Results for President’s Doubles Day, 25th March 2018

Nine double craft produced exciting racing in near perfect conditions, on Wyong River between the Railway Bridge and the River mouth at Tacoma.

Central Coast Paddlers’ Lew Zaska, and Hunter Valley Paddlesports Club’s Gene Burns, triumphed by just one second to Brisbane Water Paddlers’ Craig Dodd and Alby Cobb. This was half the margin they were excluded from the top spot two years ago, when they covered the same course just eight seconds faster!

Veteran HVPC Paddler Ray Baxter, teamed with fellow Clubbie, and K2 “newbie”, Sally Verheul for an astonishing time, and third place!

Another “one second margin” separated both the elapsed time, and finishing position, of the local team of Aidan Shipton and Adam Gray, from visiting HVPC’s Warwick Nichols and Shane Tagg, both craft were the “back markers.”

Another CCP “duel” was between the legendary husband and wife team of Rob and Marg Cook, and long time Member Nick Naughton, supported by Clive Adams, with the blokes finishing twelve seconds later.

Right on their heels, was another paddling “legend” – Peter McGee, partnering Clubmate, and HVPC President, Greg Hillier.

Also finishing the 11.35km course well under the hour, was “composite crew” of CCP Vice President, Cam Tunbridge, and HVPC’s Guy Holloway.

Six single craft added to the scene, with CCP’s Cam Mehmet leading the way, followed by young Harry Cash, and “Gran” Marg Dodd, both from BWP. “Our” David Hopkins, and Rob McPherson, with visiting HVPC paddler, Brian Dale, completed the field.

Full results for the day can be found here!
“Thank you” Timekeepers Diana and Margaret; “caterers” Marg and Rob Cook, assisted by Sally Verheul’s delicious “slice”; photographers Lyn Tunbridge, and Margaret; and all the helpers who quickly assembled, and packed up, the equipment.

Central Coast Paddlers are hosting Round 4 of PaddleNSW’s Marathon Series at Tacoma, on the 8th April. Race distances are 5km, 10km, 15km and 20km – conducted on a five kilometre lap course.

“Keep Paddling!”

Regards,

Nick.