Moments after the two South San Francisco residents crossed the finish line at Saturday’s Half Moon Bay stop in the Wave Chaser Paddle Series, they fell into the water.
They tilted their outrigger canoe so far to the right that the boat tipped over.
 The long course race, shortened from 10 miles to seven miles due to the fog, brought 39 individuals and teams to Saturday'€™s race, the second of six races in the Wave Chaser Paddle Series. |
“We are just looking to have some fun,” Muin said.
The competition, sponsored by California Canoe & Kayak, was broken down into three categories. The novice course was two miles and took paddlers twice around the north end of Pillar Point Harbor.
Naholowa’a won that race in 21 minutes, 46 seconds with Muin finishing in second, eight seconds later.
The short course went about three miles and took the paddlers outside the harbor, before returning.
Scott Kelly won that race in 54:17.09, holding off John Dixon (54:17.55).
The long course took the paddlers to an area near Mavericks. But the course was shortened from 10 miles to seven miles due a thick fog covering the area.
“That was a good call,” said Dimitri Leliouk, a Ukrainian native now living in Oakland. “You can easily get lost. Why should people look for you after the race?”
He and his race partner, Tim Herring, finished in 17th in 1 hour, 5 minutes, 56 seconds.
Carter Johnson won in 58:55, with Brent Reitz second in 59:03.
While the weather put a damper of the post-race barbecue, all the participants were happy to have the opportunity to race.
“Our peers our wonderful,” said Connie Altman. “Everyone is very friendly.”
The competition brought a variety of open-paddle racers, from kayakers to outrigger canoes.
“People do this because they like it,” said Dave Jensen, the course director. “There’s no prize money.”
There are other benefits to participating, and practicing.
“It’s a great way to stay in shape,” said Kenny Howell, of California Canoe & Kayak.
Howell finished fifth in the long-distance race.
“We have a big passion for the sport,” Naholowa’a said. “We work our schedules around paddling.”
Saturday’s competition was the second of six taking place. Most of the races occur in the Bay Area with the first one happening in Santa Cruz.
“The best part is being out there in the water,” said Nick Sanders of Sacramento. “You are out there paddling with all of your friends. I will definitely be here next year.”
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