Race Report of the Rose Bay Challenge

I turned up to the Rose Bay Challenge, event five of the Sydney Harbour Series trembling in my boots.

You'd think that at the ripe old age of 59 years old, with a background of National Championship rowing and competition in all sorts of land sports, it'd be a walk in the park, but it's not.

You see, I'm a beginner to this sport and that's why I love these Harbour Series Races. I'm back to that great humble space of beginners mind, and what better place to go through it? Friendly competitors show me the ropes, and give me advice. It's a brilliant atmosphere.

This 2011 Rose Bay Challenge was my second Rose Bay Challenge. At the start, as I floated helplessly amongst some of the top ski paddlers in the country and sometimes the world, they give me hints, help me stay stable in my way out of place sea kayak.

For me, the great thing is the eclectic mix of competitors. Short course, Stand up boards, sit on top kayaks, skis of all descriptions, men, women, families, doubles and more... all learning, exercising and gaining experience. Fantastic.

Footnote
The only part of this event I'd change is the presentations at the end. They take too long before they get underway after the end of the race. It's been the same at all the other Harbour Series Events and 50% of the crowd just leave to get home. For me, I think that the only results that need to be Officially presented on the day are First, Second and Third across the Line overall. That'd be easier to calculate and would send us all home for breakky and a snuggle, sooner... oh and I'd make sure Chris Walker would win that $300 Garmin 310xt or the Bing Lee LG DVD or the $700 accommodation packages at Hamilton Island, or one of the other 30 incredible prizes... Chris Walker.