The Malibu Downwinder is always a good wake-up call to start off the racing season. 7 miles (although this year most paddlers logged a mileage closer to 9) is just short enough to do off the couch, but just long enough to kick your ass and show you that it’s time to get back in the water. A little wind made for a few runners, with the majority of the bumps being side chop- significantly slowing down the times compared to last year.
Stephen Sinkus led the prone charge, coming in at 1:25. He was followed by Zach Jirkovsky and Gary Fortune (we love to see a race director paddling their own race!) coming in 2nd and 3rd for the UL division. Miles Miller came in first Stock (and third prone overall) at 1:34, followed by Foster Campbell and Lockwood Holmes.
The 14’ division was led by Clint Johnson, DJ Nurre, and Tommy Coon. Seven women competed in the prone division- 1st being Liz Hunter at 1:43, 2nd, Emily Bark, and 3rd, Christina Boring.Â
Bodie Addison, one to watch this season, shot up in the ranks, coming from 69th overall last year in 2023 to a fast 22nd overall this year. We saw some new faces among familar ones, hopefully foreshadowing new competition and paddlers racing this season.
With the Cold Hand's cancellation this year, this race marked many paddlers’ official entrance into the 2024 race season. The road to Catalina begins.
TOP FINISHERS:
PADDLER | DIVISION | PLACE | TIME |
Stephen Sinkus | Unlimited | 1 | 1:25:51 |
Zach Jirkovsky | Unlimited | 2 | 1:29:09 |
Gary Fortune | Unlimited | 3 | 1:34:50 |
Clint Johnson | 14' | 1 | 1:38:49 |
DJ Nurre | 14' | 2 | 1:39:18 |
Tommy Coon | 14' | 3 | 1:40:50 |
Miles Miller | Stock | 1 | 1:34:48 |
Foster Campbell | Stock | 2 | 1:36:06 |
Lockwood Holmes | Stock | 3 | 1:36:59 |
Liz Hunter | Women | 1 | 1:43:33 |
Emily Bark | Women | 2 | 1:48:14 |
Christina Boring | Women | 3 | 1:51:31 |
FULL RESULTS HERE.
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