Ready, set, paddle
Dozens turn out for Latham Island race despite bad weather Saturday morning
Paddlers take off from the start line on Saturday afternoon. - Robin Grant/NNSL photo |
Robin Grant
Northern News Services
Wednesday, August 30, 2017
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
The legendary record of 20 minutes to paddle around Latham Island remains unbroken after this year's Latham Island Paddle Race.
Jill Vaydik and Tim Ensome took to the waves in a canoe and made the fastest time on Saturday. Organizers were not able to confirm race times by press time.
"We both participate for fun," said Vaydik. "We're both former Multisport Club board members so this year we are off the board and get to do all the events."
She described the beginning of the race as "a bit crazy" at the crowded start line and then windy for the rest of the race.
"It's just a fun thing to do," she said.
The turnout was strong, despite the weather threatening rain earlier in the day, said race organizer James Hodson.
He said a total of 18 boats participated.
"No kayaks this year," he said. "We usually have kayaks so that is unusual."
According to legend, two prospectors bet that one of them could paddle around the island in under 20 minutes.
Who won the bet between the prospectors is unknown. Organizers said, as far as they know, the 20-minute record has never been beaten.
Benji Straker made the second fastest time on a stand-up paddle board.
"The Yellowknife Bay side was pretty nice and smooth. You can go pretty fast," he said.
"As soon as we hit the corner, there was a side wind the whole way home."
The stand-up paddle board means the paddler is catching more wind than a canoe might, he explained.
He was able to persevere against the wind because he exercises on the stand-up paddle board almost every day in the summer, he said.
The race is organized by both the Somba K'e Paddling and Yellowknife Multisport clubs.
