by Ed Anderson
(Editor’s note: Ed Anderson has been addicted to kayaking since being introduced by Tsunami Ranger Michael Powers in 2004. In addition to working in executive protection, he is an avid kayak surfer, professional guide and instructor, and barbecue devotee.)
Reef Madness is an open ocean celebration of sea kayaking. Like its predecessor the Tsunami Rangers’ Sea Gypsy Race, it draws paddlers from far and wide not for the opportunities for self-induced destruction – of which there are many both on and off the water – but for the bonding with kindred spirits. New adventures are shared, old tales are exaggerated, new friends are made, old comrades reunite, and the food, drink, and music flow freely. This year was poignant as Tsunami Rangers Commander and co-founder Eric Soares passed away in February. While this was the first time he was absent, his spirit soared over the day.
Multi-colored flags billowed proudly against a bright blue sky as paddlers gathered at Miramar Beach. Over two dozen brave souls – half a dozen first timers mixed with combat-hardened veterans – gathered while friends, family, and passers-by attracted to the circus-like atmosphere looked on. The orientation talk laid out the course (get to Ross’s Cove and back by whatever route the paddler may choose) and the safety guidelines (it is a potentially very dangerous course that nobody is encouraged to do; everyone is solely responsible for his or her own safety, and the primary objective is to attend the party, which cannot be done if one is dead or maimed). Tsunami Ranger Dave Whalen took roll call to account for all paddlers, the racers took their mark, Dave blew the start horn, and the chaos commenced!
Paddlers scrambled to the surf, where a handful of those first on the water capsized and were thrown back into their launching comrades. Not to be outdone, those following took advantage of the impact zone to practice self-rescue maneuvers and play bumper boats. Unlike previous years, which have seen broken boats and bodies, all paddlers cleared the beach and set out on their personal adventures. Somewhere above Eric was no doubt smiling.
Everyone had the same mid-point destination, and true to the Reef Madness ethos, the routes to Ross’s Cover varied. Some chose to chance The Slot, a notoriously temperamental short-cut through Pillar Point reef, which was unusually accommodating on this day. Others chose to go on the outside of the reef past Maverick’s bowl, a longer route which offered a lucky few the opportunity to see gray whales, dolphins, and sea lions. Ross’s Cove proved as benign as The Slot and –again in a departure from previous years – no boats were lost approaching or exiting the beach. The steadily increasing winds provided a push to returning paddlers aiming (for the most part) for the flags at Miramar.
For some paddlers, placing was the greatest challenge. Local boy Kenny Howell practically flew across the water in his Epic surf ski to come in first with a time of 0:50:25. Close behind on his Allwave surf ski was Tsunami Ranger and first place winner of the last Sea Gypsy, Don Kiesling, with a time of 0:51:12. In third place overall, and first among kayakers, was paddler extraordinaire Anders Landin, clocking in at 1:04:11.
For other paddlers, finishing was the ultimate objective. Mother Ocean may have decided to remind them not to mistake kindness for weakness, and treated spectators to some grand finishes. Anne Demma was tossed in the surf just outside the finish line, and held in a rip current determined to make her swim off the last of her energy. While fellow paddlers stood close by and yelled encouragement, true to the code, she was left untouched to regain control of herself and her boat. Despite a pounding swim though the spin cycle, Anne reached the shore and marched her boat proudly across the finish line.
One group of paddlers comprised largely of first-timers decided to go the extra mile – literally. With the oversight of accomplished paddler and bon vivant Dennis “Woody” Holton, first-timers Ellen Dressman, Jackie Mendiola, and Liz Hymans all rose to the day’s challenge. Joined along the course by fellow first-timer Allan Marshall, this group gamely shot The Slot and safely made the turn-around at Ross’s Cove. They chose to remain far to sea on the return and enjoyed strong following winds – until they realized they had overshot Miramar Beach by quite some distance and would now have the pleasure of paddling into strong headwinds twice. The five persevered through relentless winds as fellow paddlers, some of whom were about to launch a search party, looked on in surprise at the group approaching from the wrong direction. Jackie apparently had energy to spare at the end, choosing to push her boat through the sand at the finish line. Ellen and Dennis looked tired but happy as they crossed with smiles on their faces. Just a few feet from shore, Allan demonstrated a capsize and wet exit for the appreciative crowd, while Liz landed just south of Allan and demonstrated that it is easier to paddle a boat on water than drag it on land. These two lumbered, pulled, and cajoled their boats in a dead heat across the line to successfully complete their first ever Reef Madness! With that Dave Whalen confirmed that all of the paddlers were now accounted for, and attention could turn to the party.
