The rhythmic splash of paddles and oars echoed across the Swinomish Channel as racers pushed through the cold, determined to claim victory. With temperatures hovering around 40 degrees and a brisk southern wind kicking up waves, the Sound Rowers La Conner Race put competitors to the test Feb. 1.
Race Director Kevin Olney said in an email to La Conner Community News that the weather Saturday morning had folks a bit nervous before the race.
Sixty-six racers in various human-powered watercraft launched beneath the Rainbow Bridge, navigating either a seven-mile long course or a shorter 2.5-mile route. Despite early concerns about wind and snow, conditions remained manageable, with only one paddler capsizing—quickly executing a self-rescue with no assistance needed from the safety crews.
Josh Proctor and Rob Foreman took the long-course title in the Open Water 2x Rowing Shell category. Wilson Reavley claimed the overall men’s victory in a high-performance kayak, while Ana Swetish finished as the top female competitor in the same class. Peter Hirtle and Dana Manalang secured the overall mixed win in an Open Water 2x Rowing Shell. Lindsey Virdeh earned the Perseverance Award for her effort on a stand-up paddleboard.
Competitors battled challenging currents that pushed them north of the channel, some drifting into shallow water over the mudflats. A mile-long stretch beyond Goat Island presented the biggest challenge, with waves reaching 1.5 feet.
After the race, the atmosphere shifted from competition to camaraderie as racers gathered around a warm fire at Pioneer Park, sharing hot soup and stories from the offseason.
Sound Rowers is a nonprofit organization that hosts races for human-powered watercraft. The races are low key but highly competitive.
Race organizers extended their gratitude to Skagit Bay Search & Rescue and the Skagit County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol for providing on-water safety support.
For a full list of race results, visit Pacific MultiSports.
