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closeEDITOR’S NOTE: This is the 11th in a series of weekly stories leading up to the May 25 Ski to Sea race that will give a behind-the scenes look into the largest annual community sporting event in Whatcom County. This week’s is written by canoe leg chair Thom Prichard.
The Nooksack River has always been a challenge on Ski to Sea Race day.
We do not know where the water level will be until the day of the race, so the launch spot cannot be determined until then.
There have been years that the river was so high that the only safe place to launch the canoes was a half-mile down river from Riverside Park. Other years the water level was so low that we had to run across the gravel bar just to get to the water.
We have been lucky for the past few years, because there has been a nice channel right at the park that has allowed an easy launch.
Some people have suggested that the upriver part of the course was added to torture the novice paddlers, but that has made the start safer.
The upriver paddle at the start now allows for the adrenaline rush to settle before you are thrown into the fast-moving current.
I recall one year that the river was moving so fast that racers would jump into their canoe and before they knew what had hit them they were spun around and tossed into the drink.
This year it appears like the channel has filled in, so we do not know where the launch point will be.
By the time race day rolls around we will have figured out where we will launch.
If you are going to practice on the river before the race, make sure that you go in a group of two to three canoes. Traveling in a group is safer and more fun.
On Saturdays as we get closer to race day there will be canoes leaving Riverside Park all day, so it is easy to hook up with someone and train together. If you are a novice, don’t hook up with a competitive paddler.
Each Wednesday at 6 p.m. at Bloedel-Donovan Park on Lake Whatcom you can meet and train with fellow paddlers.
Wear your life jacket and remember that even the most experienced paddlers go for an unexpected swim occasionally.
Although the Nooksack River is a class 1 river, there are dangers that you must be prepared for. I am amazed how many racers show up on race day who have never been on the river, much less in moving water.
You must have the ability to get yourself out of harm’s way and do it quickly. Moving water is a whole new experience for a paddler.
The bow paddler needs to learn how to do a draw stroke and the stern paddler must learn how to set a pry stroke. These are steering maneuvers.
Another thing to remember is even though the stern paddler steers the canoe, the bow paddler is in charge. They see things sooner and must react on a second’s notice.
Remember this last rule especially if your relationship with your paddling partner is on shaky ground. Get an experienced paddler to teach you the techniques and remember the No. 1 rule of stability is to keep the paddle in the water.
On race day, start showing up at Riverside Park at 8 a.m. Unload your canoe and equipment and make sure you don’t forget the paddles, life jackets, whistle and plenty of water to drink.
Because the race is two hours of strenuous exertion, hydration is important.
The safety meeting is at 10 a.m. and the first road bike should arrive about 11 a.m. for the exchange.
To read more columns on Ski to Sea, visit TheBellinghamHer ald.com/skitosea. For more information on the race, go to ski tosea.com.
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