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King of the Cape Challenge, Winner

Jarad Kohlar / 28.09.2006

Standing on Smith Beach next to my Roberg Express kayak, my paddle in one hand and a red flare duck taped to my right leg. I was looking out to a 5 meter plus swell and a wind which was blowing 20-25knots. Dave the race organizer was giving the last safety briefing. “Stay away from the cliff line, if you capsize and you can not get back onto your ski engage your safety flare�. “Remember if you end up being rescued only you will be allowed aboard the safety boat your craft will be left behind�. Shit!!! I was using a borrowed boat (thanks again Dean Gardner http://www.oceanpaddler.com) which I was not allowed to damage other wise I had to cover the costs. I was a little nervous!

I made my way out through the treacherous surf and finally all the crazy paddlers formed one straight starting line about 1 km off shore and the race was under way. There were some monster swells rolling through and with a good 20 knot tail wind it made for some very tricky paddling conditions. After a while I found a rhythm and managed to negotiate the deadly Sugerloaf Rock and Gull Rock before finally turning Cape Naturaliste and into more sheltered water. 25km later I arrived back into Dunn Day where the finish line was located. In the end I finished the King of the Cape Ocean Marathon paddle in just under 2hours and 50minutes. I still find it unbelievable that Dean Gardner managed to finish in a time just over 2hours and 15minutes. The man is a freak with some great surf paddling skills.

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