Paddle ‘n’ Ski Hadspen Race 31 October 2017

The first race for the 2017/18 Paddle ‘n’ Ski Hadspen race series got underway on Tuesday night with some great racing on a crisp night. After a quick race briefing and welcoming of new paddlers; Rodney, Phil and Beth, we were all keen to get on the water and get going. After a quick breakaway at the start from the close side of the river I managed to get the jump on the field and lead the race for at least 100m (very unlike me) however it wasn’t long before the natural pecking order returned and a strong lead group of Mark, Tim, Phil and Terry formed slowly breaking away from the remaining paddlers. Phil and Beth took the line honours over the shorter course.

In the long course race the lead group stuck together for most of the race before some surges in the home stretch bringing Mark and Tim to the front with Mark narrowly getting the win. Everyone put in some solid times to get the season off to a good start with some good room for improvement. The start of what should be a good rivalry further back in the field with a quick battle between James and Pete with James just sneaking over the line in front.

Overall a great night on the water. Thanks to April and Phil for timing the race this week. The results are below.

Guntime for next week will be at 6:30pm, (for those new to handicap racing your start time is you handicap after 6:30pm, ie 15:47 handicap starts at 6:45,47) to be safe be ready to race at 6:40pm. If you miss your start time you can still race, have your time recorded and score points. New paddlers will be able to set their handicap time.

Check the main Hadspen page for more details.

See you all on Tuesday.