May 5

May 5 Race Recap: Kumu'ohu Challenge 2019

Each year, the Kumu’ohu Challenge welcomes paddlers from across the area onto our home waters of the Potomac River. It’s hosted by our paddling club, the Washington Canoe Club, and gives us a chance to hang with a crew of paddlers who don’t always make it to our flat water neck of the woods.

Here’s how we’re feeling about our performance out there.

Meredith's Race

That mental fortitude I felt at Carolina Cup was virtually nonexistent on Saturday. As much as we love welcoming paddlers to DC for this race, I have to admit that it’s not my favorite course. The mid-distance races are something I need to work on, both physically and mentally, and to me, this 8k feels like running a marathon. Early into the race I felt tired, sore, and cranky. Having that reaction so early into a race was a stark reminder that my feelings about this race totally impacted by ability to perform. And it’s a reminder that I need to really think about how I’m talking to myself out there - both pre-race and on the course, especially on the longest leg of it where your turnaround markers and buoys feel impossibly far away.

Scott’s Race

Starting from the logistics of parking to knowing the river patterns - there’s nothing like home field advantage. Unlike Meredith, I really don’t mind this course. Yeah, it can feel like a slog fighting current and tide up the river for a big portion of the race, but that’s where I use my knowledge of moving water to gt a leg up on my competition. Just like my last race, I came in with zero expectations, but as soon as the gun went off, everything fell into place and my natural instincts kicked in. In the end, I paddled hard, had fun, and feel good about my results.

We don’t always have the same perspective about a race. But, despite feeling differently about our experiences, at the end of the day we both had a great time because we were on the water with friends and Team Filthy Flamingos.

Interested in joining us on the water? Want to experience your first SUP race? Our 16-week SUP Fitness and Race Training program starts this Wednesday, May 8. Email aloha@dcsupcouple.com to join!