It's 4 degrees, the sun is out, the conditions are perfect, it's dream weather. After the final checks, I attend the briefing and then it's launch time. I join the starting line, get myself into position and then on my right I see competitors starting to set off. This wave of competitors all heading off at once is an impressive sight but I'm taken a little by surprise because there was no starting signal. I jump on the bandwagon and it's the start of 15 km. I set myself the goal of finishing in two hours.
In the choppy waters of the starting line, I see competitors falling in, I don't want to test the temperature of the lake this morning. So I concentrate, I'm comfortable on this board because it is very stable. I sneak my way through, overtaking competitors and getting into my rhythm. I pass one buoy after the other and position myself behind a competitor. This board glides well, its stability makes it comfortable and I just have to concentrate on getting my strokes in. I look up and take in the scenery: how lucky am I to be able to paddle in such a magnificent setting? The finish line is getting closer. People are cheering us on; I catch up with a friend and we finish the race in 2 hours: mission accomplished. Everyone has a smile on their face and all of the competitors are pleased to have completed their challenge.
I am really glad that I was able to take part in this event. I would like to thank Itiwit for lending me the equipment and I will continue my SUP adventures: next stop the Dordogne Intégrale!
