The Art of Competition

My experience of going for the Petaluma Water Woman Title
(available to any woman that competed in three heats in three or more different crafts)

I am not a competitive person - at least that is what I say. But if you pin a number to my back, put a couple of seasoned athletes and paddle enthusiasts by my side and then blow a whistle my whole demeanor changes.
Why is that?

Encouraged by my friends and co-workers I took part in my very first paddle race last Saturday - the 1st Annual Petaluma Small Craft Center (PSC3) Time Trial and Mixer. It was a blast! I got to meet the cool folks that are part of the Northbay Rowing Club and PSC3 , challenge myself and get some much needed endurance building exercise - after not one, but two Thanksgiving feasts.

Now two of us ladies hold the title of Petaluma Water Women! In addition, I think I won the award for the most confused competitor. I am still not sure if I was on a team or on my own. First rule of thumb - pay attention at the skippers meeting. I began in a Surfski. To say that I am new to the that sport would be an understatement! It was only my second time after a one hour intro lesson with surf ski trainer Susan Starbird, 3 months prior.

Poor Susan...she probably has never seen a Surfski go so slow. They are considered extremely fast crafts when paddled on flat water and the fastest paddled craft available over long distances on open ocean swells. They track well but are less maneuverable and have less transverse primary and secondary stability than shorter, wider craft. Despite their inherent instability, a surf ski (with an experienced paddler) is a very effective craft for paddling in big surf. Its narrowness and length helps it cut or punch through large broken waves. Needless to say, I stayed aboard and paddled my little heart out - careful to keep my knees together for stability and not look or listen to anyone.

Crossing the finish line (marked by an inflatable turkey!) I returned the Surfski to the dock and began to wait with anticipation for my team member to complete his heat before I could go again. Or so I thought! 5 min.....then 10 min turned into 20 minutes before I was kindly informed that I was not to wait, but continue through the three heats as fast as possible.

Oh dear!


I jumped on a race SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board), the Tahoe Bliss, and made up some time on this more familiar craft and then completed the third heat by kayak (the sleek Fathom LV by Eddyline) and crossed the finish line for the final time with Santa on my side and the hoots and smiles and encouragement of my fellow paddlers! Needless to say I was the last one in but I had so much fun! Next year I hope to see more of you Clavey fans on the water!