The first round of the
SixPack SUP race was held at Thetis Lake Park on Saturday 2nd May. Calm water, sun and sand were the perfect combination for this the first event of six.
In the first race, a 1km sprint from the beach, paddling alongside forested cliffs around an island and return to the beach, Steve Mark took first place in the male category while after numerous switches for lead position, Rachael Montgomery pushed ahead in the final few meters to take first place female category. Jacob Thomas had a comfortable win in the junior category.
The second race following the route of the first but with an additional 3 laps made up the 4km overall course. Brian Raymer and event coordinator held a steady lead from the start until deciding that the sun was too warm and a cooling dip in the lake was in order. This allowed Mike Redpath from Coastline Surf to steal first place ahead of Brian. Lysanne Lavine took first place in the female category.
As always, the final racing of the day was the team relay with a twist where anything can happen and usually does. Thankfully the water was warm enough that the swimming option was bearable.
Full results at Webscorer Thanks to Surfrider Foundation for sponsoring and providing the post race BBQ and info tent. Other sponsors were:
Coastline Surf South Island SUP Rumble Supershake Surf Rider Foundation Naish Later this month, Doug Pickard who raced today will be undertaking a 50km paddle from Comox to Qualicum in support of the Parkinson Society of British Columbia. Please take a moment to visit his
web page and read more about this event.