THE SEVERN RUN: RACE RECAP
Told by Capital SUP Head Coach Chris “Goose” Norman
The weather forecast was looking to be another mild, mid-November day. A lingering cold front on race day kept temperatures in the low 40s. But that didn’t stop 26 frothing paddlers from taking on the winter-like conditions on Spa Creek and into the Severn River. There were plenty of boaters throwing wake and keeping the paddlers on their toes.
Yesterday’s race marked the 2nd event in the Capital SUP series and the first time I was directing the show. During our first race, Creek to Creek, I helped set up and get people on the water, but Brian Meyer was acting race director. With Brian and Kevin out of town, I gladly stepped in to make sure everything ran smoothly. As much as I wanted to put on my neoprene booties and chase boat bumps up and down the Severn River, I was enjoying the show and taking photos from the dry safety boat.
From the time participants started arriving at Capital SUP until the time everyone packed up and headed out, there was no lack of smiles, hugs, and positive vibes.
The mission of our fall/winter race series is to bring together water-loving people, continued education on race strategies, understanding the conditions, and continue building the community of paddlers in Annapolis. Although this is a race, there are no awards. We end the event with a race recap, talking about how the day went while enjoying some tasty brews from our friends at Red Stripe.
These races are a chance for paddlers to catch up, meet new friends, share the stoke of paddling, and also a great learning experience for newer paddlers. Kevin Rawls, the third-place finisher in the 14’ division, states “there is no better training than racing.” We aim to continue with the race series throughout the winter months and get people on the water year-round. Next month’s race will remain in Spa Creek for safety purposes.
Thank you to Captain Norman for providing the rescue/media boat yesterday and to Mary, Lindsay, and Scotty for helping me run another successful event.
And to all the paddlers who came and conquered, brought out the best in each other, cheered each other on throughout the race, and until the last paddler was off the water. You all truly make me love what I am doing with my life.
Mahalo,
Coach Chris Norman
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