Twist - Reach - Pull

Yesterday was the final day of sprint races for the season: The PNW - ORCA (Pacific Northwest Outrigger Racing Association (Ohana) which was held at the waterfront park at Dyes Inlet in Silverdale, WA. Home of my paddling bruddah, Rob, which he gleefully showed off (took all of 30 seconds :-)). It was a LONG day but in the end, glad to be there because it was the last set of sprint races and the rest of the season will be distance (10+ miles). Sprint races are so different because there are so many races all day - 500m, 1000m, 1500m; co-ed, women, men; novice, open, masters, etc.... So, it's a chance to paddle with a bunch of different people (from within our club and other clubs) and an excellent opportunity to try out different seats in the boat. My coach, Sabine, threw me into the #1 seat for a couple of our races which has so much responsibility (eek!!!). I've NEVER stroked in the #1 seat - but, basically, you set the tempo for the boat, pull the hardest, and have specific duties during the turn. Haha....I was hesitant but I really had no choice. Thanks so much to Melissa who was sitting in the #2 seat for coaching me on pacing and reminding me what to do during the turns - in the end, I had so much fun and want to do the #1 seat again!! I did it twice - once for a 500m sprint (1 turn), and then a 1000m sprint (3 turns) - the latter was the first time the statement "paddle 'til you puke" felt so true to me.

In any case - I only had 5 races that day. I was happy to give up my novice seat to the "oh-so- effervescent" Loryn (her first sprint races). I went home with another fistful of ribbons thanks to my awesome teammates who paddled their hearts out. And, it was the first race where I got to use my new paddle - luvin' it. The rest of the season will be single distance races - that will definitely free up some time ;-) I do like the frenetic pace of sprints but it makes for an incredibly long day to get through all the races (up at 4:30 am and got home at 10:00 pm). Today, my back doesn't hurt at all so I like to think I did the 'Twist-Reach-Pull' and my technique is getting better. And, my hybrid paddle is also much lighter than the wood paddles I've been using.

Next up - 10-mile paddle in The Gorge. I'll be in the women's boat and we're coming home with a trophy!! Imua Outrigger Seattle - I heart you all. Good energy....good Ohana. Aloha! Now, off to give the legs a little workout on my bike.

(Pre-race stretching: Back-off kids and I'll show you how it's done!)