The event included exhibits by environmental groups, Aqua Adventures and the San Diego Kayak Club, a kayak polo exhibition, and nature tours around the Bay led by Jeff Laxier. Lunch and a T shirt were also provided.

As many CKF'rs know, racing offers an enjoyable diversion from regular paddling routines. It can also motivate you to get our more often, set goals, and improve your paddling techniques. Unfortunately, the turnout was light as less than 20 took on the long course.

The wind and chop started before even leaving the Bay. No waves were crashing on the breakwater so it was possible to round it closer than normal. The wind and chop were strong enough that I had a hard time keeping my Nigel Foster Shadow on track using my new wing paddle. I couldn't find the right setting for my skeg and I couldn't get my WP to control my course. Every one of the serious racers had a boat with a rudder. Epic Endurance 18's and Seda Gliders were the boats of choice.

Lessons learned were:

1. Study the race map carefully- The display map included a superfluous buoy that would have had paddlers cross boat traffic in the channel twice before going out of the Bay. It was changed when organizers realized the potential hazards. Also, it was unclear whether the course called for rounding the buoy outside the channel or merely the light at the end of the breakwater. It was the latter,

2. Sometimes instructions have to be ignored- The instructions clearly called for paddlers to round a support boat by Crystal Pier. This is not an uncommon instruction. However, as I approached it I noticed that it continued to move yet they did not say anything. Only after chasing it for a bit and yelling what gives did they disclose they were having a hard time staying so don't worry about rounding them.

3. Seaweed stuck on the bow sucks- One racer in an Epic got a bow full of long, heavy seaweed stuck on the grab loop that required another's assistance.

4. Make sure your length lock, two piece paddle is tightened- It is not a good thing to have it pop open as you are rounding the Mission Bay jetty.

5. Watch Greg Knight very carefully if you see him standing over your kayak- He shared that top racers often will play a full range of minor pranks on fellow competitors. Everyone was on their best behavior in this race though.

The long race also included outriggers and many experienced paddlers in their surf skis. Greg Knight of Aqua Adventures kept his streak of race wins alive in the long race. He was paddling an Epic Endurance 18 (with rudder), with a wing paddle. Night Heron Al Barrett, in his Seda Glider (with rudder) and wing paddle finished behind Greg and won the 30-50 age division. Last year, he finished second in the kayak division by only one minute. I finished second in the 30-50 division but look forward to next year when I'm 51 and can race against the "Legends".

Teresa Boli of San Diego also kept her win streak alive. She paddled her Kevlar Epic Endurance 18 (with rudder) but chose to go with her regular rather paddle rather her WP due to the chop and wind. Kevin Donahue of San Diego also won his division.

More CKF members would definitely have added to the event. However, we will have to do something to keep pace with one of the paddling clubs that continually barked like seals as their members got their awards.

The Bay to Bay 5 and 20 mile races are coming up on Saturday, June 11th. Info can be found at the following address. peninsula.ymca.org/programs/b2b/b2b.htm

Jon Brindle