Bahia de Kino Kayak Race 03-22-2009

Regata en Kayak - Bahia de Kino, MX - Mar. 22, 2009

The Kino Kayak Club of Mexico held the second in a series of kayak races (Regatta style) at Kino Bay. This time two members of the So. AZ Paddlers Club participated in the event even though eight members were there to enjoy a Spring break in the beautiful little Sea of Cortez community. Prez, Steve Anderson and Norma Miller represented the club well and took two 1st place finishes. Steve in the men's over-35 class and Norma in the open women's class. There were about 50 competitors total, many from Hermosillo, San Carlos and Guaymas. There was also a good representation of residing Americans. The race course circumnavigated Alcatraz Island in Kino Bay and was about 6.5 KM from start to finish. We had great fun and the weather and sea conditions were near perfect. There were competitors of various age groups and a variety of water craft from streamlined C-class racing canoes to turbo-finned peddle boats by Hobie. All different skill levels from total first timers to old hands.

All competitors were given a free commemorative t-shirt and bottled water with their entrance fee (a mere $12 US). After the race we enjoyed three deliciously prepared tacos stuffed with fresh fish and shrimp in a special sauce and a soda for only $1. This event had everything and was well sponsored. It was well organized by the promoters and directors and several volunteers from surrounding towns. It was a good feeling to have taken part in this inaugural event promoting a sport that's really taking off all over towns and cities along the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific. We felt very welcomed by all the people involved and made friends with Humberto Valdez, President of the Kino Kayak Club, the Cruz Roja EMTs and safety boat volunteers and various members who helped stage the event. I expressed our appreciation for having been invited to participate and for having such great hosts. I was happy to give my SAPC shirt to Patty Forte, who was doing a great job with her husband Pepe running the ceremonies and helping organizing the event. Our thanks also goes out to Sergio Cuba and his crew for their sponsorship and promotion of the Kino Kayak Club Regata de Kayak tour that takes place along the Mexican coast.

We hope to return to Guaymas, MX next month (Apr. 26) to hopefully participate in the 3rd series of kayak races there. Should be another great time in beautiful seas and surroundings. Weather conditions just keep getting better. Guaymas is about 50 miles south of Hermosillo and would be about 300 miles south of Nogales, US border. Humberto lives in San Carlos (north of Guaymas) and will give us lots of info about places to stay, etc. The kayaking is really great in that area as well with cliffs, caves and small birdy offshore islands where the race will circumnavigate. There is also a beautiful estuary south of town. Hope many paddling club members from all over southern AZ will join us for the next tour and race in Guaymas. Please contact Norma Miller (SAPC) n8urnut@q.com if interested.

Photo contributions by Ron and Norma Miller
(click on images to enlarge)

Welcome to the Kayak Race - Bahia de Kino	Race starting area, various water craft	Tandem kayak winners

Women's 3rd place winner	Women's 2nd place winner	Tandem 2nd place winners