Bay Bridge Paddle, The Steamer course. Didn't think I was going to actually do it due to knee and back and on the morning of the event the wind and seas were up. But packed everything and headed to Sandy Point. The wind was still up, so picked up my packet and resigned myself to not doing it. But right before the start for the Steamer the wind started to let up and the conditions began to improve. I changed my mind, ran to the parking lot and got my board and gear. I got on the water just as everybody else was around the first turning mark. Taking the mindset that starting so late and being careful of my hurts, that I would just concentrate on having a good ride and making it to the end. Wind was from the northeast and the tide was running out. On the leg to the bridge I made up decent ground and got back into the pack. In the span was tough as usual, and I did end up knee boarding a bit after a fall as I didn't want to re-twist my knee. The leg from the span to the finish was all upwind and against the tidal current, and again just took the approach of not trying too hard and getting to the end, but I ended up passing a few more paddlers. The last ride to the beach allowed some minor surf action which was fun, and of course I dumped it right before getting to the beach. Somehow I ended up 31 out of 81. Great time, and great to have the Seafood Festival back on the same day at Sandy Point, great rest of the day with food, drink, and music.
Century Club: Keith Chapman
Pic from Erin Valentine
Pic from Bay Bridge Paddle gallery
Morning SUP before work. New Black Project paddle! Out to Little Magothy Inlet marks, to Magothy Inlet and Persimmon Point, then back to Little Magothy tour. Knee and back felt better, but maybe still a little weak in the chop. New paddle feels good, the pace for the whole circuit was very consistent, which was an interesting difference, but could also be attributed to it beng slack tide.
East of Maui Social SUP. Testing out how the twisted knee and lower back are feeling, maybe in prep to see if Bay Bridge Paddle is a good idea. Twisted knee again keeping board from falling off of the car, unsure if doing the race is a good idea.
Floating Man! Scored an invite from a friend for the annual Floating Man gathering on the James River. Event started Thrusday Night, but I got there Friday. Missed the Friday float, but joined in for Saturday. Wonderful day on the river with 21 other kindred souls. Some drifting, some paddling, some fishing, some rapids, and a lot of comaraderie. Caught a Long-Eared Sunfish, and three Smallmouth Bass, one of which was about 12 inches. Campfires at night, cooking over the fires, and visiting the Tavern on the James. Hope to be back for next year.
Pungo for some perch fishing around the Little Magothy. Caught and released around ten. Tested out the gear, back, and knee for going to Floating Man later in the week. Seemed good…
Launched the Whaler, bombed around a little and then arrived at Andy's party by boat. Great party, met up with Mike and Chad. Good tunes, food, and drink.
First sail of the season for Tri-Pawed! Got the bottom cleaned and the motor running. Friday Night YCCSC race with Greg, Dan, and Chip. Great night, great fight for honors, second over line for third place. Ran maxi-blade jib, took a little time to get the cars positioned right, lost ground until we got that right. Majorly twisted and re-injured my right knee during a tack.
Morning SUP before work. Little Magothy Inlet marks to LM tour, LM marks and beach.
Morning SUP before work. Little Magothy tour. Relaxed pace.
Morning SUP before work. Little Magothy Inlet marks to LM tour.