And what a party! Tsunami Ranger John Lull and the South City Blues Band were as tight as a boa constrictor. Perhaps because the party was in tribute to Eric, perhaps because it was such a beautiful day, or perhaps just because they are a kick-ass band, they were laying it down heavy and had the motley crew moving. There was, as usual, an over-abundance of food and drink. Naturally, friends old and new swapped accounts of the day’s excitement. It was, in short, perfect.
Mid-way through the festivities, time was taken to acknowledge the paddlers and of course remember Eric. We were lucky enough to have some of Eric’s family with us. Hopefully they derived some comfort from seeing how much he was loved. Eric’s wife Nancy graciously brought down some of his personal possessions so that – for the first time ever – the prizes had some significance. Whether it was a beautiful hand-carved wooden flute for a tireless swimmer, expedition bags for those who went the extra mile, some amazing (and scary) knives for hardcore paddlers, a penis gourd for the proud first-place finisher, or one of the other extremely cool mementos, everyone would carry with them a bit of Eric.
As I took in the scene under a partially eclipsing sun, I thought Eric would be pretty damned pleased with himself. (He often was.) I was reminded of J.M. Barrie’s passage from Peter Pan,
“Peter was not with them for the moment, and they felt rather lonely up there by themselves. He could go so much faster than they that he would suddenly shoot out of sight, to have some adventure in which they had no share. He would come down laughing over something fearfully funny he had been saying to a star, but he had already forgotten what it was, or he would come up with mermaid scales still sticking to him, and yet not be able to say for certain what had been happening.”
None of this day’s events would have come to be without his vivid imagination and his unwavering insistence on living life on his own terms. Much thanks to everyone who made this year’s event such a success, and most especially to Eric.
Nancy Soares says
Thanks, Ed, for doing such a great write-up of the race! It was a wonderful day. I was so happy to see so many kayakers, and I love your Barrie quote; Eric always had something of Peter Pan about him. See you next year:)
Moulton Avery says
Love it! That’s what happened & a good time was had by all. I particularly liked the picture of ecstatic Kenny with his First Place Prize, but I gotta say that it was a bit confusing. It was my understanding that the gourd in question was supposed to be worn, but not around the neck. Oh, well, maybe he can bring it next year and put on a fashion show of sorts…
Jim Kakuk says
A very fitting tribute to Eric. Thanks Ed for the great write up to this years event and for stepping up and filling the MC shoes. To the 27 paddlers that took part in this, the 27th running, well done. And to the visitors, spectators, dancers and South City Blues band for the live music. Thanks so much everyone for making this a memorable event.
Micaila says
I thoroughly enjoyed reading!
Kayak Guy says
Congratulations for making another year! Kudos to all who made the event successful! Or how you’ve said it – “Perfect!” I hope that this would get bigger and better each year.
Nancy Soares says
Hey Kayak Guy, thanks for commenting! I too hope the race continues as strong as it has. Last year there were 13 boats including 3 doubles, but this year we had twice as many racers. It’s actually kind of hard to believe that this event has been going on in one form or another for 27 years. It is a difficult and daunting course, and even on the “easiest” of days it can be challenging because of the surf zones. But that’s what makes it so cool. You have to have a variety of skills in order to get through. But no one’s died yet! Spread the word!
Alan Marshall says
It was my first year and a really good time – even though I tied for last place!
Nancy Soares says
Good on ya, Alan! Congratulations on completing your first Reef Madness. Remember the important thing in this race for most of us is not how you place, but whether you make it back in one piece! Thanks for joining us. We hope to see you again next year:)