So, my first race of the season is done---the St Patricks Scramble.
I did the short course, as I've only been out in my boat maybe 5-6 times in the last 6 months. I had a horrible start, getting caught behind a number of inexperienced paddlers whom were apprehensive about the wakes created by the other boats. Next time, I'll line up on the line, or behind the guys I know will be out front like Don.
Got a good draft off of a tandem canoe, then jumped ahead of them at the Ranger Rick island and got on the draft of an OC-2. There were two draft trains running, I was in one, behind the OC-2, which was behind a junior flatwater boater, whom was behind someone else. And I could see Mike Ammon behind a couple guys off to my right. We had a more inside shot going into the next turn after we cut across the lake, and Mike lost his draft, and tucked in behind the junior flatwater boater--as the two draft lines now came into one.
As we were paddling, we were catching an OC-6, Mike went around the right side and the OC-2 and me went around the left side. I was having problems holding the OC2 draft as I was in danger of colliding with the OC6, but I got back on their draft shortly. Then shortly later, I lost their draft. Better I figured anyway, because I was coming up to my turnaround point and it appeared they were going to continue onto the long course. As I was approaching the China Hat island, I saw Don Hicks in front going the opposite direction, followed not too far behind by Eric Reynolds and then some other guy. I was in 4th and Mike (5th) was on my draft.
As I made the turn, I felt a lot of fatigue set into my body, as I no longer had that great draft which pulled me along thus far, and expected ammon to come up around ans pass me. But he didnt. He came up my side a few times, but didnt have the strength to take me. So, I got 4th. 1st in the open surf ski division. 4+ minutes behind Don. Not bad for my first race. I'll be at least 2 mins faster by next month.
