The Nahant Bay surfski competition, located just north of Boston, recently concluded with a thrilling race featuring a small yet robust field of 10 competitors, including eight single surfskis and sea kayaks, and one double surfski.
The challenging 9.5-mile course involved two extensive stretches of open water. Paddlers began the first open water leg, approximately 3 miles long, from Swampscott Harbor and made their way south to the eastern tip of Nahant, known as East Point. Rounding East Point, competitors were faced with a headwind and refractory waves during the push to the Red “Shag Rocks” Buoy turning mark, located about half a mile beyond East Point. Matt Drayer, taking advantage of his local knowledge and late-season fitness, surged ahead of the pack on the initial leg and was first to the turn, rounding the mark counterclockwise to commence the second open water leg.
The second leg for the 2023 race featured the showcase 4-mile open water crossing of Nahant Bay,. Bearing North-Northeast, paddlers passed Egg Rock on the ocean side and aimed for Off Rock located just off the Swampscott coast. With a rolling swell coming in from the Atlantic, and quartering wind/waves from the West, boat control was difficult and paddlers struggled on their way to regaining the land at Off Rock.
Rounding Off Rock counterclockwise, our intrepid paddlers embarked on the third and final leg of the course, a 1.5-mile stretch which followed the Swampscott coast back to the finish line at Fisherman’s Beach. The final leg was made extra difficult due to the opposing West-Northwest wind which intensified as the racers headed toward the beach. This year, the race was won by Matt Drayer, who completed the course in 1 hour, 25 minutes, and 7 seconds. Second and third place were awarded to Jerry Madore and Andy Knight, who both worked hard to secure their positions. The course’s challenging ocean conditions tested the endurance and skill of all participants. The rough waters at East Point, the long stretches of open water, and the strengthening wind required competitors to maintain a high level of focus and physical stamina throughout the race.
The annual Nahant Bay Race has been a fixture of the New England ocean racing community for over a decade. It is a true test of paddling prowess, and this year’s event was no exception. With challenging open water legs, rough waters at key points, and a field of determined competitors, it was an exciting and memorable race. Congratulations to Matt Drayer, Jerry Madore, and Andy Knight on their podium finishes, and kudos to all the participants for their efforts in this demanding competition.
Single Kayak
1st place: Matt Drayer, 1:25:07
2nd place: Jerry Madore, 1:35:02
3rd place: Andy Knight, 1:39:48
4th place: Jim Tomes, 1:42:29
5th place: Jim Patriquin, 1:51:14
6th Place: Phil Hall, 1:52:16
7th place: Chris Sousa, 1:52:49
DNF: Adam Nolde
Double Kayak
1st Place: Bill Kuklinski/Tim Shields