This year we had the smallest turnout for paddlers than in previous years but the event itself was the largest ever(over 2300) according to Dick Dreissigacker co-founder/owner of Concept 2 and the sponsor of the event. Nevertheless, Roger Gocking, Greg Lesher, and Mary Beth Gangloff all had Personal Records. Roger, a long time paddler who has won many races in his class and has beat many surf ski paddlers including myself in his racing kayak. Roger if I am not mistaken, now holds the USA record for his age group including the Lightweight Division(165 or less) and the Heavy Weight Division(over 165). Roger came within .3 (three tenths of a second of tying the Lightweight, Age 70-74, World Record. That is a phenomenal feat. Click on the link below to see Roger with his winning Hammer!
www.crash-b.org/past-regattas/2015-results/
Rogers time of 7:08.5 is world class not only for his age group and his weight division but also is to be envied among much younger rowers who dream of pulling a 7:08.5. Hopefully next year Roger trains hard, brings a coxswain to “erg” him on, can break that world record. I think he can do it. Greg Lesher who trains harder than anyone I know, pulled a whopping 6.26, that placed him 12th of 78 in his heat and beat his 2014 time of 6:31.4. Mary Beth had the best improvement from last year besting her last year’s time of 8.21 to a PR of 8:13.3. My time of 7.25.5 was my realistic goal and only 3 seconds off my usual 7.21 that I have maintained over the past few years.
Next year I hope my son will join me for this great event. I encourage everyone to erg train for paddling. It is a whole body workout, that is intense as anything you will do. It is a cardio/strength/mental workout like no other.
Replay of my Heat on the Display Board
http://www.concept2.com/replays/world-irc/2015/CHeat08
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.