Rooster Rock Distance Race - June 28, 2009

(Click on images for larger versions or click here to view my photo gallery. More shots of the race available www.verycunning.com.)

I heart paddling. More than I thought I would. At the end of June was my first distance race. Saturday morning, I met Sabine and Diane in the Tukwila P&R and we drove down to Rooster Rock State Park in Oregon (30 mins east of Portland) for a 10-mile paddle. About a week before the race, we practiced a 'huli' drill - i.e., wtf do we do in the event we capsize? We had to go through that practice because the Columbia River, particularly around Hood River is known for for its winds. We will be further into the river later on this month for The Gorge distance race. Can't wait....

SOCC had 2 oc-6s representing the club at the Rooster Rock race: womens (Kristi, Meg, Melissa, Bethany, me, and Sabine), and; co-ed (Janelle, Karissa, Rob, Mike, Diane, Murray). Our co-ed boat totally rocked it out there finishing 2nd in the co-ed division and 3rd overall finishing the course at 1:21. Our womens boat also did pretty well....we placed fourth in our division finishing in 1:27 and 8th overall (including both womens and co-ed boats - 26 boats total?). But, it was a great victory for us b/c we were battling with 2 other canoes for most of the race for the fourth place finish. Thanks to Sabine's excellent steering, we maneuvered tightly around the rock and then later around the last buoy and then she screamed at us to do 4-power 10s....(it seemed like) one right after the other. She pushed us hard and we pushed each other even harder. I think I only got 2 sips of water during the race and polished off the contents of my bladder AFTER the race. I felt great after the race but, surprisingly, the most sore part of my body were my glutes! Sabine (who is also our coach) said that's good b/c that meant I was using my legs in part of my stroke to push the boat forward. But, I must admit that I had a *little* trouble walking there for a while. Big CONGRATS to the bad-ass co-ed boat!

The following Sunday, we watched videotapes of our strokes and Sabine and Doug critique our style. I *thought* I was twisting and reaching with my paddle...HA! Not even close. So, from now on, it's "TITS TO THE GUNNEL." That's the only way I will be able to reach out far enough with my BRAND SPANKING NEW HYBRID PADDLE - A 48" KIALOA AXEL II. Then, twist my torso and pull the paddle straight back to mid-thigh all the while keeping both my arms straight (got it with my top arm but still bend my lower). I'm going to head out and try to hit all 3 practices this week so I can play with my new toy. Imua Seattle Outrigger!