Why was KiwiBird Faster?

Most ask me cautiously, and with some sensitivity and diplomacy. KiwiBird and I only live about 15 miles apart, and often paddle together or see each other paddling on the lake. It's not unrealistic to expect a certain competitiveness between us, though I don't believe that to be true. Even my Mom asked "How come KiwiBird was so much faster than you?"

I've got lots of great excuses :)

• "I never said I was racing, in fact, I said I was not racing".


• "I was on vacation and wanted to spend as much time as possible on the water, not in a motel in Key Largo".


• "I like paddling with others, a racer has to paddle solo".


• "Her Sisson kayak with double blade is faster than my Kruger canoe with single blade".

All are true. In WaterTribe it is enough of an accomplishment to just finish an Everglades Challenge. Most years as many as 30% drop out within the 1st day or two, this past year was no different. Many do not race it.

Regardless, there is no denying that she is quite simply a faster paddler than I. It's not that I'm so slow, I'm just not as fast.

Now KiwiBird and I are making plans to team up to "race" the new 2009 Yukon 1000 canoe and kayak race. We've both agreed this will be a "race" and we will plan and train accordingly. We'll make a formidable team, both bringing great experiences and skills to the table.

I'll be the one working on speed :)