UKSRL Open Championship
26th July 2008, Saunton Sands, North Devon
Conditions:
Surf – 2ft
Visibility – clear
Temperature – 26oC
Wind – Onshore breeze
Water – hot!
After the difficulties encountered in Round 2 of the league with swell and Round 3 with surf skills the Molesey Maruaders surf rowing crew was determined to prove their worth in the Open Championship.
It is only fair to say that sweep Ed Boyns, had struggled in conditions of the last 2 rounds of the league but had learnt from his mistakes to allow Molesey to shine at the Open Champs on Saunton Sands on a hot summers day in late July 2008.Winning their 1st heat, coming 2nd in the 2nd heat and finishing 5th in the 3rd heat, we were reminded that surf rowing wasn’t only about pure rowing ability but also surf skills and a little luck.
This was the first time that the full crew had come together this season in preparation for Ocean Thunder Europe in Biarritz in September.
Going through to the semi finals was a must for this weekend and a place in the A final was desirable but we hadn’t given much thought to medals.
Lady luck shone on Molesey as in the final Molesey had a good row to sea half a length in front of the pack in 2nd place. Our best turn yet this season saw us round the can in 2nd place one length up on 3rd but then the row for the beach looked long when 3rd and 4th place London RC and Biarritz SC caught runners and came right up on our stern.
A nice little runner popped up behind us in alley 2 when the competitions waves had fizzled out so we ran all the way to the beach 4 lengths in front of 3rd.
Porthtowan Blue Bali once again proved their dominance with a fast start and were untouchable in the final but we are confident they are catchable now that we’ve had a tip on faster starts.
Next Round of the league is August bank holiday weekend in Perranporth so watch out for some more surf rowing action then.
