On Downwinding: You’re Not Surfing
Most paddlers learn to think about downwind paddling in terms of waves. You catch a wave, you ride the wave, and you look for the next wave. Wash, rinse, repeat. That model works well enough [...]
On Training: Stress and Adaptation
Nothing in training happens without stress. In the absence of a stressor, our system remains exactly as it is. But stress alone is not improvement, and in an ocean environment, misunderstanding that difference is one [...]
On Racing: Starting Right
Most races are decided long before the first buoy or the first run. They begin in the final minutes before the start, when paddlers are already spending physical, mental, and emotional energy, whether they realize [...]
Blackburn Challenge to host 2026 National Championships
The American Canoe Association has selected the Cape Ann Rowing Club's Blackburn Challenge as the host venue for the 2026 USA Canoe Ocean Racing National Championships, placing one of America’s most iconic open-water races at [...]
USA Surfski Paddlers @ 2025 ICF COR World Championships
The 2025 ICF Canoe Ocean Racing (COR) World Championships were held in Durban, South Africa this past October. Worlds is the pinnacle international competition for surfski paddlers all over the world, in addition to World Cups [...]
Latest News
Essex River Race Report by Greg Lesher
Essex River: Terror on the Low Seas The Essex River Race holds a special place in my heart. At the 2004 race, I stood on the shores and watched the most fascinating collection of watercraft I had ever seen. A month later, we bought a house 5 minutes down the road [...]
Essex River Race, Getting Paddlers on the Water!
The Essex River Race draws an excellent crowd of New England paddlers from rowers, sea kayakers, surf skiers, Sup and and more, due to its short distance, protected flat waters and expert organization. It also is a great place to catch up with some paddling friends. I met fellow paddler, Brian [...]
ROTC 6 Mile Race – By Greg Lesher
Run of the Charles: Bridges! Warmth! Pulled Pork! With the addition of the 6 mile version of the Run of the Charles added to the SurfskiRacing.com point series, I expected to see a robust turn-out for this early season flat-water race. A beautiful spring day may have also helped coax a [...]
Beautiful Day at the ROTC,Boston, Massachusetts
Spring finally has arrived in New England, at least it felt like it at the this year's ROTC. Racing on the Charles River in 60 degree weather and sunny skies felt terrific. We had 12 surf skis line up for this flat water race of 6.14 miles and one new surfskier [...]
Re Post from 2013 Narrow River Race: Who was training over the winter?
We had a great turnout of 16 paddlers and several others on the water taking pictures(Tim H), video(Dave Grainger). Others paddled but did not race opting to enjoy the paddle and enjoy the event. The coarse has a lot to offer due to its length of almost 10 miles, some shallows, [...]
Showroom Garage Gets New Paint Job
I painted my garage to get ready for the upcoming season. In a few weeks I will get my Stellar spring order in addition to another boat I will be reviewing that is on its way. Below are some pictures. Fresh paint with Talic cradles on the right [...]
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