Three Beaches - Race One
The Three Beaches Surf Ski Series kicked off with the first of two races from Branksome Chine at 10.30am on Sunday 11th April.
After a glorious day on Saturday, expectations were high for a flat, fast race, but we were met with a strong easterly and consequently a tricky race. A strong 15 knots easterly wind presented perfect racing conditions - for those who were comfortable in chop and runs.
Considering the conditions, it was not surprising there were three withdrawals. Going into the wind was a hard slog, but downwind it was good fun.
Andy Ferris had a great start off the beach and led the field of three paddlers to the top turn buoy off Durley Chine. Also in the pack were Paul Kingman and Andy Houlder (U19) paddling strong into the wind. I only just managed to stay in touch by using my local knowledge of the right line into Durley. Simon Dark, who had a slow start, managed to reel the field in by the turn, after which with the runs inviting, Simon managed to pull away from the field. His new 8kg epoxy K1-styled ski from Zetech must have been a pleasure in the downwind runs. Among the leaders and setting a great pace was the mixed double of England and Bennet.
From the top turn, the field split with each paddler taking a different line to the Shore Road buoy. I really thought I would have some advantage with my LD ski, but Andy Ferris and Paul Kingman were cruising on their ILS skis. The fight was really for second, as I was not making any distance on the two shorter ILS skis, which seemed to manage the short troughs better. In the end, Paul managed to hold off Andy to take second place.
I was impressed with the speed of England/Bennet double, but bemused at their cornering and the extra mile they went around the wrong buoy at the end!
Well done to the U19 guys and Alison Dark who took part. The conditions were really tricky and you can check this one off as good experience. I hope to see you next week and let’s hope the weather is kinder to us.
A big thanks you to the IRB and safety crew from Branksome Chine Surf Life Saving Club for providing safety cover for the race, and also to the members who provided the tea and cakes.
| Pos | Paddler | Time |
|---|
| Men Singles |
|---|
| 1 | Simon Dark | 43:10 |
| 2 | Paul Kingman | 46:20 |
| 3 | Andy Ferris | 46:34 |
| 4 | Ian Robinson | 47:51 |
| 5 | Christian Leroux | 48:09 |
| 6 | Andy Nickolson | 48:42 |
| 7 | Philip Nye | 49:47 |
| Nick Carter | DNF |
| Ladies Single | |
|---|
| Alison Dark | DNF |
| Doubles | |
|---|
| 1 | Richard England/Anita Bennet | 46:46 |
| U19 | |
|---|
| 1 | Andy Houlder | 51:06 |
| James Rafferty | DNF |
Photos courtesy of Alison Masters and Caroline Parrot
|
