La Conner opens Rowing and Paddling Club races

Pink, yellow and white life vests bobbed through the gray waters of the Swinomish Channel as more than 100 people paddled kayaks, outrigger canoes, paddle boards and Hawaiian pontoon boats of equally diverse colors down the Swinomish Channel on Saturday. The three classes started at 9:45 a.m., 10 a.m. and 10:05 a.m.

The shriek of a bullhorn siren marked the beginning of each race beneath the Rainbow Bridge. Racers swept down the channel, past Goat Island, around the "1" mark (the green dolphin,) and returned to the bridge – about 7 miles.

A shorter course, 2.7 miles, turned around at Hole in the Wall.

Joshua Proctor took first place in the long race at 51.01 minutes and David Deschenes took first place in the short race at 17.14 minutes. The highlight was Brandon Faulk, who came in third on his 14-foot standup paddleboard in the first short race, but was first – and last – to stand on his head on his board after crossing the finish line, still in the water.

Love of boats and water was evident on John Meurillo's face.

He rang a cowbell, hooted as each paddler crossed the finish line and said, "The wonderful thing about this sport ... people are in it for all different reasons – some want the competition, some want nature, some want to be on the water ... it can be a very spiritual experience on self-propelled water craft. You feel the life of the water, the currents ... and become one with that."

Meurillo was race scanner because of an injury but will be back on the water once he heals.

Sound Rowers Open Water Rowing and Paddling Club, a non-profit organization that promotes races in the Puget Sound area, is the sponsor. La Conner is the traditional season opener the first Saturday in February for the 14-race season.

Kevin Olney, race director, paddled a double-surf ski boat designed for ocean conditions.

"We have paddlers from age 6 to 60 or 82," Olney said. "Under 18, a lot of younger paddlers and rowers need to be capable of self-rescue – as long as they fulfill [these requirements] we are happy to have them."

Safety boats were on hand along the course – two from Skagit Search & Rescue, two from the Skagit County Sheriff's office and two civilian boats.

Participants included men, women, Olympians and elders. Non-members are encouraged to participate. Be advised you need to be in good condition and know self-rescue. PFDs – life jackets – and whistles are required. Maybe you'll be in the race next year!