Reprinted with permission from New England Surfski

Competitors at this year’s Ride the Bull Race didn’t have to contend with conditions as daunting as in some former years, but still had to negotiate a course with vexing tidal currents and confused waves from varied directions. Sixteen paddlers traveled to Jamestown, Rhode Island for the 10th running of this race – founded by Tim Dwyer and Wesley Echols with the express purpose of challenging racers’ rough waters skills. This year Wesley stepped down as director (with Tim stepping back in, joined by Greg Lesher), but the format remained the same. Paddlers would traverse an 8.8-mile course that would include two loops along the coast around a small rocky island and a couple of buoys (G7 and G11), followed by a final run out to G7 back to the finish.

This year’s field was particularly notable for the depth of out-of-town talent that made the trek, including four paddlers from New Jersey (Sean Brennan, Rob Jehn, Eric Costanzo, and Anthony Colasurdo), two from central/western New York (Ed Joy and John Hair), and one from Tennessee (Bruce Poacher). Five of the top six spots would ultimately be claimed by these visitors. Although Ed Joy had three Ride the Bull crowns, including the past two, Sean Brennan was the clear favorite given how dominant he has been in his infrequent New England appearances over the past few years. The battle for second overall would likely be contended by Ed, Rob (winner of the last three area races), Greg, Anthony and the double of Bruce & Eric. On the women’s side, Mary Beth Gangloff was shooting for her sixth title at this race.

As expected, Sean burst out of the start in West Cove with an early lead, which he’d continue to extend throughout. A pursuit group consisting of Bruce & Eric, Ed, and Rob soon separated itself from the rest of the field. Anthony and Sam Duffield also got off to strong starts, but were overtaken before Mackerel Cove by Greg. Sam would ultimately drop back a couple of more places as Tim and Forrest Horton eventually passed him, but the basic order of the race was set early during this first lap.

As the race progressed, the three-boat chase group stayed within a few lengths of each other, while the next four paddlers behind them fell increasingly back – each paddling on his own. Behind them, Sam, Bruce Deltorchio, and Jerry Madore would stay in contact with another one, ultimately finishing in that order after a strong push by Sam. Nearer to the front, Rob and Ed would separate from the double by the end of the second lap. Sean took the win with a new course record time of 1:11:56. The battle for second place came down to the wire, with Rob edging out Ed at the line with a time of 1:15:51. Bruce & Eric came in just over a minute later for 4th overall.