The Wildwater boats dominated the race, earning four out of the top five spots. I'm still trying to figure out if that dominance was purely due to physical fitness (those guys are in incredible shape) or if the kayaks themselves were faster than the eight minute and 10 second handicap. On one hand, the Wildwater field included Tom Wier, a national C1 Wildwater champion. On the other hand, the Wildwater kayaks were the only type of boats I was not able to paddle  to determine the appropriate stagger.

Aside from the wildwater dominance, the staggered time starts seemed to help level the playing field between kayak hull designs.

Tao Berman, who competed in a sea kayak, finished fourth. And six out of the top 10 finishers were a mixture of whitewater longboats, such as the Dagger Green Boat, sea kayaks and creekboats.

However, based on the results from this first Slough Slog, we'll be able to further refine the staggers so every boat category is more competitive.

We're planning future Slough Slogs throughout the winter. And because we're aiming to capitalize on low-water, we'll only be able to give a week's notice or so. If anyone has any suggestions to make the race more competitive, more enjoyable and, at the same time, easier to organize and execute, please, let me know.

Results:

1. Tom Wier, C1 Wildwater: 28:59

2. Rich Romer, K2 Wildwater: 30:03

3. Jennie Goldberg, K2 Wildwater: 31:19

4. Tao Berman, sea kayak (Eddyline Falcon): 31:33

5. Rufus Knapp, K2 Wildwater: 33:20

6. Christian Knight, Long boat, Green Boat: 33:35

7. Greg Barden, sea kayak (wood): 34:17

8. Darren Albright, Long boat (Response): 34:40

9. JP, sea kayak (Tempest 170), 34:20

10. Rob McKibbin, 9 and under (Nomad) 35:08

11. Philip Sparr, sea kayak (Vokhv): 35:57

12. Joe Jackson, 9 and under (Remix): 36:05

13. Josh Knight, sea kayak (Necky Looksha): 36:22

14. Dave Hablewitz, longboat (Hydra): 36:32

15. Mike Kord, 9 and under (Dagger RPM): 36:36

16. Ben Hawthorne, long boat (Crossfire): 37:54

17. Chris Rogers, sea kayak (Wilderness Systems 170): 38:26

18. Joel Martin, long boat (slalom): 44:43 (swam)

19. Bernie Swanson, sea kayak (Nordkapp): 46:33

20. Scott Waidelich, 9 and under (Jackson): 46:39 (late for race)

21. Cathy Haggerty, sea kayak (Valley): 46:41

22. Bill Porter, sea kayak (Romney): 46:50

23. Henry Romer, sea kayak (Acadia?): 48:08

24. Steve Murphy, sea kayak (NA): 50:51

25. Mark Baron, sea kayak (P&H Quest): 52:40

26. Bill Walker, sea kayak (P&H Capella): 53:19

 

Sea kayaks' staggered start was 9:10.

Wildwater boats' was 8:10

Long boats was 6 minutes.

Recorded times include the staggered start time.