Well, last night we enjoyed the final race of the YOLOboard Stand-up Paddle Board Race Series. And what a beautiful race it was! We could not have asked for better weather as the air was noticeably cooler and the Gulf was emerald green and smooth as a lake. The venue at Seaside was just right for this finale of races and Bud & Alley’s restaurant provided a fitting beach-side lounge for the slide show and awards presentation.
The racing was again competitive. In the Ladies division YOLO came into the race with a 9 point lead over Walton Wahines in the overall standings and three of the ladies teams were within 4 points of each other. For this race it would be Team YOLO-litas claiming the prize for first! They were followed by the Waterbabes, then YOLO, Walton Wahines and Kitty Hawk Kites.
The overall Ladies Championship goes to the YOLO women. Second place, the song I just can’t get out of my head…YOLO-lita’s! They are followed by Walton Wahines, Kitty Hawk Kites and Waterbabes. Way to go Ladies!
For the Men it has been and was again, a nailbiter! Teams Aqua and YOLO have been working hard at eachother through out the series. Aqua has placed first 4 times and second once. YOLO just the opposite with 4 second place finishes and one first. The points difference between the two teams coming into the race was only 4 points. Behind these two powerhouses in the series has been a consistent RYNO team with 4 third place finishes. Destin Health, Sunset Beach Services and Surfrider have been swapping middle of the pack honors and arrived with only three points separating the three teams.
The Men’s race was fairly evenly paced with RYNO leading the pack until the final seconds as Gary Wise delivered a Knock out punch, catching a roller for a wave ride to the finish line. If not for that wave he would not have been able to catch RYNO, the race was all but finished. We know our lifeguards have a keen eye for surf conditions, rip currents, and sandbars, but this one takes the cake. Talking with Gary afterward, he says he had spied that roller earlier and actually decided to take a wider path coming down the last leg in hopes of catching one in. Great job Gary and congratulations to all the competitors!
The spectacular finish threw the points standings into a mess with Team Aqua and Team YOLO coming out even for overall first place honors. We’ll be firing up the chainsaw to split the trophy unless a custody arrangement can be made. Team RYNO broke their streak of thirds for second place in the race but remains third in the overall final standings. Rounding out the overall was another tie. This time an equal fourth place to Surfrider and Sunset Beach Services. Fifth was Destin Health and Fitness. Sixth an absent this race Team ROV . And, Kitty Hawk Kites and Amavida Coffee tie for 7th.
This paddleboard race series has been such a success, I’m certain the next series will bring more competitors and a whole lot of fun. Speaking of which, we have several fun events in the works so check back for event postings.
Next Friday evening at Gulf Place we will have another “Waterman’s Gathering”. Again we’ll show home surf footage on the big screen and feel free to bring your own clips or slideshow in DVD format. It’s a casual, family friendly event so bring a soccer ball for the kids to play while you kick back with us and relax!
Also, start getting your costume ready for the “13th Annual Surf Spooktacular” Stand-up and Surfing Halloween costume contest! (date and time T.B.A.)!
