On the Edge Narrow River SUP Race Results

By Peter Pan

Winners of the Narraw River SUP Race

Conditions could not have been more ideal, last weekend, at the Narrow River Stand-Up Paddle Board Race #1, the first of three races being held this summer. “There was very little current or wind to deal with,” said race coordinator Jason Considine. “With the greater part of the course taking place in Blackberry Cove, paddlers did not have to contend with boats and jet skis. It was a perfect spot to do a flat water event.”

Racers were challenged by a shallow section midway through the race, when fins brushed the bottom. A few of the racers who strayed off the course found out the hard way, and negotiated their way back into deeper water. Race organizers were encouraged by the variety of age groups that participated, and array of various types of paddleboards that were used by the racers.

The most competitive category was the Men’s Open Division, won by local Matunuck racer, John Andel with a time of 34:58. Tom Reilly of Warwick, R.I. finished in 2 nd place with a time of 36:59. Rounding out the top three, Brian Ross of East Greenwich finished with a time of 39:00. Jim Blakeney of Wakefield not only won the Masters Division, he also won the overall race with a winning time of 34:07. Peter Pan of Narragansett took the Senior Men’s title, with a time of 40:08.

In the female events, Martha Colella of Bristol, R.I. won the Women’s Open title with a time of 42:55. Finishing in second place was Kate Karl of West Hartford, Ct. with a time of 47:31. Mary Walton of Wakefield, R.I. captured the Senior Women’s crown with a winning time of 43:10. Heidi Colella of Bristol, R.I. finished 2nd with a time of 46:49.

The team division crown was won by Bic Sport North America, led with wins from Jim Blakeney in the Masters, Peter Pan in the Senior Men, and Mary Walton in the Senior Women events. The race was sponsored by Narrow River Kayak, Narragansett Surf and Skate, the Eastern Surfing Association, and Bic Sport of North America. This was the first in a 3-race series with the next contest scheduled for July 17th. All racers received trophies and raffle prizes for their efforts. “We hope to see a better turn out for the next race, “ said Jason Considine. “Once people realized what a great place this is to race in, we will see more participants.”

Final Results by Time for Narrow River Race Series #1-

1.Jim Blankeney (34:07)

2.John Andel (34:58)

3.Tom Reilly (36:59)

4.Brian Ross (39:00)

5.Peter Pan (40:08)

6.Martha Colella (42:55)

7.Mary Walton (43:10) 8.

Heidi Colella (46:49)

9.Kate Karl (47:31).

For more information on the next race, contact Narrow River Kayak at 401-789-0334 or by email at narrowriverkayaks@verizon.net, or the Eastern Surfing Association at 401-575-0003 or by email at bicsurf@hotmail.com.