We kicked off the GB Ocean Racing season with a classic race in North Devon. The Icon Classic was to be the first of three selection races for the GB Surfski Team which will compete at World Champs in Portugal in July. It attracted a record entry and a good few international paddlers. This race was breaking all records with a great line up of 7 ladies in the Open Women category – c’mon lets keep it up!!

The weekend forecast was looking good, mild breeze and warm. It sure was warmer than it has been and it was great to be out racing in summer weather. We headed out into a slight headwind to Mort Point – which was very kind to us and it was great fun punching through the run. Then turning to head along the coast, with the breeze coming slightly over our shoulder it was a very technical race and not much help until near the end, where we got some great runs. The route from Woolacombe to Combe Martin is STUNNING, such a beautiful coastline to race along.

I got off to an “OK” start and was in a good bunch heading out to Mort Point, from there Angie Mouden (France) went a bit wide and I stayed in a bit closer – still not sure which was better, don’t think there was much in it. As we came in to bay at Combe Martin there were some great runners and rebounds off the cliffs, I was so busy watching Angie and trying to close the gap a rebounding wave caught me off guard and before I knew it I was swimming. Lesson learnt – don’t worry about what other paddlers are doing and just focus on your own race! Angie had a great race and took the win, Well Done – it is great racing along side you 🙂

Benoit Le Roux (France) also had a great race and took the overall win with Glenn Eldridge (GB) in second and Mark Ressel (GB) in 3rd.

Open Men

1st – Benoit Le roux  1.17.30 (France)

2nd – Glenn Eldridge  1.17.50 (GB)

3rd – Mark Ressel       1.17.54 (GB)

4th – Jordan Roberts  1.20.27 (GB)