Hi all. Now that I have a brand-spanking new login to this site, I figured I’d ask my first question. : )
So…I’m a guy in my early 50’s. Started kayaking just before COVID (so I’m not TECHNICALLY one of the bazillions who picked it up during COVID). Paddle a Sitka LT (love it because it’s light enough to carry on my own, get on and off the car easily, blah, blah, blah). I think it’s just under 15’. I live in New England but unless the waters freeze, I go out 2-3 times a week year-round on area rivers, Boston Harbor or the bay on Cape cod (in summer). Generally I try to do 6-7 miles each time out there. I use Paddle Logger on my Apple Watch as a GPS and tend to do about 12:20-12:40 per mile (if it’s flat on the bay, it’s that range for every mile…if I’m on a river in the area it might be 14:00 per mile upstream and 11:00 down…that kinda thing).
I’m intrigued at the thought of getting into racing but…
…I have ZERO clue if what I’m doing now indicates that in a faster kayak I would actually be ok racing or make a total fool of myself;
…I am not even sure if the transition to paddling a racing kayak is “slightly different” to “mind-bogglingly different so don’t try unless you have CRAZY balance” (which id don’t);
…or maybe there are races where people paddle less competitive kayaks and I could use my Sitka…in which case again I’m curious if my workout pace indicates that I COULD race or not.
If this question is ridiculous, just ignore it or respond with “ummm…this makes no sense. Ask a different question.” And if it’s the latter, I’ll just be happy that I’m an anonymous no name on this site and you don’t know who I am! : )
I’m not into racing kayaks or canoes though the one race I participated in I managed a 2nd place in a Wenonah advantage solo canoe. I am more into exploring, nature observation, and camping from canoes and kayaks. I also like a bit of surfing and developing paddle skills.
I do know there are often different kayak classes. So, you could probably enter in one that would be a fit for your kayak. The best way to find out if you are competitive would be to enter a race. Don’t let how you finish make you feel foolish. Enjoy yourself and talk with those that have been racing for a while. Fast boats will generally be longer and narrower. A wing paddle is what dedicated racers use. You may want to invest in one if you become serious about racing. I’m not up on the speeds needed to be in the top 3.
Kayak racing is pretty chill. Run by volunteers, no one is making any money. There are some serious people racing, but most go out for the fun and challenge. One of my coworkers races out here in California, and he knows exactly where he will place in his category/age group with the 3-4 people that may be there depending on who shows. He isn’t going to win unless the faster folks don’t show. But he isn’t there to win.
This seems to be the race org in your area: https://www.neckra.org/. Maybe just head out and watch a race. Or enter one of the flat water races and give it a go. There does seem to be some races that have “touring” classes, which is what you would likely be in right now.
Paddle Boston ( formerly Charles River Canoe & Kayak) host weekly informal races on the river near its Newton Boathouse. Sounds like a good way to get an intro to the sport.
PS. you can also demo racing oriented boats there for a minor fee if you really get into it. I brought my Epic V7 surfski from them although my interest is in downwind surfing and not racing.
Was that you at the Blackburn Challenge in Gloucester this past weekend. Someone was paddling a Sitka in the Sea Kayak Class.
Longer waterline will give you a higher potential top end speed and overall greater efficiency.
You can race what you have in the Sea Kayak Class but 17+’ sea kayaks are going to pull ahead erg for erg. You don’t need a surfski to race and while a 21’ surfski at 17" wide will go faster it’s more tiring on long distances, compared to a sea kayak or touring kayak that doesn’t demand as much from the kayaker to stay upright in conditions.
See the SoundRowers.org boat classification guidelines. Many races use that.
Go to paddleguru.com or neckra.org to find a race near you. Sign up and try. The only person you are competing against is yourself.
See you on the water,
Another 50 something year old guy that races.
Marshall
Buy a marine rated GPS and measure your speed and time over a set distance that might be a common race distance. Measure your waterline length with the boat with you in it and normally outfitted and calculate the ratio to determine what class you might be competing in. The Sitka will probably be in the low end of the sea kayak class. Include any other factors that would determine class in a race that you might be interested in like sex, age, and experience. Some races may further break down the sea kayak class. Consider race conditions. Some are in open water or in rivers that can be more challenging.
Look at race results. These will give you an idea as to what it takes to be competitive.
However, many people race for fun and the camaraderie with the people that are there and not to just collect hardware. Many races, especially the larger ones, feature a range of classes and pretty much anyone with any boat can find a suitable class to race in.
Thx to all who responded. I appreciate the advice! And yah - I should have done more homework on my own before posting but I decided to be lazy and let those already in the know summarize everything for me. : )
Knowing about the different “classes” now is helpful. I’ll definitely get around to checking out one of those more chill weekly local races, see what it’s like, etc.
As another person said… NECKRA would be a good start. They will have much better info than any forum group.
The first two things that I’d want to look into is what type of boat you want to race, and sign up for every coaching session that you can. UCI sprint kayaks, for example, are at the very far end of the tenderness spectrum. If you go that route you will spend your first summer swimming. However, as a paddler, you will build amazing capacity to paddle anything.
When I was competitive I was video taped 3 - 5 times per week by a variety of national team coaches. Small changes to your technique will result in free speed. This will, in turn, make you a better (more efficient), and more knowledgeable paddler.
If you think you might be serious about racing, to the point of buying another boat, research the races in your area and see what might appeal to you. Look at the results. They will list the make and model of the top finishing boats in each class. Then you can align what you want to do with your budget.
A basic skills class will get you started on safety, strokes, rescues, and other essential techniques, and if good will help you avoid bad habits which can detract from speed and efficiency. Then practice, practice, practice. Physical conditioning can take many months or even years, and never ends.
Once you have the basics fully mastered and decide you really want to get into racing on a professional level, you can then turn to advanced coaching. Most people race mainly for fun and don’t go this far.
It is all “basics”. The best paddlers, skiers, etc have mastered the basics to a level that the recreationalists could not comprehend. Racing at the highest level is a testing ground for that mastery.
