Round Bowen Race June 8, 2008

The legendary Round Bowen Race. 32km open ocean racing around a little island in How Sound just north of Vancouver. Besides winds, waves and current, paddlers have to watch the wake coming of the ferry to Vancouver Island. It was tough race this year. Temperatures were below normal and didn't get over 10C I think. A couple from California complain bitterly about never having to race in such cold conditions before - wimps. Nevertheless 8 BCKC members battled the cold, the wind and waves and participated in the race. Masters Jeff & Katja, John & Ben in double surfskis and Keith, Chris and Jim in singles surfskis did the long race (32km), while juniors Sebastian and Nicolas braved the rough water in a trainer K2 in the short course (10km). It was one of the more choppy days we had out on this course for some time. Some boats flipped, a few never finished the race but Jeff & Katja had one of their best races and finished 3rd only 20 sec behind the first boat finisher, a double surfski with TNR paddling buddies Mike & Paul in it. Fastest time was 2hr38min07sec breaking last years record by 51sec. To read up on Jeff's race strategy go to: http://surfskibc.wordpress.com/page/2/ Full results can be found here: http://roundbowenchallenge.com/results.html

Just after the start - boats are still close together - and ferry waves as well sa wind waves made for a fun battle.

Jeff & Katja on the west side of the Island after we managed to get through the rough stuff without problems. At this point we were in 5th place closing on to #4 and #3 fast.

Jim in front of Jodi & Colleen in another surfski double. He also got through the rough section but as we heard afterwards with a lot more cursing.