A memory from my first EC still makes the hair on my arms stand up. I had followed the race for a few years and had become familiar with the names of many of the kayakers that had been around for awhile: Watertribe 'Elders', respected for their experience and knowledge.
Leaving the beach, I was able to glance left and right at the line of kayakers headed out. Thrilling and inspiring to see the names painted on the bows as they paddled out. Hammerstroke, Sundance to the left. Kiwibird, Seiche, Kneadingwater and SandyBottom to the right! BustedRudder and KayakVagabond headed over the horizon already.
I was in the presence of EC giants!
It seems that in the past there were many more kayakers, sometimes 25 to 30. this year only about 8-10? Where's all my paddling buddies?! C'mon folks, sign up!
Looking for YOU multiple EC paddlers! My heroes!
ArdieO, Calypso, CatsPaws, CWolfe, DanceswithWaves, Danito, DolphinGal, Dusk2Dawn, Frenchman, Ghostyakr, Hammerstroke, Jarhead, Junglejim, Kiwibird, Kneadingwater, Sundance, MosquitoMagnet, Ridgerunner, Seiche, Spiritwalker, Stripbuilder. Tiderider, Tidetraveler, UncleMud, Whitecaps, Yakmandu, Yukonjohn.
All of these kayakers have completed several ECs and it was always my honor to paddle and learn from them. Hoping this inspires a few of them to sign up for EC2020.
See you on the beach!
oej