By Vladimir Brezina
Summer’s here—it’s high time to make our summer paddling plans!
And, as in the last four years, those plans absolutely have to include the Blackburn Challenge—our favorite open-water boat race. It’s 20 miles around Cape Ann, Massachusetts. All manner of human-powered boats take part—canoes, rowboats, dories, kayaks, surfskis, outrigger canoes, dragon boats, stand-up paddle boards—making for a fun day out on the water and afterward on the beach.
Last year, we raced in the Blackburn Challenge, then spent another two days paddling leisurely around Cape Ann.
In eager anticipation of this year’s trip, we’ve been looking over the photos from last year…
Our tracks and the locations of the photos:
(click on any photo to start slideshow)
Every year that we’ve paddled in the Blackburn Challenge, Johna has won a medal—either second or third in her class. I don’t have a good celebratory photo from last year, but here is one from 2012:
This year, I think she’s aiming to win…
The Blackburn Challenge: this year on July 19th!