Narrow River Race II 2022 Summary

Unfortunately, our usual correspondent was unable to attend the Narrow River Race II. Race director Tim Dwyer was kind enough to submit a report of his own…

The Fall edition of the 8 mile Narrow River Race in South Kingston, RI had some notable similarities and differences vs the Spring edition.

Similarities were the flat and safe conditions on a river that narrows and winds, goes under bridges, and is rather interesting with its combination of shallow and deep water and difficult to predict currents. But, most notably, Mike Florio once again completely dominated the field by a wide margin.

By his own accounts, these are his waters, and he’s ready to take on all comers next spring. Mike has mastered his Epic V14 on flat water but, ever the provocateur, I tell him that flat water races really don’t matter because surfskis are made for the ocean.

I’m telling this to a guy who was already home ready to take his son to practice before I even finished the race.

Yet to further my goading, I tell him that his margin of victory will not be what it is in a flat water race on the mighty and often humbling ocean.

Mike is a well loved and legendary PE teacher in my school district and he transitions to full-time lifeguarding duty at the famed Narragansett beach. So that means summer racing is out. That leaves Spring and Fall races, so I will dare him even double dog dare him to come see what he can do on the big waters next season.

SurfskiRacing.com and New England Surfski points series winner Rob Jehn might like to settle the score in a race in the harbor or the ocean. A consistent top finisher in races anywhere in the Northeast, Rob has shown great consistency in any type of paddling conditions and he would likely be the man to beat.

The April Narrow River race brought the promise of Spring and lots of paddlers eager to start the race season and the Fall version brought peak foliage colors reflecting on the water, mild water temperatures, and a mellower vibe.

Second place went to Joel Pekosz, who came down from Western MA and third went to yours truly. Bruce Deltorchio had a great showing and was never far behind me. Jim Tomes had recently completed the 31 mile Chattajack and looked great in his sea kayak. Leslie Chappell was the first female, powering along in the blustery fast moving currents. Chris Chappell shot off at the start in his usual explosive style and I wouldn’t have been surprised if he took off into the distance in his Halloween orange Mohican as he frequently has done. However, the aftereffects of long Covid put an end to that this run. If Chris continues to recover as he is doing, he will be back.

We had participation with outrigger and SUP, which I expect to include more of going forward.

Much of the gang traveled to the Oak Hill Tavern for brews and there was much talk about what it would take to revive the beloved Lighthouse to Lighthouse (L2L).

But what was missing? Greg Lesher and Mary Beth Gangloff, of course. Who can remember the last time they missed a race? Greg arguably is a combination of the most consistent and successful paddler over a period of time in New England, and possibly the Northeast.

But enough of those niceties. Greg has skewered many of us mercilessly in his prolific, comedic and slightly deranged stories. I think he coined me the dancing race director once.
So fellow paddlers and countrymen! I call on you to rise up and take your shot at Greg in the comment section below!

Tim Dwyer

Thanks for the summary, Tim! Here are the full results:

You can find more detailed race results at SurfskiAmerica.