Page 66 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch June 7, 2013 SUP Racing And The Downwind Leg BERLIN – Well, paddlers, the Fager’s Surf Swap Race has come and gone and, if a participant or spectator, you witnessed some fairly heavy conditions for Ocean City. The race was held in strong southerly winds gusting to 25 plus knots; conditions that leave many paddlers on shore. As you might imagine, the upwind leg was an endurance test, pushing the strength and balance of the paddlers to their limits. After the upwind came the real test of skill and the beginning of the fun – surfing the board down the swells created by the wind. In the bay, paddlers can ride 50 yards on waves created by our frequent winds (seemingly never-ending winds this spring). So the next time winds hit the 20 knot mark, consider a downwind run in the bay. Drop a car at the end of your downwind course, wear a leash, carry hydration and always, always go with a friend. So, how do we paddle downwind? Most of you are familiar with skiing, and SUPing downwind is the same concept. You are going downhill through a mogul field made of waves. Just as in skiing, you want to keep the nose of your board pointing down the hill and avoid hitting the back of the waves (moguls/bumps) in front of you. When the nose of your board drops, you paddle; you will feel the glide as you drop your foot back to a surf stance. Milk that wave as long as you can, angling left or right to avoid hitting the back of the wave in front of you. There is a lot of water moving with you and you are looking for the opening where the nose of your board slightly drops and you pump into your next glide. Waves, as they move separately, form intersections, low points that allow you to slip through and begin the next slide. What, you’re in the water? Two things. First thing, that’s why you’re wearing a leash (coiled is better). Getting separated from your board is a no-no. Second, stop looking down at the nose of your board even though I just told you to. It’s more of a glance; you need to look up for the horizon to help maintain balance. Now, regain your composure, laugh, thank your friend for waiting, head the nose downwind and keep paddling. It’s going to take you some time to develop the skill to tackle heavy winds. Start out looking for those downwinders in the 15-20 mph range. It is a wonderful part of the sport of SUPing that takes windy, rainy, lousy beach days and turns them into exciting adventures. Sandy Deeley is pictured looking for the glide at Ka’iwi Channel. Submitted Photo Salisbury 701 East Naylor Mill Road 410-677-0350 Ocean City’s back bays, St. Martin’s River, the Assawoman Bay and Isle of Wight Bay offers SUPers several runs of 10 miles with great access for putting in and getting out. Regarding the Fager’s race, there were a lot of paddlers who were on the starting line for their very first race, facing conditions that they had never paddled in before. They were also on the starting line with a handful of competitors who paddle every day of the year and compete in dozens of events all over the United States. Whether you placed or didn’t hit the finish line, you did yourself proud. Just stepping up to the start puts you in a class by yourself. Good on ya! – Sandy Deeley Special To The Dispatch (More information on Walk On Water and all it has to offer can be found at www.walkonwatersupco.com.) Wicomico & Baltimore Ave. Downtown Ocean City 410-289-POUR(7687) Happy Hour Monday - Friday 3-7 p.m. Wednesday All Day & Night $2.50 Dom. Pints $2.75 Dom. Bottles $3.25 Rail Drinks $3.25 House Wine $5.00 Wings $6.95 1/2 # Steamed Shrimp WEEKLY LINE UP Wingsdays Happy Hour All Day & Night With $5 Wings Acoustic Act: Home-Made Hooch 5 p.m. Thirsty Thursday DJ Skip Dixxon 9 p.m. $2 OFF All Craft Beer & $2 Dom. Drafts Friday DJ Moonshine 9 p.m. Saturday GROOVE JOOSE 9 P.M. Sunday Maryland Trivia 7 p.m. With Happy Hour Prices DJ Styler 10 p.m. All The Time! $2 NATTY BOH PINTS $5 CRAFT FLIGHTS $6 ORANGE CRUSHES Open Daily • 11 a.m.