2nd Annual Cold Stroke Classic

Hello Starboard Family,

Well, I am happy to say that I am writing this from sunny California where weather is in the low 70's.

This past weekend, Team Starboard, consisting of EJ Johnson, Dan Gavere, Nikki Gregg, and Brandi Baksic, traveled to North Carolina to battle the East Coasters and the Frigid Temps at the 2nd Annual Cold Stroke Classic. The event held true to its name. Temps were in the low 20's to low 40's for our trip. It's official, I am cold blooded, however, nothing several layers wasn't able to combat.

The event consisted of an elite race (7 miles) and a recreation race (3.5 miles) both of which occurred in the flat waters of the intercoastal waterway in Wilmington, NC. I was told the air was 24 F and the water was 50. That would explain the frozen.....everything. None the less, things heated up once the race got started. In the end team Starboard took three podium finishes! What's more impressive is that there was 93 competitors in January in North Carolina! This sport is on fire!!!!

We were all proud to represent, and show off the "new' Starboard race boards. Mostly, the hospitality from everyone involved in the event was unprecedented. Everyone was so welcoming and I personally have made some friends back there on the east coast. I look forward to returning to their next event. It's amazing to see the excitement spreading throughout the states.

Overall results:
Men:
Byron Kurt 1st
EJ Johnson 2nd
Collin McPhillips 3rd
Chase (florida) 4th
Brandi Baksic 5th
Dan Gavere 6th

Women:
Brandi Baksic 1st
Helga (Florida) 2nd
Nikki Gregg 3rd
Andie Johnson 4th
Karen Wren 5th

That's all for now,

Paddle hard. Paddle often,