Yes Tom, that was hard work!
Tom’s expression below sums up most people’s thoughts after the gruelling Wolfreton Marathon today. It was certainly the hardest I (Martin) have paddled in my short marathon racing career, and I only had to do 4 miles, Tom had to do 8!
Near constant rain and strong winds, a lot of weed “Islands” and a strong flow faced the paddlers, and the meandering nature of the river meant you had to contend head, side and back winds within a few 100 metres. I found controlling even my stable boat tricky, getting blown towards the bank frequently, and even having no effective rudder around the sharp bends due to the cross-winds. And on the way back we had the flow to contend with. I was sure I was towing a branch snagged on my rudder all the way back!
Considering the weather it was a good turnout from Yorkshire region clubs, but unfortunately we could on put out 6 paddlers so may have slipped to third behind Malton (I don’t have the official results yet).
Well done to me(!), Tom Shoulder, Graham & Sue Simpkin, Wayne Smith and Alexander Riley. We had a some first and seconds in various divisions, details with the results in a later post because I can’t even remember only 6 placings! (except my own, of course, 2nd out of 4 in div 8).
For all the prize presentation photos click here
For some photos on the water at the start and finish taken by David Riley click here