MAPA paddlers once again prove their reputation as the hardiest paddlers on the East Coast as they came out to race in rainy windy conditions once again. A small but tough group of paddlers had a good race and great eats.

MAPA had a great showing at the first Multi-club picnic held at New Quarter Park in Yorktown. Despite of cold sleeting raining weather the picnic had a good turn out of clubs and members. MAPA put on quite a show racing in the sleet/rain and wind proving that racers will paddle in anything. Chuck finished first in a surf ski followed by Rusty and Leza in a C-2. Phil held off a charge by Ron to come in third. Margo & Freda finished fifth. The real men paddling C-1s were delayed by Greg's brief swim. Kyle, Tim, Charlie and Greg all proved their toughness racing in windy choppy challenging conditions.

Hamburgers and hotdogs were provided by Appomatox River Co. Participating clubs included Chesapeake Association of Seakayakers (CASK), Chesapeake Paddlers, Coastal Canoist, a Windsurfing club, Geocaching club, Rowers, Kayak anglers, Appalachian Trail Club, Eastern VA Mountain Biking Association and several other outdoor clubs. Everyone had a great time wandering around and checking out the gear and various club activities. The OC-6 made was a definite attraction.

We had a nice turnout for the annual Resolution Paddle on New Years Day. The paddle in New Market Creek was spectacular with four C-2s and two kayaks. Everyone who stuck around and ran the 5K at Sentara had a great time. It was a great way to start out 2008.

RACE REPORT & RESULTS from the 1st Annual Ocean View Pier Challenge KISS
Race/Regatta held on Sunday 8/12/07

15 Paddlers participated in the 1st Annual Ocean View Pier Challenge KISS Race/Regatta held on Sunday 8/12/07 with almost perfect weather conditions. See results below. Long course was about 4.93 miles from OV Pier to HRBT (through both spans around any piling) and back to the beach on the west side of the pier and running up to touch the MALIA OC-6).  First in was Randy Drake with a blistering time under 46 minutes. Chuck Conley had an adjustable paddle, adjust to minimum length, and maximum angle during the race. 
Jim Farrington paddled 5 plus miles to get to the race start.
Two first time OC-1 paddlers participated (Francine Blend and Gary McLain). These same two brave souls also included a swim portion to the event. Thank you to Francine for cutting her race short to help with the results.

Name Partner Class
1 Randy Drake  OC-1
2 Leza McLain Rusty McLain  OC-2x
3 Chuck Conley Ski
4 Bill Gassett OC-1
5 Kyle McLain OC-1
6 Margo Duplessis Ski
7 Jim Farrington  OC-1
8 Charlie Barton OC-1
9 Freda Rosso OC-1
10 Tammy Harper Mark Monteque K-2x
11 Susie Johnston OC-1
12 Gary McLain OC-1
13 Francine Blend OC-1

Following the race there was OC-1, OC-2, ski and stand-up surfboard demos
for all and some inadvertent swimming for most.

Stories and Brunch on the OV Pier Deck area finished out a perfect paddling
day.  (Chuck, Tammy and Mark went for a long bike ride)

Rusty

What a outstanding day for a race. As usual Susie did a great job planning and organizing the race and she even order extra special weather. MAPA is proud to support the Lynnhaven Now organization and we hope to continue to grow the race and provide a larger donation each year. Big thanks to Bill Gassett for bringing extra toys for everyone to try out. The standup paddle boards were a big hit and we are all looking forward to a short downwind run at Buckroe.

Amy McLain did a great job taking pictures for us. Big Cheer for Amy!

*** We had a beautiful day at First Landing State Park paddling on the Lynnhaven River! I want to thank all the paddlers who came out to support this event. Ken Walls drove down from New York, and Ed Arnaldo joined us from Richmond. We were also priviledged to have Karen Forget join us from Lynnhaven River Now - thanks to their leadership, large sections of the river are open to shellfish harvest. Thanks to all our volunteers: Brendan, Linda, April, Robin, Margo, Chris, Don, Dennis, and Linc! Mahalo, Susie ***

Kyle McLain 59.10 Surf Ski

Eugene Link 1:00.20 Surf Ski

Chuck Conley 1:01.27 Surf Ski

Leza & Rusty McLain 1:04.36 C2

Phil Mutton 1:04.42 Surf Ski

Tim Jones 1:07.16 OC-1

Ken Walls 1:07.42 OC-1

Margo Duplessis 1:11.30 OC-1

Freda Rosso 1:14.54 OC-1

Bobby Galbraith 1:15.42 kayak

Susie Johnston 1:22.35 OC-1

Ed Arnaldo 1:30.00 kayak

Fun Paddlers: Bill Gassett, Mike Fetsch, and Chris Tolton