Sunshine, smooth water, and a very light breeze greeted boaters as they gathered at Brady’s Oysters on Sunday, July 26. It was a perfect morning for the 20th running of the Elk River Challenge human-powered boat race.
A variety of 30 boats, including rowing shells, wherries, sea kayaks, surfskis, outrigger canoes, a pedal boat and a poke boat, took positions on the starting line at the Elk River Bridge. Both courses, the 2.5-mile Little Elk race and the 7-mile traditional course, started together over the river estuary, with the short course competitors making the turn-around sooner.
Elk River Challenge results
Peter Hirtle of Seattle, navigated the 7-mile race in 57 minutes 49 seconds in his rowing shell, earning him the first place overall Elk River Challenge trophy.
Local finishers in the 7-mile course
• Outrigger Canoe (6)
1:04:49 - Jeff Wong (Aberdeen), Jeff Coburn, Mara Harwood (Bay City), Mark Fuhrmeister, Vern Heikkila (Westport), Janet Heikkila (Westport)
• Wherry
1:12:03 - Bob Rhoades (Ocean Shores)
• Outrigger Canoe
1:15:01 - Casey Harwood (Bay City)
1:15:02 - John Harwood (Bay City)
• Sea Kayak
1:19:46 - Bruce Kuhnau (Aberdeen)
1:34:38 - Steve Swanson (Aberdeen)
Little Elk results
• Chris May of Seattle paddled his Fast Sea Kayak around the short course in 37 minutes 25 seconds, winning the Little Elk trophy.
Local finishers in the 2.5-mile course
• Men Sea Kayak
43:31 - Rod Lake (Aberdeen)
56:06 - Craig Zora (Cosmopolis)
• Women Sea Kayak
56:46 - Tedra Lake (Aberdeen)
• Double Sea Kayak
47:47 - Tim McDonald, Alisa Kharist (Westport)
• Wherry
53:38 - Brady Engvall (Westport)
• Poke Boat
1:06:29 - Trin Sackman (Ocean Shores)
After the race, participants enjoyed refreshments, including smoked oysters and tuna, along with clam chowder.
A drawing for fresh crab and other seafood, and the presentation of trophies and ribbons completed the event.
Members of Sound Rowers, Westport residents Vern and Janet Heikkila have volunteered to organize the Elk River Challenge since its inception.
