Team Kayak Lake Mead - Everglades Challenge 2021

 

Moonrise Over the Plovers, 0430 hrs March 8, 2021, 25.63 deg N, 81.32 deg W.

This is the EC 2021 story of IronBob and TheJuice aka Robert and Druce Finlay, father and son. We've completed twelve Everglades Challenges. If you browse the record book, you'll find only eleven finishes. This is because there was a dark year, everyone that year is listed as DNF. But, everyone wasn't DNF. Here is the story of that year. 

This year we finished with our second best time at 72 hours 38 minutes. It was our fastest time to CP3 at Flamingo. Yet, it was our second slowest time on the last leg across Florida Bay to the Finish. Our fastest year was 2018. That story is here. Every year is a good memory. In 2006, Druce and I found a WWII anti-ship mine near Highland Point. I jumped on it a few times. I'm not too smart. Druce stood on it for a photo op, sans clothes. Every year is a good memory. 

This year our preparation was detailed and thorough. Our training was hard. Our psych was over the top. We hit every tide just right. We handled the wind perfectly. Our food was fuel and enjoyable to eat. Our sleeping plan was solid, our stops smart. Everything went according to plan. There was never a hard moment on the course. The miles were never easier. 

On Friday during setup, we opted for Plan B, deciding to start at Anna Maria Bridge the next day. Three times in the past five years, the starts on Saturday have been compromised by Small Craft Advisories, thus putting the race off to the next day or for a couple or so hours. That would be 2017, 2018, and 2020. We opted for Plan B simply because, we, as co-captains of our boat, want to be able to decide to launch based on our own assessment of conditions and our abilities. 

We don't mind crossings in big conditions. That's what we call sea kayaking. During one crossing of Tampa Bay, I commented to Druce, "sea kayaking is kind of boring, unless there is at least a hint of a capsize". We were rolling up and down over 4' rollers coming onto our port beam. At the time I made that comment, I wasn't aware that there were in fact, capsizes going on all over the place. You are Master of your boat, know how to self-rescue in all conditions. In 2013, we capsized in the shoals approaching Big Marco. We were coming in from the sea, being about five miles out, with winds 50 plus, the tide ebbing, the breakers were about 9'. Practice, practice, then practice some more. We train. We train seriously; distance, speed, and capsize drills. 

Here's a thought on Plan B. Starting south of Tampa Bay, one should add as many miles to their course as they are south of the Ft. De Soto beach. In our case this year, starting at Anna Maria bridge as we did, we should have added 9 miles to our course.  For those starting at Cape Haze, they should add 60 miles, for instance let's say, they could do a lap around Pine Island. It's just a thought. Ninety minutes is our usual time to Anna Maria bridge, add that to our final time for this year if you want. 

Our story for this year is in a video. Just click the link below. Enjoy!

Everglades Challenge 2021 IronBob and TheJuice

This was a good year! Results here; http://www.watertribe.com/Events/ChallengeResults.aspx. Look up Everglades Challenge 2021. Next year will be even better! See you on the beach!