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
Lighthouse to Lighthouse(L2L) Race September 15, 2012
New Logo 2012 Registration is open for the 2012 Lighthouse To Lighthouse Race! 14 or 7 miles of open water racing for any seaworthy, human powered craft. The L2L is the second most attended race outside of the Blackburn Challenge. See below link for all the details and registration. [...]
Great Dam Stone Race, Fabulous Race for All!
This was my first time at this event, directed by Shawn Burke and Francisco Urena. This race welcomes all categories of boats with canoes, kayaks, surfskis, sups, and even a kid’s race. Today’s paddle with 90 participants was held on the Merrimack River in Lawrence, Massachusetts at the Abe Bashara Boathouse.The [...]
Dana Gaines wins 22nd Oar and Paddle
Dana Gaines wins 22nd Oar and Paddle By Ralph Stewart August 29, 2012 Dana Gaines Dana Gaines of Edgartown, Massachusetts, added another winner's medal to his expansive collection with a dominating performance in the 22nd annual Oar and Paddle Regatta Sunday morning in Oak Bluffs. Gaines, competing in a light, [...]
Wayne’s Lysobey new book: “Long Live Open Water”
"Long Live Open Water: Tales of Open Water Rowing, Food, Family, and Life" Most of us know Wayne as the long time Race Director of the super fun 13 mile, Light House to Lighthouse Race in Westport, CT, USA. Anybody who reads my site also knows Wayne for the humorous [...]
Nahant Bay Cup by Greg Lesher
A record group of 25 skis, a kayak, and an OC-1 converged on Fisherman's Beach in Swampscott for the Nahant Bay Cup this past Saturday. Race Director Mike McDonough greeted us warmly as we trickled in on the cool, overcast morning. The ocean conditions were mild, to say the least. The [...]
Great Stone Dam Classic Race September 9, 2012
This will be a fun and exciting flat water race. It lines up perfectly in the race schedule being 5 days before the Lighthouse to Lighthouse race the following weekend. Francisco Urena and Shawn Burke are the Race directors so the race is expertly organized and fun for all ages!! Hope [...]
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