Greenport Kayak Race Results

Well, the race went extremely well. I was very excited all morning, not knowing what to expect about such a race. Would I be the only one in an average kayak among serious racers? Would there be only a few of us racing? Could I keep up with the other racers? As it turned out, none of my anxieties were warranted.

What I noticed when my wife, daughter, and I pulled into the boat launch was that everyone seemed just as experienced and prepared as I was. This immediately put me at ease. I even ran into one of my most beloved college professors, also racing that day. So, after signing in, reminiscing about good ol' Southampton College, and getting my boat ready, I kissed my wife and paddled out to the starting line.

I am sure it was the adrenaline that made me shoot to the front of the pack when the horn sounded starting the race. I calmed down quickly, though, and settled into a good pace and a solid position (10th place). There I stayed for most of the race, getting passed by only 2 more paddlers along the way. Rounding the breakwater in Greenport and seeing how close I was to the finish, I decided to turn on the gas a bit more and finish strong. I was even catching up to the people in front of me, and likely would have caught them had another paddler in front of me not flipped his boat.

So, what to do in this situation... Paddle past him and keep racing? Stop and offer help? The Coast Guard and Sea-Tow boats were nearby. Surely they would help him. But no, I couldn't just leave him be. So, I sped over to help him out, knowing I was giving up a few seconds in the process. As it turns out, I gave up more than a few minutes, trying to pump out his swamped boat (with no flotation at all) and trying to help him back into it. I finally gave up when the Coast Guard threw him a life ring and I struggled to regain my original pace towards the finish line.

I did finish strong, and was happy to have my wife and daughter cheering for me at the end. Come awards time, however, I learned that the paddler who finished just before me ended up winning $50. I had unknowingly given up the money when I stopped to help the flipped kayaker. Oh well, we can always use a bit of good karma once in awhile, right?

Anyway, the race really was fun. Its organizers promise to hold it again next year, and if it does run, I will absolutely race again. Only this time I will go straight for the finish. No stopping! Every man for themselves! Well, ok, I'd probably do the same thing all over again if I had to. Good karma, right?

Greenport Kayak Race

Well, next weekend I am trying something that I have never done before. I am taking a break from my travels and research for the book and have entered a kayak race. For those of you who know Long Island, this race starts in Orient Point and finishes in Greenport a bit more than 6 miles later. I am a bit nervous about what to expect but am always excited to add a new element to the sports I love. It should be a great day!

The race itself is to raise money to help with the implementation of a Water Nature Trail that circumnavigates Greenport. It seems like more and more of these "water trails" are popping up everywhere, and I, for one, am glad. Being an avid kayaker and a naturalist, I can really appreciate what these trails have to offer. I am sure this new one will not disappoint.

If you are as interested in Greenport's new trail as I am, you may want to check out the Coecles Harbor Marine Water Trail on nearby Shelter Island. This trail was designed by the Nature Conservancy to allow paddlers the chance to experience the beauty of their Mashomack Nature Preserve. Although I have not yet paddled this trail, I have heard nothing but great things about it.

Anyway, I will post some words and photos about my race next Saturday. Stay tuned...