Paddle ‘n’ Ski Hadspen Race 14 March 2017

Photo by Duncan Maxwell

The final race for the series was a straight up head to head race over the 3.8 km course. After David demonstrated his paddle brace skills while getting used to a new boat type, the race got underway with an unfamiliar mass start. Yann got away well and was leading for a short distance before being overtaken by the lead group of four who pushed each other the entire race. Paul and Rebecca had an early swim but were quickly back in the K2 to try and chase down the leaders. It was a race between four however with Phil Nelson, Michael, Phil Barratt and Tim all working hard and working together to put in a quick race, in the end it was Phil Nelson who broke away for the race win, and with a faster time than the previous short race. Other improved times were Richard and Jono, great job guys.

Photo by Duncan Maxwell

Thanks to Geoff for timing and to all who came along for the final race. Times are below.

Paddler Time Position
Phil Nelson 19:42 1
Michael Peters 19:47 2
Phil Barratt 19:50 3
Tim Chilcott 19:56 4
Richard Pearson 21:24 5
Yann Barratt 21:45 6
Claye Mace 22:14 7
Adam Rolls 22:30 8
Jono Clarke 22:40 9
Paul and Rebecca Clarke 25:32 10
Jon Knox 30:37 11
David Knox 23:30 DNF

With the race season over, the end of season BBQ and prize giving was held. Firstly I must thank Phil and April Nelson from Paddle ‘n’ Ski who have sponsored the race series again and paddled most weeks its a pleasure to have them a part of the race series. I would also like to thank all those who have timed a race over the season, it makes it heaps easier to run a race series if you have some good volunteers.

The handicap points champion was well contested with the leader changing in both of the last two weeks. The points winner favours those who paddle regularly, improve often and help out either on the water or timing. Third place this year went to a new Hadspen racer, our youngest (by far) regular paddler, Jono Clarke who improved a lot over the course of the season and was always ready to try and hang onto anyone who got past him, great job Jono hope to see you back at it next season. In second place was Mark Rathmell who was always last to start and most weeks made a good charge at chasing down those in front, once he caught you he was going past.

The winner for the 2016/17 Paddle ‘n’ Ski Hadpsen Race Series was Paul Walker, who improved a heap over the season, with his early outings leading to 3 wins in the first half of season, he didn’t have as much room left to improve in the second half of the season but still kept pushing for personal bests and improving often, well done Paul.

Thanks to Paddle ‘n’ Ski and Stellar Kayaks Australia we had a prize draw for $600 off a new Stellar ski from Paddle ‘n’ Ski and a Hybrid Split Shaft Paddle from Stellar Kayaks Australia. To get an entry in the draw you needed to paddle a personal best or time a race. The winner of this years prize draw was Richard Pearson, congratulations Richard. Thankyou to the sponsors.

We will back with more Hadspen racing in Mid October 2017, happy paddling.

 

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