Everyone experiences a disappointment in competition at some stage of the titles. If it is not due to poor execution of a skill from a basic ski jump start by falling off at the gun start; making a mistake during the course around the bouys; to not knowing the rules and not qualifying. While watching the rounds of single and double skis with up to 400 or more different Paddlers every mistake possible is observable. Some more consistent than others for example falling of in the shore break before the finish line. Some still qualify and some who should don’t. Knowing the rules is also as important to help qualify as some paddlers have performed better than the rest only to miss out due to lack of rule knowledge. Their was a waist depth gutter before the finish line. Some sweep to the left of the finish line, looking from the beach. Double skis were in a qualifying position only outside the finish and needed to paddle or walk back up across the line.
The common errors which cost many teams were
- they tried to walk against the current
- they tried to paddle against the current – a better option although oncoming white waters kept tipping some off their skis.
The best and fastest option when you know the rules is paddle straight to the beach outside the finish. Then pick up your ski and run to the finish line. You do not have to be on the seaward side of the line but you do need to finish over the line from the sea. Simply walk the ski or board over the finish line towards the water then back over again. Takes one step each way.
It was a shame to see so many miss out due to not understanding or knowing this rule. Several years ago I missed a gold medal from not knowing this rule. You reckon that was’t disappointing. It would have given me back to back to back golds in my single ski race. Anyway that is another story.
Another common mistake made this year was double combinations not watching other race finishes because they would have seen it was much faster to get back on their ski after falling of in the shallow shore break and paddle to the finish line compared to walking beside the ski and pushing it across the line. One of the biggest upsets of the carnival was the disqualification of the Northcliffe ski team when their 1st paddler jumped on just before the gun and was pulled out of the final. They were last years winners.
Disappointments may occur due to officials making an incorrect call, your own club stuffing up entries or not being marked off for an event by team managers; you the athlete not checking your craft is race worthy. One double crew had to pull themselves out of the starting line due to a rudder problem.
Most of these above issues were and are controllable. The only non controllable issue is wicked mother nature and what she can put in your way or another craft taking you out of the race. Mother nature is the only preferred obstacle you need to overcome and control all the rest. Mother nature may be beaten and complied with by having a good race plan. Obviously have more events to reduce the odds against you in a big surf.
For more tips and techniques on surf ski racing, visit the Surf Ski Supremacy home page
