The Galway Bay Sea Kayak Race 2011

Yesterday afternoon and the docks in Galway city played host to the third annual Galway Bay Sea Kayak Race. The sun shone (in between the downpours of rain and force 5-6 gusts)and the race went on with a strong field of about 50 kayakers. Race classes included a short course for beginners 2k, an intermediate race for touring sea kayaks 8k and a long course of 12k for the racing skis.

registration and home to the 'Green Dragon' boat


getting ready for the start

The race begun at Spanish Arch in the city centre in an effort to draw in some local spectators. And we then sprinted off on a two lap downwind course across the bay. The racers flew downwind riding a small swell, then had to battle straight into the wind only to know you'd have to do it all again in a few minutes. I paddled in the 8 k class competing against Wongy, JP and many other quick sea paddlers to finish up in fourth place.

the uber quick skis


Sea kayak races are relatively young in Ireland, yet over the last few years a bunch of them have popped up across the country. Now Dublin, Galway, Cork, Donegal and soon Mayo will have their own sea kayak race.
The next race is on the 25th of June in Killala Bay Co. Mayo: http://www.runireland.com/events/atlantic-challenge-sea-kayak-race

It was a great location, a really enjoyable day and a well run event by Jim from kayak mór. The event caters for every level of paddler and I'd highly recommend competing in it next year! Full results will be up soon on: http://www.galwaybayseakayakrace.com/