The Greatest Show on Earth

[knu2xs]

Just a heads up...the self proclaimed greatest sporting show on earth, The Green Race, is quickly approaching. It takes place the first Saturday in November with the first boat leaving the start eddy at high noon. This year it falls on 03 Nov.

Already 157 racers are registered, including at least three Olympians from London including one who made it to the podium. The Green Race never disappoints and this year has strong potential to be the most spectacular yet. As if the race itself were not enough, this year a great post race party is planned in Saluda complete with shuttles to and from Fishtop (takeout) for those not planning on being in driving condition, along with rumors of some pretty spectacular after parties being planned as well.

Every year I paddle in to spectate and help with safety if needed. Typically I paddle in with a friend all the way from the dam, running the upper Green as well as the Narrrows on my way in. If you would like more beta, please feel free to message me. I can provide directions and a map for the hike and even an alternative route my wife typically takes to avoid most of the heavy trail traffic and heinous parking. Also, if you have the skills, please feel free to come along on the paddle in. Cowper, I am talking to you.

[knu2xs]

Since nobody is going to make the hike out here for the Greatest Show on Earth, or at least nobody is telling me if they are......and knowing you all like paddle porn as much, possibly even more, than the next guy...here is some beta for all you paddle voyers out there.

Pilot Collective Media, Sam Fulbright's company, is again offering free full coverage of the Green Race. He just announced the launch of the 2012 Green Race Page where all the action will be posted. If you can't wait for this year's action, or just want to see the action for the fun of it, Sam has made all of last year's footage available.

Have fun!

[RandyJ]

Good info, Joel. Thanks!

[knu2xs]

The race was pretty awesome this year. Mike Dawson took the cake with a record setting 4:10, a time not likely to be touched for a while. Mike came fresh off training and competing in London to compete here. This is combined with a little extra water. The Green was running around 120%, 12" for those of you who know the gauge. Although it did not change the lines much, it definitely made Go Left and Gorilla a little crunchier. With over 200 starts including eight open boats (more open boats than C1's this year), a record over 100 longboats and no less than three Olympians from the Czech Republic and New Zeland...it was quite an impressive day.

Yesterday morning Sam of Pilot Collective got the highlights reel uploaded to YouTube. Watch for Tad Dennis launching a sweet boof in a C1 off gorilla...BACKWARDS. Also, check out Issac Levinson and Pat Keller completely submarining a Topo Duo coming through the Notch, still lining it up and greasing the Monkey. Also, watch for Pat Keller greasing the Monkey backwards. In his short boat Pat not only paddled Gorilla backwards, he paddled the entire race backwards. Not to be outdone, Dane Jackson did the same thing three boats later.

Next weekend is Tallulah. I love November.