Tag: women paddlers

Gorge Downwind Championships: Highest Female Race Participation on the Globe

Priscilla McKenney

On race day this year, westerly winds howled up to 30-35 mph, churning up frothy waves on the Columbia River Gorge. Perfect conditions for the 2018 Gorge Downwind Championships, a 13 mile paddle race, attracting over 750 racers, including top notch elite athletes from around the world. A ride, it was, flying eastward along fast moving wind waves from Home Valley to Hood River. As I surfed my outrigger canoe, I scanned ahead for the next set of waves to drop into for the next ride while I kept my…

California 100 – Going the Ultradistance

Priscilla McKenney

Below is an article I wrote, published in Sea Kayaker Magazine in October 2013. This 100 mile paddle race,  will be hosted again in 2019 under a new name, the California River Quest. For me, the past five years have been a huge learning curve in training for paddle endurance races. The keys to improvement and progress are to be consistent, set goals and keep it fun. Introduction The California 100, California’s first paddle sport ultramarathon, is a 100-mile paddling race on the Sacramento River from Redding to a takeout…

Out of the Boat- Rest and Recovery

Priscilla McKenney

Out of the boat today. Tired. Recovery day. Normally, Thursday mornings, I am on the water by 7am and paddle to the Golden Gate Bridge and often beyond to Point Diablo before I begin my workday. I love starting my day on the water, quiet, feeling the water, my focus on form, not speed and being among the sea birds, porpoise and harbor seals. Often sola. Last Thursday, just before arriving at Point Bonita, my buddy, James, and I saw a gray whale sloshing along while we rode up and…