Paddle Now! CPA Racing

Check out these races planned for this season:

• May 17, 2008 8:00 am
• June 22, 2008 TBD
• July 26, 2008 TDB

The Chesapeake Paddlers Association starts its own race series.

Perhaps you have seen more long sleek kayaks in your area lately. Perhaps you have noticed that more and more people are paddling with wing bladed paddles. These are signs of the kayak racer. It is a new branch of the sport of kayaking that is taking off fast. The number of members to the CPA who are turning towards this type of kayaking is growing every year. In fact, many of our members who have an avid affection towards going forward fast came to the conclusion that there just were not enough organized races in this area for their own enjoyment. So to make the sport of kayak racing even more enjoyable in the Chesapeake Bay region, the CPA has become host to a few races of our own every season. Come join us as we host organized and fun races for fast paddlers of every style and speed.

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. These races are for everyone. We have the serious people who are there to push themselves and we also have more relaxed paddlers who just want to figure out how to improve their stroke or test their fitness. For those who only paddle to eat, snacks are usually provided. Regardless of your paddling style or experience come on out and try a race. You might just get hooked!

May 17, 2008 8:00 am

Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD

CPA teams up with the West/Rhode Riverkeeper! There will be early morning kayak races and a wade-in at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC). The event will coincide with the SERC Open House. There will be a beginner/casual paddle and a longer race for all of the extreme paddlers out there! Bring the family and enjoy the fun.

For More Information visit: Calendar Listing
When: May 17, 2008 8:00 am
Where: Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, Edgewater, MD

Cyndi Janetzko Organizer

Brian Blankinship Organizer

June 22, 2008 TBD

Fountainhead Regional Park, VA

A 5 and 10 mile course on the protected Occoquan. Still learning that surf ski or other tippy boat? Come on out, the water doesn't get flatter than this! Start times will be determined closer to the date based on weather forecasts.

For More Information visit: Calendar Listing
When: June 22, 2008 TBD
Where: Fountainhead Regional Park, VA

Cyndi Janetzko Organizer

Brian Blankinship Organizer

July 26, 2008 TDB

Open water at a TBD location

The race series finale, with anticipated race routes of 6 and 12 miles. We're looking for some open water for this one and are open to suggestions. Check back for details.

For More Information visit: Calendar Listing
When: July 26, 2008 TDB
Where: Open water at a TBD location

Cyndi Janetzko Organizer

Brian Blankinship Organizer

Results from past CPA Races

We will continue to record the results from past CPA races so that you can either see how you have improved over time, or perhaps you wish to see how well someone performed in the past.

• Races from 2006

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.