borys was not messing around today and finished four minutes ahead of Greg, who also came with his game face on. Greg placed second easily with no one to challenge him. The remaining field that broke up into packs after a mile, was racing at its best. I was determined to get out to a very good start which I did with only Borys, Francisco, Chris Laughlin, Andrius, ahead of me. After taking Ken’s suggestion, I moved over to a better position ready to take the first turn of the course within 50 yards of the start line. Last year I got off the line a few places back and had to stop paddling for two strokes so I would not collide with another ski as we all bunched up around the turn. So out of the gate quickly, I was on Francisco’s wash but knew he would fade soon. I quickly focused on Chris Laughlin who was soon out of focus as he reeled in Andrius. These two formed the first pack that stayed together the entire race until Andrius out sprinted Chris for a podium position. I first met Chris a number of years ago at this race where he paddled an Epic Endurance and posted a time that beat most of the surf skis.
Wesley and Chris Laughlin
The second pack was made up of myself, pulling for the first 3.25 miles, then Chris Chappell, Mike McDonough, Bruce D, and Beata. At mile one, taking a double take and almost falling out of my ski to see who was closing the gap to my left. I thought it was Tim Dwyer but instead it turned out to be Bruce in his V10 sport having the best race of his life. Normally we don’t see Bruce at this end of the race, so his training has improved 500% since last year. After we rounded the island, I was beginning to show signs of wear with this pack starting to overtake me. So I gladly let Chris pulled for a few minutes while my heart rate dropped a few beats. Chris dropped off some and I quickly had to make a decision to get on Bruce’s wash to my left or Mike’s wash who was now slightly ahead of me. So Mike was my choice which proved to be the right choice.
More Pics below.
https://plus.google.com/photos/111670948231605580163/albums/6012715940187267793
Mike and I have had some great finishes over the years; Sakonnet River Race a few years back, the 2013 L2L where I finished seconds ahead, another Essex River race where we were both weeded up, the Nahant Race(Mike’s Race) where I was ejected from my ski after hitting a rock. Today would be no different except normally I can manage a few words to Mike while paddling but not today. My heart rate was 3 beats higher on average than normal, so all I could do was stay in the sweet spot of Mike’s ski. Mike tried to shake me a few times but “We Came To Play” as the Tower of Power song goes. I was bidding my time until the half mile mark to make my move. Luckily both Mike and I chose to cut the tangent of the second to last bend while Bruce and Beata did not. We gained a few boat lengths here while amping up the pace. Mike matched my intensity while we both felt the presence of Beata who decided now was the time to give up the wash riding on Bruce and make her move. In the last bend before the finish line Mike and I sprinted towards the tiny orange flag that marked the finish line. My boat was a mere two feet ahead of Mike’s bow. Another great finish to a hard race. Just after the finish line, Borys waiting on Beata, commented on how red my face was. I responded, “working hard”. I guess my Game Face is my Red Face!
Mike cooling down after our race.
Ed, Bruce, Beata, Matt
The next group was less than a minute behind made up of Chris who was out ahead of Tim Dwyer, Kirk Olson, Tim H and Ken Cooper. With a mile to go Tim Dwyer made big push and was able to overtake everyone except Chris. In the SS20 class Bob Capellini was able to post a victory over long time favorite Dana Gaines. Another long time favorite of ours is Bill Baker. Bill was unable to attend the race due to surgery but we want him to know we were all thinking of him today and wish him the best in his recovery. We want to see Bill back on the water and at the race next year. Thanks to the Cape Ann Rowing Club for putting on a great race again and to Vaikobi for sponsoring the SurfskiRacing.com Race Series.
All of us thinking of Bill Baker.Get well Bill! We Miss You!
Bob and Dana
So for the next race we turn our attention to the open water on the mighty Sakonnet River, 12 miles of paddling bliss, my home turf. Looking forward to seeing everyone on the beach at McCorrie Point, June 7th.
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