The Kal-Classic was a tough race for us to miss this season and we were bummed not to cheer on our very own, Genna Flinkman but as a Guest Blogger, she gives us a great re-cap of the event and her racing. Thanks, Genna and congratulations.
"Saturday started early, as everyone wanted to set up so
we could enjoy the amazing atmosphere and people. Myself and most participants
were at the beach by 8 am to snag a parking spot and a prime location on the
beach. I have been to many events in Canada but the Kal Classic was brimming
with as much excitement and people as many of the bigger races in the US. It
was exciting to run into the people that I have became friends with in previous
events like Semiahmoo, Hood River and Endless Adventure. The day began with a
quick meetings, a pep talk from Lina Auguitis and a group circle where we took
a moment to appreciate the amazing community that SUP has created and our
connection to each other and the lake we are so lucky to race on. There was a
lot activity on the beach with families, racers and vendors out to enjoy the
weekend. At any given time you could see people talking to CJC Sup Fins,
testing out the new Werner Paddles, chatting up the Starboard rep and cheering
on the contestants.
The Saturday races were comprised of the Eagle Dash, Kids
sprints, Open Sprints and Elite Sprints. The atmosphere was amazing with
everyone cheering each other on and giving it their all. The number of people
that showed up to race was huge, their biggest yet! For me, the excitement of
the day was during the Elite races. Racing against the likes of Shannon Bell,
Avery Bridges, Leanne Stanley and others was both exciting and humbling. The
Women’s Elite race took place with three heats each counting for points, the
third counting as double points. However, there was a twist this year; the
moment the first person crossed the finish line five minutes was put on the
clock and after that five minutes was up the next heat started. Therefore, you
had to go 100% in each heat so that you had time to recover. The heats were awesome,
with buoy turn pile ups, passes and sprints to the finish. In the end I was
lucky enough to finish 2nd overall. Shannon Bell took first and Leanne Stanley
got third with only one point separating 2nd, 3rd and 4th. It was a close
battle each heat. Everyone did amazing and it was probably the most fun I have
ever had on a SUP.
The day slowed down for me after that. The Men's Elite
race went right after the women's and put on an exciting 4 heats. Again,
everyone did amazing and it was awesome to see the competitiveness but
camaraderie between the racers. It was a great day of fun, races, demos, family
and friends.
The second day the wind picked up for the crossing,
shifting in our favour providing a tail wind. It was exciting to see the kids
and open go before me and battle the wind and chop. The first 6km were a blast
as I spent my energy connecting little bumps to gain glide. Then the wind died
down and it was a grind the whole way to the beach. The 17km was much harder than I anticipated
but then, distance was never a friend of mine. It was just a matter of grinding
it out and enjoying the breathtaking views along the way. Crossing the finish
line made it all worth it when everyone who had finished was there to cheer you
on and congratulate you. Probably the best moment of the day was when Jennifer
Lawsen came in as the first crosser ever on a prone board. Finished paddlers
greeted her with a row of raised paddles and encouragement to congratulate her
completing this huge feat. Everyone else trickled in with cheers and smiles as
the day slowed down for awards.
All in all, it was an amazing two days. A huge thank you
to Kalavida Surf Shop, Kevin, Lina, the volunteers, sponsors and vendors that
showed up to spread the stoke.Congrats to everyone that competed and to the
winners. I cannot wait for next year but for now I look forward to the PacificPaddle Games and the excitement that it will offer."
Genna Flinkman
