4/28/2018

Scott Orlando

Grand River Kayak Race

Geneva Ohio

Finish Time: 1:26;37

Age Division 2nd place

Overall Place 7th overall

Race Review By Scott Orlando

This year’s Grand River Canoe and Kayak Race was not for the faint of heart.  The air temperature was 38 degrees and the pouring rains and windy conditions made it feel more like 29 degrees.  The race was postponed a week due to unsafe river conditions from heavy rains the week before the original race date.  Water conditions for the race were better than in past years but still a little low with a depth of just over 2′ 6″ and a flow rate of 800-900 cubic feet per second.  Ideally a depth of 3 feet and a flow rate between 1000 -2000 cubic feet per second is more desirable.  The depth was a little low but not horrible if you stayed on your line.  There were two spots in the river on the 8.5 mile course that were very shallow and boats got hung up on the rocks.  I scraped over my share of rocks but managed to keep a clean line avoiding any major hang ups or eddies.  I had a horrifically slow start deciding to take the extra time to race with a spay skirt and thermal paddle gloves.  I lost valuable time trying to get the gloves off and then back on as my GPS failed to start.  Once I got moving I was able to catch and pass the other kayaks in my start heat.  I knew I would start slow but My plan was that by staying warm and dry I would be more efficient down the home stretch in the last few miles of the race.  The spray skirt along with some new Lava Flow paddle pants from Xterra Wetsuits and a new splash jacket I won at a race last year did a great job keeping me warm and comfortable in the cold conditions.  I ran a pretty clean race and was able to for the 4th year in a row place 2nd in my age division.  Last year I was 10th overall in small kayak class so I did improve on last year’s time and moved up 3 spots in the overall results so I am pleased with my performance.  Lake Metro Parks once again did a great job orchestrating a safe and excellent event.