Waterman Challenge

What's in that San Diego water?

Another fast race this weekend. They've all been fast, but this is where we're seeing the mid season pace pick up. Catalina isn't too far off, Molokai is sneaking around the corner, and Stravas are stacking up.

The Waterman's Challenge filled up in February- while most of us were still on the couch. This might have been the earliest a race has filled up ...

The Unlimited Division, in typical fashion, took off blisteringly fast. Lance Lerum, Tristan Sullaway, and Jack Bark hauled from the starting line and didn't let up once. The three battled hard and Jack took the lead around the halfway point, and finished with a time of 2:11:34. Tristan came in close behind at 2:14:32, followed by Lance at 2:14:59. These beasts have really separated themselves from the rest of the field as the season has picked up.

Stock Men started with Davy Thomas once again claiming the win, coming in with a strong lead at 2:31:41. Davy has won every race he has entered this year - that ain't easy. Second and Third came in neck and neck, with Foster Campbell pulling ahead (2:33:57), and Oliver Levine claiming the third spot on the podiumin (2:33:58). Fourth, Quincy Lee, was right behind - a super exciting finish for the podium.

The 14's were led by Don Miralle, no stranger to the front of the pack, with a speedy 2:25:30. Tomas Hinds (2:30:46) and Sean Jasso (2:31:05) finished behind Don to claim 2nd and 3rd place.

The Women's division was led by none other than Liz Hunter (how many years has she won this thing in a row... 5? 6?). She took off fast, and finished fast in 2:38:50. Emily Bark came in 2nd (2:43:12), and Kailen Stewart took third in 2:53:50.

A special shoutout to Wally Buckingham- this was Wally's last paddle race. If you know him, you love him.

With some burritos, raffle boards, and some of the coolest trophies (thanks Mike Stevens), the race came to a close. Up next, Rock2Rock. Followed by Molokai 2 Oahu at the end of the month! Time to cross some channels!