I started dabbling in kayaking in 2000 and got serious about it the following year. I began teaching in 2003 and am an ACA Open Water instructor.
Kayaking defines my life. I paddle to explore the local environment and the world. I paddle on two hour trips and two week trips. Someday I aspire to a two month trip. I paddle slowly with friends and fast for competition. I paddle to develop my own skills and to impart those skills on others. I paddle for fun and paddle for fitness.
I began racing kayaks in 2005 and haven’t turned back. Below are a few of my most memorable/top finishes.
- 2009 Run of the Charles — K2 race down the Charles River with Ben Lawry. It was my first race with real portages which were brutal but our first (and only) in class and third place overall finish wasn’t too bad for a first effort!
- 2008 USACK Spint Nationals — Top two finishes in all 8 races I entered with a gold in the 5km and the women’s novice division being particularly good.
- 2008 Blackburn Challenge — First woman kayak or surfski overall. My time was good enough to have put me 6th in the Men’s Fast Touring Division!
- 2007 New York Mayor’s Cup — First women’s fast sea kayak and just a whole lot of fun.
- 2007 USCA Nationals — 5th place in Men’s K2 (they didn’t have a mixed class) and 3rd in women’s fast touring.
- 2006/2007/2008 Broadkill — First in 2006 and 2007, second in 2008. This race is nearly local and is just a silly good time. The following day we always spend surfing out at Cape Henlopen or in Ocean City.
- Wye Island Regatta — These races are always memorable and fun. It is where I got my start racing and I’m always looking forward to seeing good friends at the race.
Wherever there is water, a kayak, and a paddle to be found, I will be content.
Greetings,
Lived in Baltimore for 6 years (Federal Hill) and have left my kayak (Necky Chatam 16) with friends. Now living in Nashville, which is ideal year round flat water territory. So…give up the ocean for speed kayaking/racing.
Just a newbie with good underlying kayaking skills…looked at several boats. Any thoughts on where to start?
Where is a good listing of east coast racing?
Thanks
HJC
Cindi.
I live in Veracruz, Mexico and just today receive my Christmas gift, a Nemo Kayak, I am 5’4” and 140 lb.
I have a doubt, the Nemo classification is SK, FSK or HPK?
Regards.
Hi Julian,
Congrats! You will love the boat. The Nemo should be classified as a FSK — Fast Sea Kayak. I raced the Blackburn Challenge and the Mayors Cup in the Nemo in that catagory along with many other races. I might be able to dig up the actual specs but that will take me a bit. If I find them I’ll post them here.
Enjoy the boat and if you’ve got questions let me know.