Outrigger Kanu Racing Schedule - Summer '09

(Image Source: Seattle Outrigger Canoe Club)

Racing schedule? What the hell?! Well, I did the usual JRitchie thing and found a new sport that I absolutely love so I've completely immersed myself into it. This summer, I had planned on just practicing with the Seattle Outrigger Canoe Club and then enter a race or two towards the end of the season. Well, it didn't exactly happen that way and pretty much just jumped right in and signed up for a slew of races.

This morning I had my first long-distance practice. We paddled from our put-in site on North Lake Union, through the cut into Lake Washington, and down to I-90 which turned out to be 14 miles. Paddling time, it took us 2 hours and 20 minutes but we were out for over 3 hours as we practiced various elements of our paddling. Yes, I am *really* looking foward to the long distance races because that's more like what I am used to doing on a bike. But, on top of that, I will be training for the change-outs which is the reason why I got into the sport in the first place because it just looks so bad-ass! I'm really happy with how my paddling stroke has been progressing and have been getting awesome feedback from Sabine and others. And, my very own hybrid Kialoa paddle is on its way in time for my first long-distance race in Portland. Whee! So, here's the schedule so far.

June 13: Hui Wa, a O Puget Sound Regatta - Everett, WA
June 20: Hui Heihei Wa, a Sprints - Silverdale, WA
June 27: Rooster Rock Distance Race - Portland, OR

July 11: PNW - ORCA Sprint Championships - Silverdale, WA
July 18 - 19: Gorge Distance, Gorge, OR

August 1: Seattle Grind (Distance) - Alki Beach, WA (SOCC sponsored race)
August 15: Race Around the Island (Distance) - Mercer Island, WA

September 12: Catalina Change-out race and US Championships - Newport Beach to Catalina Island, CA (I'm an alternate)
September 19: Race Around Hat Island - Pac NW Long Distance Championships - Hat Island, WA

Unfortunately, my cycling has taken the brunt of the time I spend paddling. I no longer go out for 5+ hour rides and can only fit in a couple of hours, max :-( So, my Seattle-to-Portland ride in 1 day will have to be put off for another time while I work on my outrigger kanu paddling obsession. I think it's a fine trade-off. Imua!