The hit of the day amongst the beginner paddlers was the Futura Spear. The Huki S1R and Epic V10 Sport, were popular with experienced kayakers, just getting into surf skiing. The V10 Standard was a hit with the Canadian OC paddles that love big water. The Huki SIX Special caught the attention of the ladies currently paddling the S1X while the S1A was popular with the smaller gals.

From what I hear from the local surf ski reps, the phones are ringing, and ladies are buying skis!!!
A few local surf skiers; Greg Gilda, Jeff Hegedus and Brandon ran support from the sidelines. While, many members of the paddling community donated their surf skis, wing paddles and warm paddling clothes to help make the event a success!

At one point, a paddler from Seattle, unable to loosen the screw on an adjustable Huki, hollered, “I need a man!” Jeff threw off his shoes and ran through the water to help, but arrived just a moment too late. The screw loosened and she looked at Jeff and said, `Sorry, I don’t need a man.” Jeff, head down with disappointment, headed back to his post at the Lake Whatcom map by the boat launch. Thanks Jeff and Brandon for shuttling boats and tents and tables and gear, and anything else that was needed through the day!

Thanks to all the women who came, huge smiles on their faces, through the wind and rain and cold November day. And thanks to Dale McKinnon who captured the entire event on film. And, thanks to everyone who loaned out boats and gear!

We are already thinking about the next event, a surf clinic at the Columbia River Gorge seems to be at the top of the list.

W.O.W. Feedback:

“WOW was a hit indeed. I had so much fun my whole body was smiling. Heather and Larry pretty much said it all in their last two comments; yep, the incredible attendance even in spite of the crummy weather, coupled with the unbridled enthusiasm exhibited by all, spoke volumes. I was also awed by the great organization and content of the event. Awed yes — though hardly surprised when you look at the powerhouse people behind it. And while this was event was designed exclusively for women, we must also give great kudos to the male paddlers for the generous use of their boats (quite a classy fleet), time, muscles, and encouragement — all things instrumental in makeing the event such a super success. Their helpful participation was much appreciated and seems to be reflective of the all-around cooperative and friendly spirit I have come to find in the paddling community. Thank you guys.” ~ Debbie Natelson (Rower ready to buy her first surf ski from Seattle, WA)

“To have 60 people show up for a surfski event is awesome. To have 60 women show up on a crappy day leaves me speachless. Who would have guessed there was that much interest. Kudo’s to you Heather (and Traci Cole and Tracy Landboe) for coming up with the idea… and to the rest of the organizers, venders, and support group.” Larry Bussinger, Bellingham WA Surf Ski racer”

WOW! is right! That was really fun! Thank you so much Traci, Heather, Tracy and Laura (and all else who helped and brought boats)! “Kristin Gilda (Seattle tandem sea kayak racer…turned surf ski racer?!)

“What a fun day – it was a pleasure to meet so many women unfazed bythe “biathalon” aspect of surfski: swimming and paddling! It’s sparkedmy interest in finding ways to build a women’s surfski community alongthe (your north, our south) west coast.Many thanks to everyone; glad that we live somewhat close together. Ifyou’re interested in surfski paddling near Victoria, BC, please chatto me via WOW and get out on the local water. We get some fabuloussurfing days here during and after the big winter storms.” ~ Sheila O’Shea (Victoria, BC surf ski racer)

A Special Thanks from W.O.W. to Kokatat, Island Outfitters, Huki Outriggers and Surf Skis, Futura Surf Skis, Epic Kayaks and Paddles, and Paley Bars!