Most of the entrants were kayakers, but there was a decent-sized SUP contingent. Kayakers had the option of going around Alcatraz or a shorter-route around Angel Island. SUP options included a 2-mile within Richardson Bay or 5-mile to Angel Island and back. At the last minute they added a 9-mile around Alcatraz option for the really crazy. It was a great group of people, a lot of older ones but even a 13 year old boy who was going to do a solo kayak. I will get Mike and Miles out there next year for sure.
Hilary was sick and I was terrified to go to Angel Island by myself was the weather was so nice and didn't think I'd get the chance again any time soon, so I went for it.... The paddleboarders grouped together on the far side of the water start. I think they were afraid of getting rammed by kayakers. At least one fell in before the start. Here's a picture looking toward the San Francisco skyline.
Raccoon straights was terrifying. The ferry came by - very close! - as I was on the way to the turn. I had to get down on all fours and hold on for dear life. I kept telling myself "you can do this, you can do this." I really can't imagine anything worse than falling on at Raccoon Straights. And of course the chase boat was nowhere in site.
I kicked ass. Sure, the hard core racers left me in the dust, but I left a lot of the recreational ones behind. I tried really hard to keep up with a guy with a Viking helmet on, but he was much faster than I am.
My time was 1:20, so five 16-minute miles. I was truly dying for the last mile and a half. But now very excited for the next race.
