Paddle Now! CPA Racing

Check out these races and fast paddles planned for this season:

• April 19, 2009 9:00 am
• May 9, 2009 9:00 am
• Sept 27, 2009 TBD

The Chesapeake Paddlers Association,Inc. race series.

In 2006 CPA began a small race series in response to the growing number of paddlers interested in going forward fast. With few other races in the area, the series offered paddlers an opportunity to test themselves against their peers in a friendly “everyone is a winner” type atmosphere.

The field is divided into classes by boat type and gender to ensure the fairest competition and the most number of winners!

At each race we divide the paddlers into the following classes:

• Racing Kayaks: Less than 20 inch beam, wing paddles allowed. For those paddlers who concentrate on racing and have the equipment to go with it. Previous top finishers of the Fast Touring Kayak class are encouraged to enter this class.
• Fast Touring Kayaks: 20 inch beam or greater, wing paddles allowed. For fit paddlers who do not specialize in racing but have faster than average kayaks and/or are faster than average paddlers.
• Touring Kayaks A: 20 inch beam or greater, 17 feet or longer, no wing paddles. For first time racers in typical sea kayaks, and experienced paddlers who are less serious about racing.
• Touring Kayaks B: 20 inch beam or greater, less than 17 feet in length, no wing paddles. For first time racers and beginner paddlers in slower boats.

Medals will be awarded to the first mens and womens finisher and ribbons for second and third within each class. The racing scene has continued to grow and now a competitive paddler could easily fill every weekend from April – October with events and even be doubled booked on many weekends. As a result CPA is changing its series in 2009. There will still be three events but only one “official” race held in the Fall. The other two events will be fast group paddles. The goal of these will be for new and existing racers and train together and hone skills. During our paddles we will work on various racing skills such as forward stroke technique, wake riding, and starts. Afterward we’ll munch (in the paddle to eat tradition) and discuss racing strategies, nutrition and training.

April 19, 2009 9:00 am

Fountainhead Regional Park

Join us for a fast and fun peer paddle. We will work on racing technique and strategy and begin building our spring fitness base.

For More Information visit: Calendar Listing
When: April 19, 2009 9:00 am
Where: Fountainhead Regional Park

May 9, 2009 9:00 am

Jonas Green

More fast and fun paddling this time in the open water near Annapolis. We will search out boat wakes to practice linking wave rides and paddle either out into the Bay or up the Severn depending on wind and weather conditions.

For More Information visit: Calendar Listing
When: May 9, 2009 9:00 am
Where: Jonas Green

Sept 27, 2009 TBD

TBD

Culmination of CPA’s fast paddle series. Check back for location and race details.

For More Information visit: Calendar Listing
When: Sept 27, 2009 TBD
Where: TBD

Other Kayak Races this season

Here is an incomplete list kayak races that will be held within a tolerable distance from the Chesapeake Bay region. (If you know of one that can be added to the list, please send the information to Dave B.